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How to Play Gypsy Violin

Although the violin is most typically encountered in orchestras and classical music ensembles, many cultures have adopted the violin into their artistic heritage, creating diverse and unique music. Throughout Eastern Europe, the violin has been used for centuries as a symbol of the Gypsies. Their music is vibrant and passionate, ranging from slow, melancholy songs to frenzied pyrotechnics. The violin craftsmen at Gianna Violins describe Gypsy technique by saying, "They use all positions, sweeping chromatic runs, harmonics, pizzicato and other pyrotechnics." Classically trained violinists can begin to assimilate this style of playing quickly since it involves many similar techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Add energy and drama to your slides and shifts on the fingerboard by continually applying downward pressure as you change positions. Keep the speed of the change consistent and you will notice a heightened sense of excitement and passion in your shifts.

    • 2

      Use the pressure of the bow on the strings to highlight notes or passages you would like to emphasize. Although classical music rarely requires the "growling" sound produced by heavy downward pressure on the bow, it is used often in the Gypsy style of performance.

    • 3

      Slow the rate of vibrato in your left hand to create a melodic, lush tone. Gypsy music has flamenco origins, and the flamenco style of singing demands extremely expressive lyricism from the singers. A slow, wide vibrato will successfully mimic this sound.

    • 4

      Practice improvising on various chord progressions. Much of the Gypsy tradition involves memorization and improvisation. Very few songs were written down, and many musicians developed their own unique interpretations of melodic material through improvisation.

    • 5

      Use your left hand to pluck the strings when you are improvising to create punctuated accents. Gypsy music features quick mood and character changes, often emphasized through plucking.

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