Old-Time Fiddle Style (Book/Online Audio)

This book presents transcriptions with detailed bowings in tandem with three recorded festival versions (played very slowly, at a modest tempo and up-to-tempo) of 35 Appalachian Fiddle tunes. A clearly written description of old-time style focuses on developing a rhythmic bow by presenting default bowing systems (Nashville shuffle, 3-1 bowing, bow rocking, ghost bows) and other techniques and topics such as anticipations, left-hand ornamentation, drones, chording, dissonances, altered tunings, the concept of swing, tips on learning by ear and more. This book and accompanying online audio are designed to be accessible and appropriate for all levels of players.