By creating this page, I hope my students learn to practice efficiently.
Happy Practicing!
-Marnie
Troubleshooting like this is something I work through with every student, whether we’re together in person or meeting online.
Common Violin Problems & Quick Fixes
Below are some frequent issues and solutions that come up for students learning to play the violin.
Hard to Memorize Music
- Listen daily. Listen to recordings of your piece to internalize notes, rhythms, and dynamics.
- Practice daily. Playing your pieces every day reinforces memory.
- Play slowly. Focus on each note carefully. Slow practice trains your brain better than rushing!
- Step back gradually. Keep sheet music on the stand at first, then move slightly farther away with each playthrough. Build confidence step by step.
Squeaky Tone
- Keep the bow straight: Parallel to the bridge.
- Use enough rosin: Rosin creates friction with the strings.
- Bow hair flat: Keep all hairs on the string; don’t tilt (i.e. the wood of the bow is directly above the hair so all hairs are on the string).
- Check bow contact: Maintain consistent contact between bow hair and strings.
- Adjust bow weight & speed: Too much weight or fast bowing can cause squeaks; play slowly and experiment to find the sweet spot.
Scratchy Tone
- Play between the bridge and fingerboard.
- Use arm weight; don’t press the bow into the strings.
Unclear Tone on High Notes
- Play closer to the bridge for high notes.
- Use plenty of bow for a smooth sound.
Bow Bounces
- Keep elbow relaxed.
- Avoid raising the right shoulder.
- Keep pinky curved on bow.
- Hold bow loosely.
Pitch Too High or Low
- High: Move the finger slightly toward the scroll.
- Low: Move the finger slightly toward the bridge.
Bow Slides Around
- Keep the violin parallel to the floor.
- Use enough rosin to create proper friction.
- Bow straight and parallel to the bridge.
- Fingers connected to the bow: Make sure there are no gaps.
- Check bow hair condition: If the hair is too worn, a rehair will fix the problem.
Can’t Play Fast
- Use minimal finger weight in the left hand.
- Practice in short bursts for tricky spots.
- Bow-hand flexibility: Let your fingers straighten on the down bow and curve on the up bow.
- Watch this video by Lynn Kuo to relax the left thumb.
Some Notes “Sing,” Others Don’t
- Use vibrato on every note; this avoids breaking up the phrase.
- Use enough bow.
Hitting Two Strings at Once
- Keep your right elbow level with the strings.
Scratchy Tone Off the String
- Hold the bow loose
- Tilt hair slightly away from you.
- Move the bow horizontally, not vertically.
- Avoid bouncing the bow too high.
Low Practice Efficiency on Tricky Intonation
- Practice tricky spots in short, slow bursts, focusing on small sections to stay alert, hear every note clearly, and improve accuracy.
Ready to Get Started?
I teach in person in Falcon Heights, North Oaks, and Mounds View. I’ve taught online since 2014.
Contact me to schedule a free intro.