Old Time Fiddle Style Book/MP3 set

Choose "Paypal" at checkout to pay with either credit card OR Paypal, or call Ken Kolodner for assistance 410-746-8387.

A Collection of 35 Traditional Appalachian Tunes with a detailed discussion of bowing and learning by ear. Each tune is fully notated with all bowings. MPs are available as downloads from a link in the book. All pieces are played slowly and simply (no chords), moderately and up to tempo.

A Collection of 35 Traditional Appalachian Tunes 

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. 

Date Published: 6/24/2010

NOTE: This book/MP3 set is a significantly expanded and revised version of the double CD that I released in 2009 (see the Old Time Fiddle Repertoire: Volume 1 page). The book comes with a code from which you may download MP3s which are playable in software such as itunes on your phone, tablet or on your computer. The older double CD version contains TWO CDs designed to play in any CD player.

This book presents transcriptions with detailed bowings in tandem with three recorded versions of 35 Appalachian fiddle tunes ranging from some very common and easy tunes (for more beginning players) but also quite a few less typically played tunes. All transcriptions are based on "festival" versions of the tunes, meaning the versions are those most commonly encountered at jams and festivals. The book includes a clearly written description of old-time style focusing on "default" bowing systems designed to develop rhythmic bowing. Ideas presented include Nashville shuffle, 3-1 bowing, bow rocking, ghost bows, anticipations, left-hand ornamentation, drones, chording, dissonances, altered tunings, the concept of swing, tips on learning by ear and more.

The tunes are played three times each for nearly 150 minutes of recording: (1.) very slowly and simply; (2.) at a modest tempo and but with double-stops, drones and other ornaments; and (3.) up-to-tempo. While this effort was designed for fiddlers, the recordings should serve as an excellent source for non-fiddlers at all levels who desire to build their repertoire and practice learning tunes by ear. The book and accompanying MP3 disc are appropriate for any level of player. The difficulty of the tunes ranges from simple to relatively complex. Similarly, the bowing techniques include the simplest ideas to relatively difficult. The three recorded speeds make the learning and processing of the tunes appropriate for all levels of players wishing to improve their ear training. 

Simple and highly accessible transcriptions with detailed bowings of 35 "festival" versions of Appalachian fiddle tunes

All tunes are recorded three times to accommodate players at all levels of experience

Includes comprehensive and practical discussion of old-time bowings and style and how to learn by ear

Strong focus on developing "default" bowings to get the characteristic groove of old-time. Designed for all levels of players and non-fiddlers who desire to improve their learning by ear and/or increase their repertoire