Nov 19, 2015 Learn proper violin finger positions, also known as violin finger placement, with this instructional video from expert teacher, Naomi S. If you're a beginner. The violin is a non-transposing instrument notated in treble clef. The variety of playing techniques used on stringed instruments means there are a number of features peculiar to violin notation. A free fingering chart for violin. Want to learn more about how to play the violin? Check out our tips and tricks for beginners to learn the best techniques for learning to play the violin, learn more about various sizes of violins, tips on caring for your violin, and other resources from Amro to help you make the most of your violin.
The violin is a non-transposing instrument notated in treble clef.
The variety of playing techniques used on stringed instruments means there are a number of features peculiar to violin notation.
Bowing notation (right hand)
As a rule many bowstrokes which come under staccato are not notated but played in the appropriate manner by the violinist. If the composer desires a particular kind of bowstroke he writes it into the score.
Melodic phrases which are to be played with a single stroke are linked by a phrasing slur. The change of bowing can occur on a single note.
Détaché / Detached
Non–legato technique, strokes alternately up and down without the bow being lifted from the string.
Non–legato technique, strokes alternately up and down without the bow being lifted from the string.
1. Détaché or detached is often written explicitly into the score.
2. Strong détaché is indicated by a dot above the note.
3. The strongest détaché consists solely of downstrokes. The bow is lifted from the string after every stroke.
2. Strong détaché is indicated by a dot above the note.
3. The strongest détaché consists solely of downstrokes. The bow is lifted from the string after every stroke.
Martelé
Hammered stroke (in Italian martellato = hammered).
Every stroke, whether up or down, is ended abruptly, the bow remaining on the string.
Hammered stroke (in Italian martellato = hammered).
Every stroke, whether up or down, is ended abruptly, the bow remaining on the string.
Sul tasto and sul ponticello
Because of the effect it has on timbre the place where the bow should make contact with the string is often written into the score. Sulla tastiera (or sul tasto, sur la touche meaning on the fingerboard, sul ponticello on the bridge.
Most playing techniques are possible both sul ponticello and sulla tastiera.
Col legno (with the wood, French: avec le bois)
Hitting or bowing the string with the wood of the bow. The first technique produces a hammer effect and is used for repeated figures. The latter sounds cracked, rough and dry and is of indeterminate pitch.
Hitting or bowing the string with the wood of the bow. The first technique produces a hammer effect and is used for repeated figures. The latter sounds cracked, rough and dry and is of indeterminate pitch.
Pizzicato
Plucked.
Changing from pizzicato to arco
The change from bowed (arco) to plucked (pizzicato) and back is always written in full. (The part is to played pizzicato until arco is written).
The change from bowed (arco) to plucked (pizzicato) and back is always written in full. (The part is to played pizzicato until arco is written).
“Bartók pizzicato” (“snap” pizzicato)
The string is lifted with two fingers of the right hand so that it snaps back onto the fingerboard when let go. This produces a very resounding sound which is used for percussive effects. Notation: a circle with a tail pointing either upward or downward above each note.
The string is lifted with two fingers of the right hand so that it snaps back onto the fingerboard when let go. This produces a very resounding sound which is used for percussive effects. Notation: a circle with a tail pointing either upward or downward above each note.
Measured bowed tremolo
The repetition of a note with no accent or rhythm by means of very fast up and downstrokes at the point. The impression given is of a “trembling” sound, which is used especially for dramatic effect and tonal intensification. Double stops can also be played tremolo. The bow tremolo is usually measured, i.e. the number of strokes corresponds exactly to the notated division of the whole note value which determines the length of the tremolo. This kind of tremolo must be played in absolute synchronization by all the violinists. Freely playable tremolo also exists.
Tremolos have been part of the strings’ standard repertoire of effects since the beginning of the 19th century.
Unmeasured bowed tremolo
Behind the bridge
The string is bowed between the bridge and the string tuner.
An X is written on the staff at the pitch levels corresponding to the open strings which are to be played. The pitch heard is indeterminate, the different strings produce various pitches.
The string is bowed between the bridge and the string tuner.
An X is written on the staff at the pitch levels corresponding to the open strings which are to be played. The pitch heard is indeterminate, the different strings produce various pitches.
Notation for fingering (left hand)
Natural harmonic
There are three types of notation:
There are three types of notation:
Pitch notation
A note with a small circle above it indicates where the string were to be fingered if the “normal” note were being played. It is in this way that the fingering is notated that corresponds to the actual harmonic sounded. It is left to the musician’s discretion which node he or she chooses. (Harmonics can be fingered at any one of their nodes.) The string is often indicated under the note too (e.g., sul G).
A note with a small circle above it indicates where the string were to be fingered if the “normal” note were being played. It is in this way that the fingering is notated that corresponds to the actual harmonic sounded. It is left to the musician’s discretion which node he or she chooses. (Harmonics can be fingered at any one of their nodes.) The string is often indicated under the note too (e.g., sul G).
Finger notation
One of the possible fingerings (vibration nodes) is represented by a note in the form of a diamond. The fingering given is always the one that is easiest to perform (i.e. is nearest the nut). The sounding pitch of the harmonic cannot be ascertained from this notation.
One of the possible fingerings (vibration nodes) is represented by a note in the form of a diamond. The fingering given is always the one that is easiest to perform (i.e. is nearest the nut). The sounding pitch of the harmonic cannot be ascertained from this notation.
Fingering and pitch
Some composers add the sounding pitch in brackets above the finger notation.
Some composers add the sounding pitch in brackets above the finger notation.
Artificial harmonics
The finger that firmly presses the string is notated as a pitch with the desired note value. The finger that lies lightly on the string – generally a fourth above the stopping finger – is notated as an empty, “white” diamond, that is, they always look like whole notes, regardless of the real note value.
The finger that firmly presses the string is notated as a pitch with the desired note value. The finger that lies lightly on the string – generally a fourth above the stopping finger – is notated as an empty, “white” diamond, that is, they always look like whole notes, regardless of the real note value.
Violin Note Names Chart
Portamento
An audible slide of the finger along the string with accompanying change of position. The effect is of two notes being joined together in a suggestion of a glissando.
An audible slide of the finger along the string with accompanying change of position. The effect is of two notes being joined together in a suggestion of a glissando.
Con sordino
Con sordino (with mute) calls for the use of the mute, which is not to be removed until instructed to do so by the term senza sordino.
Triple and quadruple stops
Triple stops (three-part chords) and quadruple stops (four-part chords) are notated as chords and played as arpeggiated chords (each note in quick succession, from the lowest to the highest note). When playing four-part chords, the two lowest notes are played first, then the two highest.
Triple stops (three-part chords) and quadruple stops (four-part chords) are notated as chords and played as arpeggiated chords (each note in quick succession, from the lowest to the highest note). When playing four-part chords, the two lowest notes are played first, then the two highest.
Pizzicato
Pizzicato with the left hand is indicated by a + above the note. Alban Berg: Violin Concerto.
Pizzicato with the left hand is indicated by a + above the note. Alban Berg: Violin Concerto.
Finger tremolo
Two notes are played as a tremolo on the same string as follows: the finger in the lower position fingers the string and keeps it pressed down while the other finger quickly and repeatedly stops and releases a higher note. In contrast to the bow tremolo, when rapid up and downstrokes produce the tremolo effect, bowing here is smooth and even over the string. The result is a kind of trill.
Su una corda
The instruction to play a cantilena on a particular string (e.g., sul G). Su una corda All nokia flash file mcu ppm cnt. means “on one string”.
The most valuable skill you can develop as a musician is learning to read music. While it’s possible to learn to play “by ear,” reading music opens up the world to you as an artist!
There are many different ways to write music. Guitarists often read off of charts outlining the chord progressions for the song. Drummers have a rhythm chart showing them what to play. As a violinist, however, you’ll most likely be reading off of violin sheet music.
Standard sheet music is filled with directions for the performer, including:
- Pitch
- Rhythm – notes, rests, dots, accents, etc.
- Time signature
- Key signature – sharps, flats, and natural notes
- Dynamics
- Tempo
- Style markings
- A clef
- Navigation markings – repeats, 1st and 2nd endings, etc.
Sheet music will also often include items specific to the particular instrument. For example, violin sheet music may include numbers to signify position on the neck, bow direction markings, and specific markings for vibrato and pizzicato, techniques specific to the violin.
First, let’s look at the basic elements you’ll see on sheet music and then address some of the specific markings you’ll find on violin sheet music.
The Basics: The Staff, Clef, Key Signature, & Time Signature
Music is written on a type of grid that consists of five lines and four spaces, called a staff. Each of these lines and spaces signifies a specific note or pitch. Music is always read from left to right, and on the left hand side is a symbol called a clef.
Violin Note Chart Pdf Printable
The clef will clue you in on the names of the notes on that staff, as it’s different for bass and treble clef. The illustration above shows a grand staff that is used in piano music. The top staff shows a G, or treble clef. It’s called the G clef because it somewhat resembles the letter G and the bottom circle surrounds the second line, which is the note G in treble clef.
The bottom staff shows a bass, or F clef. It is known as an F clef not only because it resembles the letter F, but also because the two dots surround the second line from the top, which is the note F in the bass clef.
As a violinist, you will only be dealing with treble clef, so we will look specifically at the notes in that clef.
Key Signature
The key signature is marked directly next to the clef. The key signature consists of markings called sharps and flats, showing which notes are altered in that particular piece of music. A key signature is a universal marking, meaning that if it shows a Bb, then all of the “B” notes in that piece of music should be played as a B flat. This is a form of musical shorthand that is used to make reading music easier.
Time Signature
The time signature is a symbol that defines the number of beats per measure, and what type of note gets a beat. Here are some examples:
The top number in the time signature signifies how many beats are in each measure. The bottom number shows what type of note receives a beat. For example, in 4/4 time there are four beats per measure and a 1/4 (quarter) note gets one beat. 4/4 is also known as common time and may be represented by the letter “C”.
Now that we’ve explored the basics of the staff, let’s look at musical notation.
Pitch, Ledger Lines, and Duration
Violin Notes Chart Pdf
Violin sheet music uses the treble clef, so let’s look at the basic note names in the treble clef. The musical alphabet consists of only seven notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Along with sharps and flats, these seven note names make up the entire musical alphabet.
There is an easy way to remember the note names on the staff using one word and a simple sentence. From the bottom line to the top line, the lined notes are: E, G, B, D, and F. Remember the sentence “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge,” and you’ll never forget the note names on the lines! The spaces spell out the word FACE – F, A, C, and E.
Ledger Lines
Because music has more than nine notes, ledger lines are used to extend the range of the staff. They can appear both above and below the lines of the staff.
The note names continue using the musical alphabet. The top line of the staff is F, and the note sitting on the top line is G. Add a ledger line above the staff for the note A, and the note on top of that ledger line is B. The note pictured above is C and so on.
Note Durations
Musical symbols are used to denote the duration, or how many beats to hold each note. The following chart shows the most common note durations in 4/4 time.
Once you master these basics, you’ll be able to read and play everything from Mozart to Metallica! There are other symbols that you will learn as you study reading music, including volume markings, articulation markings, and tempo markings. But understanding these basic concepts are the first steps to achieving mastery in reading music.
Related: Free Sheet Music Resources
Specific Markings on Violin Sheet Music
Violin Note Charts
Because of the nature of the instrument, violinists will see some additional markings on violin sheet music that are specific to the instrument. Often, violin sheet music will include position markings. These signify when you move your hand up and down the neck of the violin to play different notes. They are usually shown as a Roman numeral beneath the note; for example, first position is I, second position is II, and so on.
Violin is an expressive instrument and often composers will incorporate this in their music. You may see the symbol “Vibr” under the notes of a section. This is shorthand for vibrato, which is a technique of moving your finger to get a pulsing sound when playing a note.
Because violin is played using a bow, there are specific symbols used in violin sheet music to signify if a note or series of notes should be played by bowing the instrument in an upward direction, or with a downward motion. Up-bows are marked using this symbol: >. A down-bow is shown as a partial rectangle open at the bottom.
Want to put your violin sheet music knowledge to the test? Take a look at some of these violin songs for beginners, and see if you can make sense of the sheet music!
The best way to learn how to read music, of course, is to study with a qualified violin teacher. While the basic concepts shown in this article can be learned independently, a teacher will help you refine and master the fine points of reading music. Learning to read music well will make your study much more rewarding and enjoyable.