Appalachian violin

[Doug Nelson]

Does anyone know the theory behind the two-string appalachian violin style? I don't know how to play violin, but I'm hoping I can mimic it with a violin vst.

Also, is there a vst out there that already plays this style?

[Doug Nelson]

No one?

[C00kie]

Like with the real thing, it isn't the instrument itself but the style you play it.

Use any "Solo violin" VST instrument (sampled?), play with velocity and "fiddle" with the pitch-bend wheel to liven it up. Maybe use two instances of the instrument; one for each string, so the pitch bend doesn't affect the open string.

It takes some practice, you'll get there...

[Patrick9]

The style relies on open drone strings - so depending on the key, you'll have a G,D or A drone going. Also try any two notes of a triad chord for double stops when not on the root chord.

Hope it makes sense - play, have fun

[VicDiesel]

Does anyone know the theory behind the two-string appalachian violin style?

A violin with two strings?

I saw an Appalachian fiddler the other day (old old guy, dressed in his best overalls for the concert), and he used several different instruments, in different open tuning. One was a "triple-D" tuning, eh D-d-a-d', probably.

Oh, you mean the style of playing? You play melodies on one string, and regularly hit the open string next to it. The sound derives from the fact that the open string has a very different, more metallic sound. Much like the difference between open and fretted guitar strings. The open string does not have any vibrato on it, obviously, but also vibrating against the nut instead of your finger changes the sound.

V.

[Doug Nelson]

Now that's useful, thank you.

What are the notes played by the open strings of a typical violin that might be used in this kind of music?

[VicDiesel]

What are the notes played by the open strings of a typical violin that might be used in this kind of music?

I imagine (I dont play violin myself) that it's mostly the open A and E string, which are the highest two.

Try to get hold of some fiddle music and see what the drone is. Like I said, some fiddlers use open tunings, so it could be very well be something other than A or E.

Oh, about the open string: since it's not damped, it also "rings" more than the fingered notes.

V.

[Doug Nelson]

Thanks Cookie, Patrick, and Vic. I'm looking forward to experimenting with this information.

Any recommendations on a good free or inexpensive violin vst? I was hoping to use Cellofan only in the higher registers, but it simply stops responding after C2.