How To Read Tablature At fiddlehub.com

Section links: Intro Which String Which Finger Up Bow Or Down Changing Bow Direction Note Values Summary, With Slur Demo

Putting Everything Together.

OK, we've covered the basic building blocks of fiddle tablature. Now let's tie it all together with a demonstration using the first phrase of Soldier's Joy.

While I'm at it, I want to take this opportunity to show you how much difference the proper use of slurs can make; so in the first video below I'll play the 1st phrase of Soldier's Joy with no slurs at all. The tab below the videos has no slurs--Just the old saw stroke.

I think you'll agree that this doesn't sound great. The notes are there, but that's about it.

Now listen to the same passage with the slurs added in. The tab below the videos shows the bowing.

I am playing pretty slow in these demos so you can see exactly what's going on.

The music would sound a little better if it was faster; but you can still hear the difference the slurs make, even at slow speed.

The difference gets really dramatic when you bring the pace up a little. Here is a simple arrangement of Soldier's Joy, played at medium speed but with slurs included in a few key spots. I think they make the tune.

One other thing: Don't forget that the last note in the above tab isn't tied; so it has the value of two tied notes. This means that even though the slur symbol below the last two notes isn't as long as the two other slur symbols in the previous measure, it really lasts just as long--it has the value of three 8th notes.