The fiddle, sometimes referred to as a violin, is a wooden chordophone, and is the smallest, and thus highest-pitched instrument in regular use in the violin family.
Played by:
Andy Leftwich on:
Ricky Skaggs on:
Stuart Duncan on:
Ross Holmes on:
- Rehab Reunion (album)
Overview
As an instrument, it is the same as the violin, but it is typically referred to as a “fiddle” when used in folk music or traditional genres. It has deep cultural roots in various music traditions, from Appalachian folk to Celtic tunes. The main difference between the two is not in the instrument itself, but the style in which it’s played.
Early history
The origins go back to early stringed instruments like the Byzantine lira, which existed around the 9th century. These early bowed instruments were precursors to the modern violin and fiddle. The term “fiddle” became widely used during the Middle Ages, and it was common in Western Europe. It has since evolved into what we know today, with the violin design that was developed in Italy during the 16th century by masters like Andrea Amati and Antonio Stradivari.
In folk traditions
In various folk traditions, the instrument is central. In Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian traditions, it is played in a distinct style that often emphasizes rhythm and dance-like melodies. Fiddlers in these traditions tend to use specific tunings and techniques suited to fast-paced, lively music.
Styles of fiddle music
Playing differs greatly across cultures. In the United States, old-time music, bluegrass, and country music have developed unique fiddling traditions. In contrast, in Eastern Europe, fiddling includes gypsy jazz or klezmer, emphasizing ornamentation and improvisation. Fiddlers frequently employ techniques like double stops and drone strings to enhance the rhythmic drive.