Violin Chords

Violin Chords are Really Not Chords at All.

According to generally accepted music theory a chord is a set of three or more different notes. These notes must sound simultaneously and be from a specific key. Example: A C chord is made up of the notes C, E, and G. Because it is extremely difficult to play three strings at once on the violin, a violin chord is technically a dyad.

A dyad, musically speaking is a set of two pitches or notes. Now that we have gotten the technically correct information out of the way, we will refer to dyads in the remainder of this article as chords.

Playing a violin chord is called a “double stop” in music terminology. Playing a double stop simply means that you’re playing two notes simultaneously. The performance of the double stop requires that two strings are depressed or stopped by the fingers, and plucked or bowed at the same time.

Because the violin has a curved bridge, bowing more than two strings at the same time is extremely difficult. The style of bow used before the end of the 18th century had the wood curved away from the hair. Consequently playing three notes simultaneously was a little easier.

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It is almost impossible to play four notes at once on the violin, even with older bows. Accomplished violinists will play three or four note chords by sounding the lower notes briefly and letting them resonate while the upper notes are sounded. This is called a broken chord. Done correctly, this can sound like a true triple or quadruple stop.

Now for some double stop technique:

Practice playing double stop chords using a 4/4 beat. Count 4 beats as you are drawing the bow on each chord. The four beats should equal the length for the bow. Taping your foot to keep time will help with this process.
You must be careful not to touch adjacent strings when playing double stops. This can be accomplished easier by using your fingertips as you play the double stops. You must keep your thumb in proper position behind the neck in order to use your fingertips.

A looser setting on your bow hair will allow it to touch both strings. Don’t press too hard and let the bow do the work.

Listen for the harmony of the two strings to come through. If you experience dissonance (disunity, or a bad sound) you may need to retune the violin.

In addition to the information mentioned above, there is a great deal of additional help on a myriad of Internet web sites. You can find tips and techniques as well as videos and verbal instruction. A distinct advantage to online instruction is that you can hear and see what the teacher has to offer. Please see the highly recommended online violin learning course on the Right of the site and click the link below the picture to learn more now.

Playing violin chords will add a great deal of color and character to your musical performance. As with anything else, you cannot underestimate the value of practice. As you add violin chords to your repertoire, consistent practice will keep you at the top of your game.