Learn Violin with Free Lessons & Tips

The violin and the fiddle are essentially the same instrument — the difference lies in how they are played, set up, and the style of music:

1. Instrument Structure:

Same basic instrument: Same size, shape, strings, and tuning (G-D-A-E).

Some fiddlers may modify the bridge (flatter curve) to make it easier for quick string changes in fast folk music.

2. Playing Style:

Violin: Played in classical music, jazz, or other formal settings with a focus on precision, vibrato, and complex techniques.

Fiddle: Played in folk, country, bluegrass, Irish, or traditional styles. Emphasizes rhythm, improvisation, and danceable tunes.

3. Cultural Context:

"Fiddle" is more of a cultural or genre-based term.

In classical settings, it's nearly always called a violin.

In informal or traditional settings, it's affectionately called a fiddle.

In short: A fiddle is a violin played in a different style.

The violin is played by drawing a bow across the strings or plucking them with fingers. The left hand presses the strings on the fingerboard to change pitch, while the right hand controls the bow to produce sound. Proper technique involves precise finger placement, bowing control, and posture to create clear and expressive tones.