Not all speed work has to happen with a metronome running the whole time. Here's one approach to fiddle tunes that are really fast — breaking them down phrase by phrase in bursts.
Why This Works
If you're struggling to get a tune up to tempo, the problem usually isn't the whole tune — it's that the whole tune feels impossible all at once. But can you play just the first measure at that tempo? Almost certainly yes.
Taking one bite-sized piece at a time allows your brain to feel like it's actually possible and reduces the frustration. Although you might not be able to play a whole fiddle tune at 130 BPM right now, you can probably play one bar of it at that tempo right now.
The Method
Here's the process, step by step:
- Take the first measure and hammer it — over and over. If it feels too easy, good. That's the point.
- Get the metronome out and set it to the tempo you're working toward.
- Turn off the metronome.
- Practice that first measure 15 times.
- Add the second measure.
- Reference the metronome. Play measures one and two together 15 times.
- Continue adding one or two measures at a time, referencing the metronome as you go.
The Payoff
Working up tunes this way — in speed bursts, phrase by phrase — lets your brain and hands get used to playing fast one part at a time. It's a method that has worked on many a fiddle tune. Try it and see how quickly things start to click.
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