[poorprince87]

Hey guys,

Yes, I did see the "New to Violin" thread, but I'm a stubborn fool and wanted to ask my questions here.

Got my violin yesterday. Grabbed a Mel Bay violin book. Have a billion and one questions that the dude on the DVD doesn't answer...

1. My violin case came with two little things in one of the pocket. One was a big brown thing that I think is the rosin. The other is some little greenish, squarish stone. What is the second thing?

2. How do I use the rosin?

3. Am I supposed to apply alot of pressure on the strings with my bow when...bowing? What are the basics of bowing? I keep having this sinking feeling that I'm doing something wrong. (Note: I keep losing hairs on my bow. Is that bad? The result of "sawing" with my bow?)

4. I seem to do fairly well when bowing the A, D, and G strings. But I can't get a clear note to come out of the E string to save my life. The books says stay straight, smooth, and at 90 degrees and you'll get a note. It's not working...

Thanks for reading these questions. If you answer any of them I will be greatly thankful. If this post makes me look...hopelessly ignorant....it's because I am.

Thanks again,
Daniel

[poorprince87]

Anyone? Please? Puh-leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?

[bro_in_christ]

1.) the big brown bag thing you're talking about should be the rosin. i have no idea what the green squarish thing is; you'd have to give more details. it could possibly be a mute though.

2.) you apply rosin onto the bow. it makes it so that the violin sounds better when you bow. be sure to rosin your bow often (about every week or so) because if you don't, your bow hair will be bad.

3.) you're not supposed to apply too much pressure on the strings. just enough so that you can get a good sound. now in some music, you'll have to apply a lot of pressure to get a louder sound. about the bow hair... i'd suggest not tightening your bow too much. just set it somewhere between tight and loose?

4.) the e-string shouldn't be so hard to get a sound out of. just tilt your bow at a 45-degree angle and play the string. i think you just need some practice.

that's about it. i suggest looking around for a private teacher. it's always easier to learn when someone is teaching you. anyways, good luck.

[poorprince87]

Sounds great, really appreciate it!