Heavy Rock Violin Lesson

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Hi! If you remember back to lesson one, which was a long time ago, at the beginning of this epic and colossal journey that we've undertaken together, you'll recall that I promised you we would eventually get to the point where you could turn up to 11 and rock out.

Well, we've finally reached that goal, and today we're going to talk about heavy rock violin.

Key Concepts

We previously mentioned several important aspects of playing rock riffs:

• Syncopation
• The Devil's Interval
• Power Chord Conversion

Now, let's try playing some of these concepts with backing from some heavy guitar.

The Rock Violinist's Goal

The goal of many, and possibly all, rock violinists is to take the place of the lead guitarist. We're going to explore a whole series of licks borrowed directly from the lead guitar.

Lick Exercises

1. First Exercise:

   • Technique: Second finger, fourth finger open at an indeterminate speed.
   • Play: Slow, medium, or fast. Let's hear that one with some backing.

2. Starting on the Upper Note:

   • Play: Similar to the first exercise but begin on the upper note.

3. Strength Building:

   • Target: Forefinger strength.
   • Position: Move up to the third position.
   • Exercise: First finger, first, second, first open.

4. Eight Note Pattern:

   • Position: Third position, second finger, first finger.
   • Play: This is an eight-note pattern.

5. Grouping of Sixteen Notes:

   • Structure: Two sixes and a four.
   • Play: Here's the first six, followed by the next six, and then a four (slowly).

6. Stretch in Third Position:

   • Exercise: Second finger open and then up to the fourth.

7. Bluesy Lick:

   • Start: Second finger, bring the first finger up next to it.

8. Fast Sextuplets:

   • Challenge: If your forefinger isn't strong enough, this may be tough.
   • Play at Different Speeds: Works better slow, but let's try it fast!

9. Big Stretch Test:

   • Exercise: First finger to fourth finger to open string.

Final Stretch

Now, here's the real test:

• Big Stretch: If you have small hands, this may be nearly impossible. If you have medium-sized hands, you might need to adjust your little finger to make it work.

Disclaimer: Please don't go to the hospital claiming I told you to do this, just practice!

Assignment

1. Research Mark Wood:

   • He is a master of the heavy guitar rock riff played on the violin.
   • Products: He designs and manufactures rock violins, like the Viper and the Stingray.

2. Explore His Innovations:

   • Mark has a device that allows your violin to stand on its own, letting you wave your hair around and throw your arms in the air while performing. It's an amazing concept.

3. Practice:

   • Look at all the licks I've shown you.
   • Practice until your fingers are bleeding and you can play them at full speed.

4. Experiment with Keys:

   • See if you can play them in different keys, most will be challenging but E and A should be manageable.

5. Mirror Practice:

   • Get yourself a full-length mirror and try posing while doing these licks.

Keep practicing and rock on!