The story goes like this: I decided I wanted to be a fiddler after 4 decades as a guitarist. Apparently there's more to it than owning a fiddle and knowing what good fiddling should sound like. This book (and the accompanying DVD) got me from here to there in simple, understandable lessons.
Even after the first lesson, I felt like I really knew something. "The American Fiddle Method" from Mel Bay steps you through a helpful introduction to the instrument, right and wrong ways to hold your hands, and more. You'll be playing music to the applause of your pets, parents, children, spouse, and anyone else in your living room in no time. Assuming your pets can applaud, that is.
Go ahead. Buy it. You spent all that money on a violin. Learn how to play it!
