Many people claim the violin is the most difficult instrument to play. Why? Possibly becasue of the lack of frets, the technique necessary to hold the bow, and the vast possibilities of styles that can be played on the violin. That being said, there are many other instruments that pose similar challenges, and there are also instruments that are difficult in other ways. Let's look at some reasons why the violin is not actually the most difficult instrument. The main arguments people use to explain why the violin is the most difficult instrument is that it doesn't have frets, and it is played with a bow. Although it's true that these two aspects do make the violin difficult to learn, there are also several other instruments that have similar qualities. For example, the viola, cello, and upright bass. All these instruments are arguably just as difficult as the violin.
I could also argue that when someone says the violin is is the most difficult instrument, they are only taking into account western instruments. There is a Chinese traditional instrument called the Erhu, AKA "The Chinese Violin", in which could be considered more difficult than the western violin. It is played with a bow, and in addition to having no frets, it also doesn't have a fingerboard at all. This introduces a new challenge which is the amount of pressure to put on the strings in order to play in tune and get a good tone. Even when only taking into account western instruments, there are challenges that are not comparable to those of learning the violin. For example, on fretted instruments like the acoustic guitar or mandolin, many beginners struggle with pressing the strings down. This is a challenge that most violininsts don't have to deal with, because violin strings are smaller and easier to press down. Another example would be with the banjo. In the bluegrass banjo style, the right hand techniqe consists of using three finger picks to pick out melodies and play backup patterns, called rolls. This is a very unique technique, that many people (including me!) find quite challenging. All this being said, of course the violin is a difficult instrument to learn. But, I think that this title of "the most difficult instrument" is not necessarily true, and it can be off-putting to new learners. Every instrument has it's challenges, violin included. But learning to play music is a rewarding venture, regardless of the instrument or the level of difficulty!
2 Comments
Carroll Swam
7/12/2021 09:17:35 pm
Learning a new skill requires lots of determination - you have to want to do it. It also requires a certain basic aptitude but that is not as important as a strong desire and interest in learning. It seems that once you get started and make some progress it can be very enjoyable. At least that is what I have observed for myself.
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Alani Sugar
7/13/2021 12:17:40 pm
Yes, definitely. Thanks for that input!
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Alani SugarAlani Sugar is a young fiddle and mandolin player from Maryland. She has been involved in the region's music scene since she was 15 years old, and has the attention of musicians and music lovers alike in the area. She currently works as a professional musician and teaches fiddle and mandolin lessons online via Skype Archives
January 2024
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