What to Do When You’re Stuck in a Fiddling Rut
Well, I’m sure we’ve all been there—struggling with a tune, your bow’s squeaking, your fingers just won’t land where they should, and no matter how much you practice, the piece just isn’t coming together.
It’s enough to make you want to toss the fiddle in the corner for a while!
But hang on, it happens to the best of us, and I’ve got a few tricks I use when I’m feeling stuck. Maybe they’ll help you too.
Take a Step Back and See What’s Going Wrong
First thing I do when I hit a rough patch is just step back for a minute and figure out what’s really messing me up. Is there one part that’s giving me trouble? Maybe my bow’s not smooth enough, or my fingers aren’t hitting the right strings. Sometimes, it’s just that my timing’s off. Figuring out where things are breaking down helps me know what to work on next.
Play Something Else to Clear Your Head
Sometimes, the best thing to do when you’re stuck is to just put the fiddle down for a bit and play something else. I call it a “palate cleanser”—play a little tune you love or something real simple. It’ll help clear your mind and give you a fresh start when you come back to the piece that’s giving you trouble.
Set a Smaller Goal
Instead of trying to perfect the whole tune at once, I’ll set a smaller, more manageable goal. Maybe there’s just one tricky section I can focus on—like a tough string crossing or bowing pattern. If I can clean that part up, it’ll help the rest of the piece fall into place.
Change Up How You Practice
If I’m still feeling stuck after working on it for a bit, I’ll switch up how I’m practicing. I might slow it down or try a different rhythm. Sometimes I’ll play around with a different bowing technique or even mess with the tempo. Changing things up a bit can help break that block and get things moving again.
Take a Break and Come Back Later
If I’m just plain frustrated, I’ll take a break. Step away for a day or two, let my fingers and my brain rest. When you come back to it later, you’d be surprised how much easier it is. Sometimes, all it takes is a little space to see things in a new light.
Work in Small Bursts
If I’ve got a deadline or I just really need to get the piece down, I’ll practice in short bursts. I’ll work on it for a little bit—20 minutes or so—then take a break. Play something else, stretch my legs, and then come back. This keeps me from burning out and lets me make steady progress without getting too frustrated.
Remind Yourself of How Far You’ve Come
When you’re stuck, it’s easy to forget how much you’ve already learned. So, I like to go back and play some of the older tunes I’ve worked on. You know, the ones that seemed impossible when I first started! Hearing how far I’ve come can give me the boost I need to keep going. A little reminder of your progress can work wonders.
Talk to Someone Else About It
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out. There’s a whole lot of fiddlers out there who’ve been through the same thing and can offer fresh ideas or tips. We all get stuck sometimes, and it helps to talk it out with someone who understands. Next time you feel like you’re just going in circles with a tune, remember—it’s part of the process.
Keep pushing, stay patient, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way.
If you’ve got any tricks for when you’re stuck, I’d love to hear them.
Happy playing!