3 Common Challenges In Learning A String Instrument (and How To Help Your Child Solve Them)

3 Common Challenges In Learning A String Instrument (and How To Help Your Child Solve Them)

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Each instrument possesses specific nuances for how it is performed. 

There are certain challenges that will likely come up when learning the violin or double bass that are unique to string playing. 

In this blog post, I will highlight some of the issues to look out for and ways to troubleshoot solutions so you or your child can continue to improve and grow as a string player. 

Posture

The first challenge your child will likely face is developing proper instrument posture and playing position. Slouching, a sagging violin, incorrect bow hold, or playing with flat fingers will all affect sound production. Therefore, whether you play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass, it’s important to get the basics down - the proper playing position, posture, and bow hold for each instrument. 

To be sure your child is playing with strong posture and playing position, encourage them to practice in front of a mirror and make adjustments as needed. If your child plays the violin or viola, remind them to sit with their feet flat on the ground, back straight, instrument up tall, wrist straight, and fingers curved. If your child plays the cello, remind them to sit up tall, feet flat on the floor, and the instrument tilted back with the scroll just below their left ear. With the double bass, they should stand tall with the instrument resting comfortably against their body. To read more about double bass technique, check out this blog. 

Tone

Another common challenge your child will likely face is related to their tone and sound production. While there are so many factors that go into producing a beautiful sound on a string instrument, there are some common aspects to troubleshoot. Here are some things to check:

  • Not enough rosin on the bow
  • Bow hold needs adjusting
  • Not enough bow weight on the string
  • Placement of the bow needs to be adjusted (too close to the bridge/too close to the fingerboard)
  • Bow speed needs to be adjusted
  • Bow should remain relatively parallel to the bridge (straight bow)
  • Left hand fingers aren’t pressing the string down sufficiently enough

If your child or student is having issues with their tone, one or more of these aspects of their sound may be the culprit. 

Intonation

One of the biggest challenges in learning a string instrument is playing in tune. 

Finding the right pitch takes time and practice. 

If intonation is the issue, try the following tips: 

  • Have your child adjust the placement of their fingers and aim for playing on the tips of their fingers
  • Check pitches with a tuner, against a drone, or with a piano. This practice habit will definitely help to reinforce pitch!
  • When a note is played in tune the instrument will resonate brightly - have your child listen carefully and adjust their finger placement as needed to produce a resonate sound. 

Conclusion

Learning an instrument will certainly pose its challenges, but by being aware of those challenges we can better help our children and students be successful. 

By encouraging them to play with their best posture and instrument position, we can help them to develop strong playing habits. Utilize the tips in this blog to help with any intonation or tone challenges and see how they help your young musician!

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