Is the violin easy for a guitarist to play?
Jeff asked:
I’ve been playing the guitar for about 6 years now and well, I think I’m pretty good, I’m mostly into neo-classical music like Yngwie Malmsteen so I’d like to learn to play the violin.
Is the violin pretty easy to learn and get used to really quick after playing the guitar for a while?
Also, what kind of violin should I get? I know I would have to spend a few hundred for a good violin, but I’m just looking for something cheap (under $100) to learn on first and see if I like it. Should I look in music stores for a cheap violin or should I just shop online?
Well to being, not its not easy to switch! I”ve been playing that violin for 5 years and the guitar has more strings, u strum with your hand or pic, and hold it differently. Its totally different but the concept of pressing down the strings is similiar I guess! And a good violin under 100? possibly a used Suzuki.. They are the cheapest but not many are under a hundred. Just rent from your teacher until you get better than purchase a better one once you’re more expirienced. Hope this helps!
6 years and pretty good means you are musical instrument gifted, at least for strings. Going from one stringed instrument to another should be a natural for you. I’ve played guitar well for 38 years and I was so curious about the violin, that my girlfriend borrowed one from a friend and was shocked that I was able to play it immediately !! However forget about under $100, because it will likely play and sound so poorly that you will have a false sense of your ability to play it and may discourage you. Wait and save. Ever try to play a really cheap guitar? I’ve been at parties where someone says hey give it to Jeff, he’s a good guitarist and I attempt to play the awful thing and embarrass myself and disappoint everyone else too. After that, if I thought I might be in that situation again, I would bring my fine Steinberger guitar and my Tom Scholz (of Boston) Rockman X100 amp and plug it into the house stereo. Try to borrow a decent quality violin and I suspect you will be very surprised at how fast you take to it. Oh, and never buy such a personal instrument online, you must play it in person at a music store. Go for it, and good luck my fellow guitarist and future violinist friend !!