I want to learn to play the violin, any tips?

Question:For starters, get the simple things out of the way: Learn the basic notes, try to memorize the sound of each note (this is very hard if you don't have a good ear, as in listening to tones), and basically learn how to hold the bow and violin appropriately.

Learn how to hold the violin bow correctly FIRST. It can get in the way later. I had been playing for 5 years, when I suddenly realized the grip I had on the bow was not allowing me to do quick strokes and remain balance. Here's how I hold the violin bow now, which has greatly improved my performance:

All of your fingers should be curved, including your thumb and pinkie. Anyway, your pinkie should be resting on top of the screw, which is that silver part that rotates in order to increase or decrease strain on the bow hairs. Next, your thumb should be in that U shaped hole in the frog. The frog is the bottom, black part of the bow. Anyway, it should be bent, and make sure it is not sticking out to the other side. Next is your index finger. Your hold hand should be supported by this finger, as it is going to be higher up the bow, about an inch seperate from the middle finger, right on the pad. The middle and ring finger should be going over the bow. The middle finger should be to the left of that small dot on the frog, while the ring finger should be to the left of that same dot.

That pretty much sums it up for the bow. Now for the violin. First, let me recommend this: Get a shoulder rest and a chin rest (the chin rest is not optional of whether to get or not. >_>). The shoulder rest will help you A LOT. Place your chin on top of the chin rest (duh >_>), in between the chin and left chest bone. The violin should be almost horizontal.

Those are the basic positions. Now, you're going to HAVE to enroll in some kind of class, as you will have a very difficult time if you don't.

Here is an explanation of the terms I used for the violin:
http://www.thecellosite.com/cello_bows/v...

Here is an actual picture of how to hold the bow:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page368.htm

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: For starters, get the simple things out of the way: Learn the basic notes, try to memorize the sound of each note (this is very hard if you don't have a good ear, as in listening to tones), and basically learn how to hold the bow and violin appropriately.

Learn how to hold the violin bow correctly FIRST. It can get in the way later. I had been playing for 5 years, when I suddenly realized the grip I had on the bow was not allowing me to do quick strokes and remain balance. Here's how I hold the violin bow now, which has greatly improved my performance:

All of your fingers should be curved, including your thumb and pinkie. Anyway, your pinkie should be resting on top of the screw, which is that silver part that rotates in order to increase or decrease strain on the bow hairs. Next, your thumb should be in that U shaped hole in the frog. The frog is the bottom, black part of the bow. Anyway, it should be bent, and make sure it is not sticking out to the other side. Next is your index finger. Your hold hand should be supported by this finger, as it is going to be higher up the bow, about an inch seperate from the middle finger, right on the pad. The middle and ring finger should be going over the bow. The middle finger should be to the left of that small dot on the frog, while the ring finger should be to the left of that same dot.

That pretty much sums it up for the bow. Now for the violin. First, let me recommend this: Get a shoulder rest and a chin rest (the chin rest is not optional of whether to get or not. >_>). The shoulder rest will help you A LOT. Place your chin on top of the chin rest (duh >_>), in between the chin and left chest bone. The violin should be almost horizontal.

Those are the basic positions. Now, you're going to HAVE to enroll in some kind of class, as you will have a very difficult time if you don't.

Here is an explanation of the terms I used for the violin:
http://www.thecellosite.com/cello_bows/v...

Here is an actual picture of how to hold the bow:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page368.htm

i have never held a string instrument in my life (i play bassoon)

BUTTTT

my school recently started a philharmonic orchestra in school and the director mentioned a few string comments . . .

when you first start out its a lot more small obnixious things like tuning (please learn how too, the violia next to me can't tune for anything), how to hold it, proper bowing, positioning of fingers (beginners usually have colored tape for placement). Opposed to winds and brass, when they start its fingerings, and then later on comes tuning and all that jazz (no pun intended)
if you listen to a fourth grade band concert and a string one, you can tell that the band is more advanced than the orchestra because of what i just mentioned^.

practice to the maxx! especially if you start when your on the older side (meaning highschool ageishh)

but i think the best thing would be to get a teacher, or even an older student to help you learn proper things that could become a bad habbit if you teach yourself.

i hope any of this helped :]

First thing: fine a good private teacher. Let them help you find a decent instrument. Do what they tell you to do.

COOL. I dont know anything about it yet, but im starting lessons next month. and then im moving to the cello. :-D good luck.