Instead of forcing students to play full, fast scales immediately, the book starts with basic, non-shifting exercises to build hand strength and shape.
If you are struggling more with or shifting between the stops.
Drop the new finger precisely as the old finger stops moving. Ensures clean articulation without "scooping" the pitch. Advanced Exercises for Daily Practice
: It forces the hand to establish a reliable frame, using perfect intervals (octaves, fifths, and fourths) to tune imperfect intervals (thirds and sixths).
Fischer frequently discusses the physics of the violin. When playing perfect fifths, fourths, thirds, or sixths, a third "phantom" low note can be heard if the interval is mathematically pure. Training your ears to hear these difference tones is the fastest way to achieve professional-level intonation. Step-by-Step Double Stop Practice Routine simon fischer double stops pdf
: Draw a slow, 12-second bow across a single double stop. Focus entirely on keeping the sound pristine, ensuring the bow hair does not tilt or favor one string over the other.
: Explains how to treat double-stop scales as the final stage of practice, preceded by exercises that engrain good habits. simon fischer online Key Technical Principles Hand Freedom
Fischer’s method emphasizes slow, conscious practice. Here is how to approach the exercises in his book: 1. Prioritize Sound and Intonation
Fischer introduces several "good practice" habits through these downloadable PDF excerpts and exercises: Instead of forcing students to play full, fast
Simon Fischer's "Double Stops" is a comprehensive guide to mastering the technique of playing two notes simultaneously on the violin. The book provides a systematic approach to building technique, strength, and flexibility in the left hand, as well as improving intonation and tone production. This feature will provide an overview of the key concepts, exercises, and practice tips from the book.
Simon Fischer's Double Stops: Scales and Scale Exercises for the Violin
He prevents tension by teaching optimal hand geometry. Core Principles of Double Stop Practice
Scales in thirds, sixths, octaves, fingered octaves, and tenths are divided into as many as 20 distinct exercises per key to build the end result. Ensures clean articulation without "scooping" the pitch
Fischer emphasizes that you cannot play two notes well if you cannot play them individually. He advocates for specific practice phases. 1. The "Base Note" Technique
The book's physical heft reflects its comprehensive content. At , it is a substantial and detailed work. Its structure is methodical, devoting an extensive 14 pages to each key. This depth is what separates it from all other method books. The core of the book covers the essential double-stop intervals that form the backbone of the violin repertoire:
: Every section includes about three pages of preparatory exercises highlighting specific technical features before finally presenting the complete scale.
By incorporating Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF into your practice routine, you'll experience several benefits: