A Beginner’s Guide to 7 Easy Fiddle Songs

Have you ever dreamed of bringing a room to life with the enchanting sounds of Celtic or Irish music? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new instrument to add to your repertoire. 

Whatever the reason, learning the fiddle can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. 

The fiddle’s unique tonality and expressive range allow for deep emotional connection and artistic exploration. However, as a beginner fiddle player, you may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of songs to choose from and unsure where to start. 

The good news is that there are plenty of simple fiddle songs for newcomers to the instrument. Here, we introduce you to seven easy beginner fiddle tunes perfect for all ages — plus free sheet music for each one.

How to identify an easier fiddle song

Selecting the right songs for your practice playlist can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With a few guidelines, you can easily identify fiddle music suitable for beginners.

Look for simple rhythms and tempos

Simple rhythms are easier for beginners to handle and help them get a firm grasp of the basics before they advance in their violin lessons. They offer a predictable pattern that helps build confidence and muscle memory. 

Unlike complex rhythms, which often involve irregular beats and unexpected changes, simple rhythms have consistent beats and minimal syncopations, making them more accessible.

Slower tempos are also beneficial as they give you more time to think and react between each note. Playing slower helps you understand the piece's structure and refine your technique, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

Choose songs with fewer position changes

A position change on the fiddle involves moving your left hand up or down the fingerboard to reach different notes. While this is an essential skill for any fiddler, minimizing position changes can make learning the fiddle more approachable. 

Sticking to first position, where all four fingers are within reach of the first four notes on each string, can be a great way to ease into playing the fiddle.

Popular beginner songs with minimal position changes include "Swallowtail Jig" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb." These tunes are simple, well-known, and perfect for practicing finger placement and bowing in a confined space on the fingerboard.

Select songs with repetitive patterns

Repetitive patterns in music are invaluable for beginner violinists. They help reinforce muscle memory and allow for a deeper focus on improving fundamental techniques. Songs with repetitive patterns can also be easier to remember, making them simpler to play without having to constantly refer back to the sheet music.

Easier fiddle songs have clear structures with repeated measures or phrases — look for sequences of notes that repeat throughout the song. 

For example, in “Boil Them Cabbage Down” and “Old Joe Clark,” specific musical phrases continuously repeat, making them great songs for beginners to practice their bowing and fingering techniques.

7 easy fiddle songs for beginners to try

Ready to begin your fiddle-playing journey? Here are seven easy fiddle songs to get you started.

1. “Devil’s Dream”

"Devil's Dream" is a lively old-time fiddle tune that has been a staple in the repertoire of folk and bluegrass musicians for generations. Though it has Irish and Scottish roots, the song crossed the Atlantic and became popular in American folk music circles.

This song is particularly suitable for beginners, as its structure is straightforward and repetitive. It can help you build muscle memory and enhance your timing skills.

Here are a few tips to get you started on "Devil's Dream":

• Bowing techniques: Focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent bowing pattern to steady the rhythm. Short, controlled bow strokes will help you manage the rapid tempo without becoming overwhelmed.

• Rhythm: Start practicing at a slower tempo to get comfortable with the notes and rhythm. Gradually increase the speed as you become more confident, ensuring that you play each note cleanly.

2. “Angeline the Baker”

"Angeline the Baker" is a well-loved traditional American folk song that originated in the 19th century. The famous minstrel performer Stephen Foster wrote the song as a sentimental ballad. Over time, it evolved into an upbeat fiddle tune, especially popular in old-time music and bluegrass fiddle circles.

It has a simple, memorable melody that's easy to pick up and play. The structure is repetitive, making it ideal for practicing muscle memory and timing. You can also play it using the double stops technique, where two notes are played simultaneously, giving the song a fuller and more dynamic sound.

Here are a few tips to help you learn "Angeline the Baker":

• Bowing techniques: Practice using long, smooth bow strokes to match the lilting rhythm of the song.
• Rhythm: Start by tapping your foot or counting as you play to keep the beat steady. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the song.

3. “Pig Ankle Strut”

“Pig Ankle Strut” is a lively and upbeat fiddle tune popular in old-time music and Cajun traditions. Its origins trace back to African American string bands in the early 20th century, and various musicians have adapted it over the years.

Its melody is simple yet catchy, making it easy to learn and remember. This song’s structure also follows the classic AAB form, where one main theme is followed by two variations, making it a perfect tune for practicing new techniques and improvisation.

Here are a few tips to help you master "Pig Ankle Strut":

• Bowing techniques: This song requires a mix of long, smooth bow strokes and quick, bouncy ones.
• Timing: Pay attention to the timing of notes and rests to maintain the song's lively tempo.

4. “Leaving of Liverpool”

“Leaving of Liverpool" is a traditional sea shanty from the 19th century. It tells the story of a sailor leaving his love behind as he sets sail to Liverpool. The song's sentimental lyrics and haunting melody make it a beloved folk tune, and it’s often played around campfires and at sing-alongs.

For beginners, this song is an excellent opportunity to work on playing in different positions on the violin. It primarily utilizes the first position but also includes some shifting up to the third position, which can help you develop finger dexterity and intonation.

Here are some tips for playing "Leaving of Liverpool" on the violin:

• Bowing techniques: Use long, smooth bow strokes to match the song's flowing melody. Experiment with adding slurs and dynamics to make your playing more expressive.

• Different positions: Practice shifting between the first and third positions on the violin. Pay attention to your finger placement and intonation in each position.

5. “Dog Treed a Possum”

“Dog Treed a Possum" is a fun and upbeat traditional folk song that was popular among Appalachian fiddlers in the early 20th century. The song tells the humorous tale of a dog chasing after a possum up a tree.

It’s well suited for beginners as it primarily utilizes the A and D strings, making it easier for new players to find their way around the violin. The song offers an excellent opportunity to work on bowing techniques, particularly using short and choppy strokes for the quick tempo sections.

Here are some tips for playing “Dog Treed a Possum" on the violin:

• Bowing techniques: Use short, quick bow strokes with light pressure to bring out the song's playful character. You can add bow bounces and accents to add energy and texture.

• Finger placement: This song primarily uses the first position but also includes some shifts into the third position.

6. “Loch Lomond”

"Loch Lomond"  is a Scottish folk song from the 18th century. It tells a story about two Scottish soldiers who were captured and sentenced to death. One was going to be executed, while the other was going to be sent home.

It is a great song for beginners, as it mainly uses the D and A strings, with only a few shifts to the higher position.

Here are some tips for playing "Loch Lomond" on the violin:

• Bowing techniques: Experiment with using different bowing techniques, such as legato, staccato, and spiccato, to bring out the song's emotional depth.

• Dynamics: Use dynamics, such as crescendos and diminuendos, to add expression and tension to certain song parts.

7. “Cronin’s Hornpipe”

“Cronin’s Hornpipe” is a popular Irish fiddle tune that originated in the 19th century. The hornpipe is a dance that was traditionally performed by sailors on ships, and the music itself is characterized by its lively and upbeat tempo. 

This song offers a great opportunity for beginners to work on bowing techniques, particularly the "slur" technique used in hornpipes. It also uses simple finger patterns, making it easier to navigate on the violin.

Here are some tips for playing "Cronin's Hornpipe":

• Bowing techniques: Practice using the "slur" technique, where you play two or more notes in one bow stroke, to achieve the bouncy and lively feel of a hornpipe.

• Rhythm: Focus on keeping a steady rhythm without rushing or slowing down. Use a metronome to help you stay in time and pay attention to the syncopated beats in this tune.

Begin your musical journey with these fiddle songs through Trala

Learning these popular fiddle tunes is just the beginning of your musical journey. With Trala, you can access a vast library of easy violin sheet music, video tutorials, and personalized feedback from expert instructors to help you improve your skills and reach your full potential as a musician. 

Trala also offers a free practice app with discordant feedback technology that listens to you play and provides real-time corrections. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take music lessons virtually and become the fiddle player you've always wanted to be. 

Sign up for your first fiddle lesson and take the first step toward becoming a skilled fiddler.