Some people are put off from learning violin because they assume the lessons are going to be hard. Of course playing the violin will look impossible if you watch the professionals in action. Watch a beginner learn for the first time, though, and you will find that violin is not as hard as you first thought it to be.

Still, there are some things you can do to make the whole business of learning and studying the violin a lot easier. Here are a couple of tips to help you do just that:

Cut your nails

Leave vanity to one side, and cut your nails short before you even think of learning how to play the violin. Not only will long nails make the task a lot more complicated, but you also risk damaging the strings if your fingernails get in the wrong spot. This is true even if you are a skilled violinist. So, be prepared to snip off those fingernails on a regular basis.

Stick with the basics first

As mentioned earlier, newcomers get put off when they see professionals burn off their strings with a magnificent spicatto or land off a sharp marcato one after the other. Do keep in mind that these masters were also just green novices at one time in their lives. Don’t sweat the details and start with the basics first. Learn how to play open strings and scales, and you will be well on your way as a violinist.

Mark finger locations with tape

If you are having trouble identifying where the various notes are on the violin, you can mark these locations with tape until your fingers get used to it. Just be careful not to be too rough in placing or removing the strips of tape, as you could end up damaging the finer hairs of the bow. You could even strip off the surface of the neck if the tape is too adhesive.

Sit or stand at attention

As simple as it sounds, playing with the right posture makes life a lot easier and less painful for your body in the long run. It may feel awkward at first, but right posture will help ease you into correctly playing the violin. You are also at less risk of injuring yourself, which is always a good thing for anyone.

Use a violin that matches your arm length

One reason that some people cannot play the violin is because their arms are too short or too long to accommodate the violin they are using. Measure the length of space from your neck to the palm of your extended left hand, and you will be able to gauge whether a full 4/4 violin or a smaller 1/4 or 1/8 type will work for you.

Buy a violin

If you are serious about learning violin, then you need an instrument to call your own. Each violin has its own unique character, and you will only be able to play at your best if you are intimately connected to your own instrument. Invest a little money and buy your own violin – you definitely will not regret it as you become better and better at the violin.