To get the most out of your practice session, apply this step-by-step Fischer-inspired workflow:
Week 5–6: Shifts and intonation
Muscle memory and independence in the left hand without the auditory confusion of hearing two out-of-tune notes simultaneously. The "Double Stop Trill"
A crucial aspect of Fischer's pedagogy is the emphasis on the physical sensation of playing, particularly in the left hand. The book provides intricate details on the steps of playing double stops, helping players understand the "feel" of the hand and fingers. It encourages a hand position based on a stable "octave frame," which makes complex double stops feel significantly easier and more secure. Beyond intonation and finger placement, the book also addresses foundational technical issues, including teaching the bow how to sound two strings simultaneously with equal contact, a primary challenge often overlooked in other method books. simon fischer double stops pdf
Many students view double stops (playing two notes simultaneously) as a hurdle reserved for virtuosic showpieces like Bach’s Chaconne or Paganini’s Caprices. However, Simon Fischer argues—convincingly—that double stops are not a specialized skill but the very foundation of reliable left-hand technique.
Place your fingers (e.g., 1st finger on the D string, 2nd finger on the A string). Check that the hand remains relaxed and the knuckles are parallel to the fingerboard.
Fischer’s Double Stops isn’t merely another collection of etudes or dry scale studies. It is a comprehensive 346-page textbook that deconstructs the complex skill of double-stopping into its most fundamental components and guides the player through a progressive, logical series of practice routines. To get the most out of your practice
The full book is available through major music retailers like and Vivace Violins . 🎻 Master the Double Stop: The Simon Fischer Way
To build a reliable double-stop technique, integrate this structured workflow into your daily practice routine: Phase 1: Perfecting the Bow Balance
Week 7: String crossings and chordal balance It encourages a hand position based on a
When shifting double stops, Fischer advises isolating the "guide string." If you are shifting a third, practice the shift using only the lower note, then only the higher note. Once both individual shifts are perfectly smooth and in tune, combine them.
Formidable exercises specifically designed for double-stopping.
