Simon Fischer is a distinguished British violinist, pedagogue, and author. He is widely recognized for his long-running column in The Strad magazine and his seminal technique books, including Basics , Practice , Scales , and Warming Up .
Double stops require a stable, block-like hand structure. You cannot shift or stretch awkwardly without instantly ruining the pitch of the adjacent string.
Draw long, slow open-string double stops (e.g., G and D strings together). Keep the bow tracking perfectly parallel to the bridge.
and reach back with the lower finger, rather than basing the hand position on the lower finger. Bow vs. Finger Pressure
: A single scale in thirds might be preceded by 19 preparatory exercises, with the full scale only appearing as the 20th step. simon fischer double stops pdf
Which (thirds, sixths, octaves) are giving you the most trouble?
For string players looking to dive deeper into these exercises, Simon Fischer's publications and supplementary PDF worksheets are widely considered essential library components.
: Playing a double stop at the same volume as a single stop requires double the bow weight. Finding the exact "middle angle" between two strings is essential for even pressure.
Instead of jumping from one position to another, practice the shift in isolation. Fischer provides exercises that train the left hand to shift smoothly while maintaining the interval shape. 4. Use the Book as a Self-Help Tool You cannot shift or stretch awkwardly without instantly
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Fischer emphasizes that double stops are not just about "playing more notes," but about balancing physical weight and tension: Left Hand Lightness
Valuable for both advanced students and professionals. and reach back with the lower finger, rather
Release vertical finger pressure slightly during the slide to avoid a tense, jerky motion. Keep the thumb relaxed and moving fluidly with the hand. Advanced Practice Strategies Organizing Your Practice Sheets
Listen for an even volume distribution between both strings. Phase 2: Building the Hand Frame (Thirds and Sixths)
Play the first note alone. While keeping the bow on that string, silently place the second finger on the adjacent string. Once the finger is securely positioned, roll the bow to play both notes together. This prevents the hand from tensing up during simultaneous placement. 3. Acoustic Tuning