Songs · Absolute beginner
How to play Lightly Row on violin
The second tune in most beginner books. It stays on the A and E strings in first position and introduces skips between fingers instead of pure step-by-step motion.
- Composer
- Traditional (German folk song)
- Key
- A major
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo
- 76–100 bpm
- Strings used
- A and E
- Level
- Absolute beginner
The notes
E C# C# — D B B — A B C# D — E E E
Finger numbers
- A string: A = open (0), B = 1st finger, C# = 2nd finger, D = 3rd finger
- E string: E = open (0)
Why this piece is worth learning
Lightly Row is the first tune where fingers must skip (open A straight to 2nd finger C#), which trains finger independence and accurate placement without shifting.
Step by step
1. Say the finger numbers
Speak 0-2-2, 3-1-1, 0-1-2-3, 0-0-0 out loud before you touch the bow.
2. Pluck the melody
Pizzicato until the skips feel automatic and every note is in tune against a tuner.
3. Whole bows first
Bow each quarter note with a full bow so the tone stays even across the string change.
4. Add the repeat
Play the second half, then join both halves at 76 bpm and raise the tempo in 8 bpm steps.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
C# is flat
Second finger sits close to the first on the A string. Check C# against the open E string — they should ring together.
Bumpy A-to-E crossing
Move the whole arm to the new string level rather than flicking the wrist.
Fingers fly off the string
Leave the first finger down while the second and third play.
A 15-minute practice plan
- •3 min — open A and E long bows
- •4 min — finger pattern 0-1-2-3 up and down the A string with a tuner
- •5 min — pizzicato melody
- •8 min — bowed melody at 76 bpm, then 84 and 92
Practise Lightly Row with real-time feedback
Violin AI listens while you play and scores your intonation note by note — free to start.
Questions
What notes is Lightly Row on the violin?
E, C#, C#, D, B, B, A, B, C#, D, E — all in first position on the A and E strings.
Is Lightly Row harder than Twinkle?
Slightly. Twinkle moves mostly by step, while Lightly Row skips between fingers, which needs more accurate placement.
Next songs: twinkle twinkle little star · ode to joy · amazing grace · canon in d
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