🎻 Which Violin Style Should You Learn First? Indian or Western?
Before starting your violin journey, one of the most important decisions you must make is which style of playing you want to learn — Indian or Western.
Even though the violin is a Western instrument by origin, over time, Indian musicians adopted it and created their own unique style of playing that aligns beautifully with Indian classical music.
🎶 A Brief History
- The British introduced the violin to India during the colonial period.
- Over the years, Indian classical musicians developed their own posture, tuning, and playing techniques.
- While Western players hold the violin on the shoulder, Indian classical players rest it between the chest and the ankle while seated cross-legged.
This new posture allows Indian musicians to use expressive elements like Meend (glides), Murki (ornamental flourishes), and Gamakas, which are key parts of Indian classical music.
🎻 Posture & Technique: Indian vs Western
| Feature | Western Style | Indian Style |
|---|---|---|
| Posture | On the shoulder | On chest/ankle while sitting |
| Vibrato | Frequently used | Used but less prominent |
| Expression | Mainly vibrato | Meend, Gamak, Murki |
| Bowing | Straight, formal | More flexible |
| Holding Position | Standing or sitting with support | Cross-legged sitting |
🔄 Tuning System Differences
- Western Tuning: G – D – A – E (similar to Sa – Re – Pa – Ma)
- Indian Tuning: Pa – Sa – Pa – Sa or Ma – Sa – Pa – Sa
In India, players have adapted different tuning methods based on the raga or style they perform.
Even today, you’ll find:
- Some players using Ma – Sa – Pa – Re
- Others using Pa – Sa – Pa – Sa
- Some using Ma – Sa – Pa – Sa (which I personally use)
🎓 Which Style Should Beginners Learn First?
👉 My Personal Experience:
If you start with Indian classical style, you can easily switch to Western later.
But if you start with Western first, adapting to Indian classical becomes more difficult, especially because of the complex ornamentations and posture.
So, if your goal is to explore Indian music, start there.
🔍 Violin is a "Blind" Instrument – No Frets!
Unlike the guitar, violin has no frets, so you have to rely completely on your ear and muscle memory to play in tune.
Yes, it’s difficult at first. But once you set your mind to it, everything becomes possible with consistent practice.
💡 Summary: Which Style Is Better?
| Situation | Recommended Style |
|---|---|
| You love Indian classical music | Start with Indian style |
| You want to play orchestra or Western songs | Start with Western |
| You want flexibility | Start with Indian – then move to Western |
| You already play Western instruments | Western might feel easier |
💬 Have a Question?
If you have any doubts or want to ask anything related to learning violin,
go to www.deckm.in and drop your question in the chat box with your email – we’ll get back to you soon.
✅ Final Thought
The violin is a beautiful, expressive instrument. It may not be easy at first — especially because it's fretless — but once you find your style, and stick to regular practice, it becomes a lifelong companion in your musical journey.
