Skip to content 
The violin is one of the most expressive and beautiful instruments out there—but let’s be honest, it’s also one of the trickiest! Beginners often run into hurdles that can slow their progress or create bad habits. The good news? These mistakes are all fixable with the right approach! In this post, we’ll cover six common beginner violin mistakes and how to correct them so your playing can grow with confidence and clarity. Let’s dive in!
Poor Bow Hold
A tense or incorrect bow hold can lead to scratchy tone, uneven bowing, and sore hands over time. Your bow is your voice on the violin—how you hold it matters!
How to Fix It
1. Keep your fingers curved and relaxed, especially the pinky and thumb.
2. Imagine you are holding a small water balloon—gentle and loose.
3. Use bow hold exercises on a pencil before picking up the bow to build muscle memory.
Tension in the Left Hand
A tight grip or squeezing on the neck can slow you down and make shifting nearly impossible. Over time, it can even cause pain.
How to Fix It
1. Let your thumb rest gently on the side of the neck, not clenched underneath.
2. Your fingers should drop from above, like little hammers, not twist from the side.
3. Take frequent breaks to shake out your hand and keep it loose.
Not Using a Mirror or Video
Because you can’t see yourself while playing, many beginners develop habits they don’t even realize—like crooked bows or collapsed wrists.
How to Fix It
1. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself playing short sections.
2. Watch for bow angle, posture, and hand position.
3. Self-awareness is key—what you think you’re doing and what you’re actually doing are often different!
Unbalanced Bowing
Using uneven pressure or inconsistent bow speed can make your tone sound scratchy or weak. This is especially common near the frog or tip of the bow.
How to Fix It
1. Practice long, slow bows on open strings, focusing on even tone.
2. Aim for consistent pressure and speed from frog to tip.
3. Use your ears! If something sounds off, adjust your bow speed or weight.
Ignoring Intonation
Unlike the piano or guitar, the violin doesn’t have frets or keys—you are the pitch-maker! Playing out of tune is part of the learning curve, but ignoring it will stunt your progress.
How to Fix It
1. Practice slowly with a tuner to check finger placement.
2. Use drones (a sustained note in the background) to train your ear to hear harmonic relationships.
3. Listen critically and trust your hearing—it will sharpen over time.
Skipping the Basics of Reading Music
Some students get by using finger charts or mimicking what they see—but if you avoid learning how to read notes or train your ear, you’re limiting your potential long-term.
How to Fix It
1. Learn the basics of reading music—just enough to connect finger numbers with actual note names.
2. Practice identifying simple intervals and melodies by ear.
3. Challenge yourself to play a few lines without help from charts or videos. You’ll become more independent and confident as a musician!
Closing Notes
We hope this article helped you sort out some common beginner violin mistakes! The important thing is not to get discouraged. With a little awareness and consistent effort, you’ll develop strong habits that support your growth as a violinist.
Looking for some extra support on your violin journey? Our teachers are here to help! Reach out at 647-748-2787 to learn more about our violin programs Let’s make music together!
