Once you have the PDF or physical book in hand, the real work begins. Simply playing through the exercises once is useless. Based on Fischer’s own teaching principles, follow this protocol:
Step 1: The "Ghost" Bow Before bowing, place both fingers down silently. Lift the bow off the string. Listen for the "combination tone"—a third, lower note created by the two pitches vibrating together. If you don’t hear it, adjust your fingers.
Step 2: The Rhythm Game Do not play whole notes. Fischer suggests using:
Step 3: The Pivot When shifting between double stops (e.g., from C-E to D-F in thirds), Fischer teaches the "finger pivot." One finger remains glued to the string while the other slides. This preserves your hand frame.
Step 4: Rest as Much as You Play Double stop practice is physically taxing. For every 10 seconds of playing, rest for 10 seconds. The PDF’s layout is spacious; use the blank space to write the time you spent on each line.
If you absolutely cannot secure the Simon Fischer PDF, here are two comparable (though not identical) resources that are legally available for free or cheap:
Fischer’s genius is the text between the exercises. If you just download a raw scan of the notes without his written instructions (which many pirate scans omit), you lose 50% of the value.
If you’d like, I can:
Simon Fischer's Double Stops is a comprehensive practice method designed to master the technical challenges of playing scales in double stops . Rather than just providing fingerings, this book breaks down the complex physical movements into smaller, manageable exercises that build up to complete scale mastery . Core Philosophy and Exercises
Physical Freedom: A central theme is maintaining a soft, free hand. Fischer emphasizes that the hand should be as relaxed when playing double stops as it is when not playing at all .
Scale Preparation: He treats actual scale practice as the final stage, recommending "scale-studies" first to engrain good habits like lateral finger movement and precise shifting .
Mobility Exercises: The method includes specific drills to move the hand and joints while keeping fingers in tune, ensuring the hand doesn't "lock up" during double-stop passages .
Intermediate Notes: For shifts in double stops (like octaves or tenths), Fischer teaches the use of "intermediate notes" to measure distance accurately before placing the final fingers . Essential Free Resources (PDFs)
Fischer has shared several excerpts and related sequences from his Basics series that are vital for double-stop technique:
Double Stop General Principles: Exercises for left-hand mobility and joint freedom .
Double-Stop Practice Sequences: Shifting sequences adapted from piano exercises, useful for thirds and tenths .
Scale Studies in Double Stops: A sequence focused on thirds and developing the harmonic progression of a scale . simon fischer double stops pdf
The full book is available through major music retailers like The Strad Shop and Vivace Violins . 🎻 Master the Double Stop: The Simon Fischer Way
Struggling with tension in your double stops? You aren't alone! Simon Fischer's revolutionary approach turns these "impossible" intervals into a series of logical building blocks.
Key Takeaway: Stop practicing the scale and start practicing the mobility. Fischer suggests moving your hand in small circles while holding a double stop—if you can’t move, you’re too tight!
Check out these free PDF exercises to transform your practice today: ✅ Hand Freedom: Relaxation Drills ✅ Thirds & Tenths: Shifting Sequences
#ViolinTechnique #SimonFischer #DoubleStops #ViolinPractice #StringPlayer #MusicEducation Double Stops - Simon Fischer
Mastering the Double Stops: A Comprehensive Guide to Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF
As a string player, you're likely no stranger to the challenges of navigating complex musical passages. One of the most effective ways to improve your technique and musicality is by incorporating double stops into your practice routine. Double stops, which involve playing two strings simultaneously, can add depth, richness, and emotion to your playing. However, they can also be daunting, especially for those new to the technique.
That's where Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF comes in. As a renowned violinist and pedagogue, Fischer has developed a comprehensive guide to help string players of all levels master the double stops. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Fischer's approach, explore the benefits of double stops, and provide tips for incorporating this technique into your practice routine.
The Benefits of Double Stops
Double stops are an essential part of string playing, offering a range of benefits for musicians. By playing two strings simultaneously, you can:
Simon Fischer's Approach
Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF is a comprehensive guide that takes a systematic approach to teaching double stops. Fischer, a Hungarian-born violinist, has spent decades developing his pedagogical method, which emphasizes the importance of slow practice, precise intonation, and musicality.
Fischer's approach is built around a series of exercises and etudes that gradually introduce double stops, starting with simple two-note combinations and progressing to more complex passages. The PDF guide includes:
Tips for Practicing Double Stops
To get the most out of Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF, follow these practice tips:
Incorporating Double Stops into Your Practice Routine Once you have the PDF or physical book
To integrate double stops into your practice routine, try the following:
Conclusion
Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF is an invaluable resource for string players looking to improve their technique and musicality. By following Fischer's systematic approach and incorporating double stops into your practice routine, you'll be able to:
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, double stops can add a new level of depth and complexity to your playing. With Fischer's guidance and your dedication to practice, you'll be well on your way to mastering this essential string technique.
Download Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF
Ready to take your playing to the next level? Download Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF today and start exploring the world of double stops. With this comprehensive guide, you'll have everything you need to master this challenging technique and take your music making to new heights.
[Insert link to download Simon Fischer's Double Stops PDF]
Additional Resources
For more information on Simon Fischer and his pedagogical approach, check out the following resources:
By combining Fischer's expert guidance with your own dedication to practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and expressive string player.
Simon Fischer ’s approach to double stops focuses on "dividing and conquering"—breaking complex chords into simple components before reassembling them. You can find several specific exercise PDFs on his official site, such as Double Stop Intonation and Thirds in Double Stops.
Below is an original study piece for solo violin designed around his core principles: maintaining light finger pressure and using "ghosting" techniques. Double Stop Study in G Major Focus: String crossings and finger lightness
1. The "Ghost" PreludeBegin by playing only the lower note of each double stop. Then, repeat the line, but place the upper finger on the string with "harmonic-like" pressure—touching the string without pressing it down—to keep the hand relaxed. 2. The PiecePlay with a slow, sustained bow ( fortef o r t e ). Focus on the "pivot" between double stops.
Moderato (q = 72) 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 E |---3---|---5---|---7---|---8---| A |---1---|---3---|---5---|---7---| D |-------|-------|-------|-------| G |-------|-------|-------|-------| (Thirds: Keep fingers light; don't press harder for two notes) 2 2 4 4 0 0 1 1 E |-------|-------|---7---|---8---| A |---5---|---7---|---3---|---5---| D |---3---|---5---|-------|-------| G |-------|-------|-------|-------| (Sixths: Listen for the "third tone" or low buzz to check tuning) 4 1 4 1 1 0 1 0 E |---7---|-------|---5---|-------| A |---0---|---3---|---0---|---2---| D |-------|---2---|-------|---0---| G |-------|-------|-------|-------| (Octaves/Sixths: Narrow the vibrato on the higher string) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Key Principles for Practice
The Secret of Pressure: You do not need double the finger pressure for a double stop. Keep the hand feeling as light as if you were playing single notes to avoid tension.
Perfect Intervals: For the octaves in the third section, the tuning is "inarguable"—there is no wiggle room. Tune these first before adding vibrato. Step 3: The Pivot When shifting between double stops (e
The ABC Method: If a transition between two chords is difficult, isolate just those two notes. Master them so they feel "easy" before playing the whole line. Double Stops - Simon Fischer
It sounds like you’re referring to a specific resource: Simon Fischer’s work on double stops, likely a PDF of his exercises or excerpts from his books such as Practice or Basics.
Simon Fischer is a well-known violinist and pedagogue, and his double-stop exercises are highly regarded for systematically building intonation, shifting, and left-hand strength. A PDF titled something like “Simon Fischer Double Stops” might include:
However, because Fischer’s materials are copyrighted and commercially available (e.g., through Peters Edition or his own publications), sharing or downloading a free PDF without permission would be illegal.
If you’re looking for legitimate access:
If you saw this on a forum or social media, it may have been a scan of a few pages used for educational discussion — but in general, for complete study, buying the book or borrowing a legal copy is the proper route.
Would you like a summary of the key double-stop practice principles from Fischer’s method instead?
Simon Fischer’s Double Stops: Scales and Scale Exercises for the Violin is widely considered the "science" of mastering one of the violin's most daunting technical hurdles. Unlike traditional scale books like Flesch, which simply present the notes and leave the "how" to the student, Fischer’s 346-page manual deconstructs double stops into their fundamental mechanical parts. Why This Book is Different
Most manuals are just lists of fingerings. Fischer argues that if you can't already play scales fluently, a list of notes won't help you get there.
The "Scale-Study" Approach: Each section (thirds, sixths, octaves, etc.) features pages of preparatory exercises that isolate shifting, intonation, and hand tension before you ever play the full scale.
Building Block System: For thirds alone, Fischer provides 20 distinct exercises; the actual scale is only the final step.
Mental Models: The book focuses on building a mental and physical "recipe" for effortless playing rather than mindless repetition. Core Techniques for Mastery 🎻
Fischer’s pedagogy focuses on removing the "emergency" feeling often associated with double stops. 1. The "Soft Hand" Principle
The most common mistake is over-pressing or gripping the neck. Fischer insists the hand must remain as "soft and free" as when it isn't playing the instrument at all.
Mobility Exercises: He suggests moving the hand in circles or shifting slightly while keeping the notes in tune to ensure joints stay flexible.
Ghosting: When practicing octaves, use "ghost notes"—place the fingers but play with almost no bow pressure to feel the string rise under your finger as you release tension. 2. Shifting Early
Many violinists tense up because they shift too late, creating a "tight" or "heavy" feel. Interview with Simon Fischer: Double Stops - Violinist.com
Before playing a single double stop, Fischer introduces "finger patterns" on single strings. These patterns mimic the shapes required for thirds, fourths, and sixths. This preparatory stage is often missing from older methods (like Ševčík), making Fischer’s approach uniquely injury-preventive.