Borders Fiddle Style

Double stopping, sympathetic strings, triplet runs…

Is there a distinctive Borders fiddle style? Musicologist Fred Freeman has identified two styles, influenced by leading Borders players and their role in the dance tradition.

The 'heavy' (see Jonny Hardy/Dick Gossop soundbite) style uses chords that provide a drone and allow the fiddle to accompany itself and create a big sound that will fill a dance setting.

The 'light' (see Bob Hobkirk Lochaber No More soundbite) style is more delicate, and suited to a more intimate setting or the playing of airs. Characteristics include triplet runs and the sounding of sympathetic strings.