Fiddle, and elbow pain...

[brewerpaul]

A concert by The Battlefield Band a couple of nights ago inspired me to take the ol' fiddle off the shelf and try to learn to play the wee beastie.

The worst part was fairly sharp but temporary elbow pain in my left arm. After playing for a while, it hurts to straighten that elbow. One or two flexes the pain is totally gone.

Is this usually a temporary thing, relieved after playing a while? Faulty position? If so, what is likely to be my error? I know that the best thing would be a lesson or two, but that's not gonna happen right now. Thanks.

[brewerpaul]

Haha! I'd forgotten I asked the same question a few years back:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=64020&start=0

[benhall.1]

I think it must be faulty posture or position of the arm, because I've never heard of people getting this pain trying to play the fiddle. If you can't get to a teacher for lessons, is there a friendly, decent, local fiddler who could have a look at what you're doing? Failing that, how about posting a vid, so we can see what's wrong?

[Tim2723]

I get the same thing. I don't know. I just figured that was why they teach violin to little kids. They're flexible. I'm too old to twist myself into those contortions.

[benhall.1]

Two of you! I'm puzzled. You must be doing something wrong - it really shouldn't hurt like that.

Vids please.

[MTGuru]

Paul, if you just hold your arm and hand in position without the fiddle, does it still hurt? Or only with the instrument in place?

[brewerpaul]

Paul, if you just hold your arm and hand in position without the fiddle, does it still hurt? Or only with the instrument in place?

Hmmm.. that's not a position I'd normally assume without a fiddle there. Just sat here in position long enough to whistle (with my lips) two run throughs of Boys of Bluehill. No pain.
Then I went and did the same on the fiddle. Still no pain. I may be settling into a better playing position.