I was inspired to ask this question from the recent fiddle thread.As I told you I don't really want to learn to play fiddle (and folky style fiddle is the only think I can see myself doing,because I don't have money/time for classical lessons...so classical violin really wouldn't be the thing),I don't think I have enough interest and commitment-But just for fun I tried to pick this damn thing 25 or 30 times maybe,and I can't make a sound.Is only me? Is it common when you don't know how to play?Well sometimes I can do it,if I try hard 3 or 4 times,never at first attempt,and if I use an inhuman (well for a 94lbs girl)strenght and use the bow as a dangerous weapon.It looks clumsy,it's fatiguting but it does make a violin sound.But I suppose that's not the right way.You would be exhausted after 15 minutes other than blinding and seriously hurting those who listen.What's the RIGHT way? As I said I don't plan to study,but it would be nice to make some sort of SOUND.I can't play piano,but if I hit a key it makes a sound.I would like all the instruments I try to use to make a sound.With the violin it looks like they turned off the volume.And with my herculean style I break the strings too.