Hi, a nice thread this one...

Theres lots and lots of different ways to learn how to 'play' an instrument, my advice is go for it. Play along with advanced players, ask them questions even get them to give you lessons. But most importantly when you have a lesson note down the things to tackle then as you work at it you will slowly cross all of these things off as you master them. You will find the best way you find you learn.

In a nut shell though the more you play the better you will become. Don't for get it is an instrument you are playing and they are played in many different ways. You see I think you have to find what fits you. Obiouly technics that have exsisted for years clearly work otherwise people would have stopped playing the instrument that way.

I am about to start learning the nyckelharpa of which I only know of three other players in england. What I am going to do is to put all of what I have said above into practice. Following the ancient traditions of ways of holding and playing the nyckelharpa. It will be a voyage of discovery and it begins in July!!!

good luck and just have fun!!

Cheers, Sam