Suzuki Book 1 - Gavotte (Violin Play along and Tutorial)
Hi everybody, Joel Kennedy here with Kennedy Violins! Today, we’re tackling another Suzuki playalong: Gavotte from Suzuki Violin Book 1. Whether you're polishing this piece for the first time or circling back for refinement, I’ll walk you through everything—from tricky rhythms to bowing technique—so you can practice more efficiently and sound your best.
Download the PDF and follow along
First Playthrough: Getting Familiar
As usual, I start with a straight playthrough—no repeats, no distractions—just to get the feel of the piece in your ears. Then we’ll do it again with the metronome, which is where things get more precise.
🔁 Pro tip: Play it once just for musicality, and then again with the metronome to lock in the beat.
Understanding Cut Time (2/2)
Unlike most pieces in Book 1, Gavotte is in cut time (that’s the “C” with a slash through it). That means:
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The half note gets the beat.
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There are two beats per measure.
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So eighth notes fly by faster—you’ll feel like there are four of them per beat.
I recommend setting your metronome to 50 bpm to start. This will help you get the hang of the tempo and feel the two big beats per measure without rushing.
Key of G Major + Finger Patterns
We’re in G major—just one sharp (F♯). If you've gotten this far in Book 1, you know the territory, but here’s a quick refresher:
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2nd finger pattern:
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G string: high
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D string: high
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A string: low
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E string: low
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That’s high-high-low-low. But pay attention to accidentals—they sneak in here and there!
Bowing & Articulation: Staccato vs. Legato
Right from the top, articulation is key.
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Staccato notes are short and separated.
Use the middle of the bow and stop the bow cleanly between each note.
➡️ Reset to the middle every time you lift after a rest. -
Later, we transition to a legato (tenuto) section.
Keep the bow moving—long, smooth strokes in the middle to upper bow. -
Then, we mix things up: slurred staccato.
Two notes per bow stroke, but stop the bow briefly between each note.
It’s all about contrast!
Grace Notes: Sneak 'Em In!
Grace notes show up early in the piece—don’t panic.
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Start by practicing the phrase without the grace note.
Once you’re solid, sneak the grace note in before the beat.
It’ll “steal” time from the note before it, but it shouldn’t sound rushed.
Example:
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Without grace note: 🎵 bum, bum, bum
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With grace note: 🎵 (grace) bum, bum
Technical Challenge: 16th Notes
Let’s talk about that measure. You know the one—those fast 16th notes that tie your fingers in knots.
Here’s how to make them manageable:
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Remove the slur—play all notes separately first.
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Break it into two 4-note groupings.
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Focus on finger placement:
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C♯ (high 2nd) should touch your 3rd finger.
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C-natural (low 2nd) should touch your 1st finger.
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Keep your 1st finger down the entire time for hand stability and speed.
Once you’re smooth and consistent, add the slurs back in. It’s all about layering your skills one step at a time.
Bonus Challenge: Pizzicato Ending
Near the end, you’ll hit a pizzicato after two up-bows. Why up-bow?
Because it puts your hand in the perfect position for a clean pizz.
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Don’t pizzicato in between the bridge and fingerboard—it sounds dull.
Instead, pluck where the string rings best, closer to the fingerboard.
Reminder: Pizzicato = relaxed hand, precise aim.
Final Thoughts: Break It Down
This is a meaty piece, no doubt about it. Here’s how to simplify your practice:
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Practice in sections.
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Slow the tempo.
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Isolate problem spots.
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Add complexity gradually.
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Stay patient. You will get it!
