The Structure of Thai Fiddle Fingering Systems for Playing Thai Contemporary Bands

Abstract

A research article was conducted on the structures of Thai fiddle fingering systems for playing in contemporary Thai music band. It was a part of the creative research entitled as “The Method in the Fingering Systems for Playing Thai Fiddle in Contemporary Thai Music Band.” The objective was to analyze the structures of Thai fiddle fingering systems for playing in contemporary Thai music band by conducting as qualitative research. The first way of the structure of Thai fiddle fingering systems for contemporary Thai music band was from Western music, music of other ethnicities, and authentic Thai music that was the same type of fiddle style. The second way was to listen to the characteristics of the sound then it was used to analyze how to use the fingering systems to get the accent. Thai fiddle instruments had different physical characteristics including calm and sharp sound of Saw Duang which the sound level could be heard clearly, and it was popular to use the technique of vibrating the strings. In the opposite, the technique of vibrating the strings caused the unstable sound when we used it with Saw-Ou, so the trill was used instead. Another way was to create based on the composer's purpose. The sound range of each type of fiddle style was different. The performer had to figure out the way to carry out the melody, finger system, finger position distance, and position movement, and to adjust the melody then make it melodic. The unique accent of the song had a scale as a variable to control the sound correctly. Fingers were close and spread apart according to the frequency of scale, not to deviate from that expression. The biggest problem was the B sound, for example B flat (Bb) that was commonly used in Mon accent songs if it was the B sound in Thai accent. The middle finger would spread apart from the A sound according to the style of expression. Listening was the most important thing for Thai fiddle musicians because they needed to have the ability to recognize sounds in various systems, to visualize various sound characteristics and accuracy, to understand the sound scales and principles of harmony, which were important parts to create harmony with the bands that were playing together. Also, performers should be aware of developing their auditory and listening skills so that they could play perfectly and harmoniously.