SHAR Blog

So, you've decided that you'd like to learn a string instrument. Great choice! Playing a string instrument — be it a bowed instrument like violin or cello or a plucked/strummed one like guitar or ukulele — can be immensely rewarding, whether you have…

I’m here today to shed some light on a common question: what’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?

At some point, most kids will have another kid tell them that violin strings (not to mention stitches and tennis rackets) are made of cat intestines, or “catgut”. It’s a classic gross-out, especially effective if the kid on the receiving end is the…

We all know that the violin family of instruments — that is, violin, viola, cello, and double bass —  is most closely associated with classical music. It makes sense: one virtually defines the other, after all! Yet bowed string instruments have worked…

If you play a string instrument – be it a violin family instrument like what we sell at SHAR Music or an electric guitar, a harp, a European lute, what have you –  at some point during your musical practice you’ve surely wondered to yourself: “just…

Hello, Internet! Today, we’ll attempt to demystify the mutes used for violin, viola, cello, and double bass. These simple tools of the trade are essential string instrument accessories, and they're easy enough to use, but they also come with many…

When one closes their eyes to picture their archetype of a blues musician, most see someone with a guitar. This isn't too surprising: from Charley Patton to Bonnie Raitt, the guitar has been central to blues music throughout its recorded history.…