Discovering Rock Violin by violinist and author Chris Haigh is a comprehensive violin tutor for players who want to explore rock, pop, and contemporary violin styles. Written by the author of the respected Exploring Jazz Violin, this method book introduces the techniques, styles, and musical language used by rock violinists across multiple genres. It is ideal for violinists interested in moving beyond classical playing and exploring improvisation, stylistic versatility, and modern performance approaches.
The book examines the playing styles of more than 150 influential rock violinists, offering insight into how the instrument functions within blues, folk rock, country rock, progressive rock, jazz rock, and heavy metal. Through clear explanations and musical examples, players learn how rock violin technique differs from traditional classical approaches while gaining practical tools to develop their own sound and style.
Exercises and musical studies focus on essential topics such as chord structures, scale patterns, solo construction, rhythmic phrasing, and the use of stylistic effects that shape the rock violin sound. The included online audio material provides demonstrations, practice exercises, and play-along tracks performed by Chris Haigh on violin with a live backing band. These recordings help players understand how the written material translates into real musical performance and support effective independent practice.
Presented in standard notation, the book functions both as a learning method and as a stylistic guide for exploring modern violin playing. Students, teachers, and self-directed learners can use the exercises and musical examples to build improvisation skills, strengthen technical control, and develop confidence when playing contemporary styles.