Fiddle & Bone
Getting started

How to Play the Bones

Most people get their first click within a few minutes. Take it slow and let your arm do the work.

Hold them

  1. The still bone. Slip one bone between your middle and ring fingers, with about three quarters of an inch showing above the knuckles. Grip it firmly so it stays put.
  2. The loose bone. Slip the other bone between your ring and little fingers, with about a quarter inch showing. Press your little finger lightly against it so it can swing.
  3. Curves together. Turn them so the outward curves face each other.

Play them

  1. Move from the arm. Keep your fingers relaxed and let your forearm and wrist do the work, as if knocking on a door. The loose bone swings and strikes the still one.
  2. Start slow. Play single clicks on the beat. Once they come easily, try rolls and triplets.

At a session, bones carry farther than you think. Play softly, listen to the tune players, and follow their lead.

Watch and learn

How to Play Bones with Dom Flemons. A beginner lesson from the Music Maker Foundation.

See them in action

Dom Flemons, bones solo on "Cindy Gal." What the bones sound like with a band behind them.

Ready for more? Beyond the Basics covers the triplet, the roll, Irish and old-time rhythms and session etiquette, and Resources lists lessons from the best teachers.