The violin is known for its rich, distinctive sound. Classical melodies, haunting sonatas, or toe-tapping, hand-clapping country and bluegrass music can all be produced on this versatile instrument. However, the violin is most closely associated with orchestras, and the symphonic—and very structured—music of the great composers.
Therefore, many new students wonder what popular songs (if any) can be played on the violin. Because, be honest… none of your friends were ever like, “Hey, that concerto in D Major really rocked!”
But, you can actually learn to play many of the most popular songs from a variety of decades and genres on the violin. In fact, the violin has been used in all types of music all around the world for centuries. Especially now, with all of the forms of crossover music, both the electric and acoustic violin are now being used by a number of big name bands and famous artists.
From pop music’s chart toppers to country music’s most memorable melodies and everything in between there are many popular songs to play on the violin that you listen too every day.
If you can’t think of any songs right off the top of your head that include the violin, this list can get you started. It includes popular songs from various genres and the sheet music to play it!
Pop
- “Stubborn Love” by the Lumineers. Listen here, find sheet music here.
- “Rebirthing” by Skillet. Listen here, access sheet music here.
- “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit Ft. Jess Glynne. Listen, and download sheet music.
- “Our Song” by Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift has a number of popular songs available for the violin. Listen to “Our Song” here, and download the piano, guitar, and vocal sheet music here.
- “Paradise” by Coldplay. Listen and view the free violin sheet music here.
- “Compass” by Lady Antebellum. Listen here, and view the violin sheet music here.
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Download the sheet music here.
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.
Country, Classics, and More…
Try these popular songs to play on the violin:
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels. You can watch this fiddle master play this tune here.
- Disney songs like: “Let it Go” (Frozen), “Beauty and the Beast,” “Colors of the Wind” (Pocahontas), “Love is an Open Door” (Frozen), “I See the Light” (Tangled), and “Part of Your World” (Little Mermaid).
- Play rock classics like: “Eye of the Tiger” (by Survivor), “Nothing Else Matters” (Metallica), “Hotel California” and “Tequila Sunrise” by the Eagles, “We are the Champions” (Queen), and “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas.
- Learn a variety of popular tunes by the Beatles like: “Hey Jude,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Yellow Submarine.”
- And, you can download the sheet music from many popular movies like: “Bella’s Lullaby” (Twilight—movie), “Star Wars,” “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” (Bryan Adams—Robin Hood), “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic), and “Over the Rainbow” (Wizard of Oz).
- There is also a variety of Contemporary Christian songs available from the latest artists like: Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace,” the Newsboys’ “In Christ Alone” and “I Will Be Here” by Stephen Curtis Chapman.
Surprising, isn’t it?
Whether you are a beginner violinist or an expert, it’s nice to know that there are many incredibly popular songs to play on the violin. You can learn to play cutting edge instrumentals that anyone will recognize, and impress your friends when they hear a hit song they really like.
And of course, even if some of your favorite songs don’t feature the violin that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt. The violin is so versatile you can play almost any song you like on it.
And although most of the popular songs to play on the violin listed above will cost less than $5 to access the full sheet music, there are some sites that offer collections and others that provide free access to violin sheet music.
So, have fun, search around. You can be playing the most popular songs on your violin in no time.
Still learning the violin? Check out some of the best ways to learn to play the violin.
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