Don't Fret!!

The violin is a fretless instrument - unlike the guitar, banjoe, ukelele, or mandolin which utilize metal bars at intervals on the fingerboard. Violinists must rely on their ears to ensure the note played is in tune.

An old trick of the trade employed by music teachers is the use of electrical tape to mark the finger placement for beginning students.

The tape is removed as the student begins to rely more on his ear to recognize correct pitch and as he develops an understanding of scales and musical keys.

Taking the tape off is a rite of passage for the violin student - it is a significant achievement  indicating the student understands something that will remain a mystery for most folks!   : )