Understanding "Rain Rain Go Away" on the Violin: A Musical Analysis
The phrase "Rain Rain Go Away" is a popular children's nursery rhyme, but have you ever wondered how it translates onto the violin? This article explores the musical notes, chords, and techniques used to play this simple yet charming tune on the violin.
Basic Violin Notation for Beginners
Before diving into the song, let's quickly review some basic violin notation:
- Staff: Five lines where notes are placed.
- Clef: Symbol at the beginning of the staff indicating the pitch range. For violin, it's the treble clef.
- Notes: Symbols representing the duration of sound. Common notes are whole note, half note, quarter note, eighth note, and sixteenth note.
- Rest: Symbols representing silence. Rests are shaped like notes but have no stem or filled-in circle.
- Sharps (#) and flats (b): Symbols raising or lowering the pitch of a note by a half step.
Playing "Rain Rain Go Away" on the Violin
Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at the violin notes for "Rain Rain Go Away". This song is typically played in 4/4 time, with a quarter note equaling 100 beats per minute. Here's a simple sheet music representation:

| Notes | Fingering |
|---|---|
| E4 | 1st finger, 1st string |
| G4 | 2nd finger, 1st string |
| A4 | 3rd finger, 1st string |
| G4 | 2nd finger, 1st string |
| F#4 | 1st finger, 2nd string |
| E4 | 1st finger, 1st string |
To play this, use your first, second, and third fingers to press down the strings as indicated. Remember to keep your hand relaxed and use proper bowing technique.
Adding Chords and Variations
Once you're comfortable with the basic melody, try adding chords to enrich the sound. Here are some simple chords you can use:
- E major: 1st finger on 1st string, 2nd finger on 2nd string, 3rd finger on 3rd string, and 4th finger on 4th string.
- G major: 2nd finger on 1st string, 3rd finger on 2nd string, 4th finger on 3rd string, and 4th finger on 4th string.
- A major: 2nd finger on 1st string, 3rd finger on 2nd string, 4th finger on 3rd string, and 4th finger on 4th string.
You can also try varying the rhythm, dynamics, or even improvising your own melody based on the original tune.

Practice Tips for Violinists
Like any skill, playing the violin takes practice. Here are some tips to help you improve:
- Start slow and focus on accuracy before increasing speed.
- Use a metronome to keep time.
- Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Practice regularly – even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference.
- Consider taking lessons from a qualified violin teacher or using online resources to learn from experienced musicians.
Playing "Rain Rain Go Away" on the violin is a great way to practice basic notes and chords while having fun. As you become more comfortable with this tune, you can branch out and learn other songs, eventually building your skills to play complex pieces. Happy playing!