I started learning 3rd position (on violin) about a month ago and am getting on with that quite well.

However I keep coming accross music that goes up to the E or F above just for a note or two and shows the fingering (indicating higer positions). I can't help but just kind of have a go and sometimes I manage it lol

Do you think this is ok to do?

Or is it generally accepted that you learn 3rd position thoroughly then you try 5th or what ever and just learn them slowly one by one?

Any thoughts? Does it matter?

Firstly you start with music in 1st that a a small number of notes in 3rd. Then increase the amount of 3rd position notes in the pieces you play. If you have to go one note above 3rd then just stretch the 4th finger.

Learn all the notes for 3rd throughly. Then go on to 5th. 4th is just 3rd but one note higher, so no need to spend ages on it, if at all.

5th is a lot harder. The stretch will feel hard and you will flat for a while.

Just remember the gap between fingers should get smaller as you go up the violin.

Rather than learn the positions I am trying to learn where the notes are on the fingerboard, so that I can use whichever finger is best on that note, without thinking too much about what position it is.

I am also finding it is best to get the first finger down securely too, no matter what the position is, as the others then are more secure.

Not sure I am being too successful yet

My third position on the D string on viola (G) sounds really weak and stringy, not a nice sound. I don't know why.

Have you just started learning it? If so, it's quite normal at first - often because you're focussing so much on the position, the bow pressure, sounding point etc go to pot - it will get better as you become more secure.

The best advice I can give you is not to look at you fingerboard at all.

Allan

'Positions' on the fingerboard is a relatively new idea. Back in the days of Bach et al it was a case of using the most appropriate fingering for the notes.

Getting the first finger down securely when you shift is a real bonus, although lots of players don't do it - professionals included - but if you make a habit of learning to shift in the correct way, the first finger then acts as an anchor from which your other fingers can work.


Absolutely. Use your ears, not your eyes. One postural piece of advice I will give though, is to make sure you stand at a 45 degree angle to the music stand (if using one), so that the scroll and the general position of the violin is pointing at the music. If you stand directly facing the music stand, it will encourage you to drop the violin from the shoulder further round towards your chest and the scroll will point floorwards.

Apart from the appalling aesthetic appearance this gives a player, it will do nothing for your technique, not to mention back, neck, or shoulders. It will also adversly affect your shifting too - with the scroll pointing towards the floor, you will have the added problem of pushing your hand up (the fingerboard) against gravity, which is not the best scenario for quick or smooth shifts. If the instrument is held up, horizontally on the shoulder, your shifting will feel effortless by comparison.