8/01/2014

Learning How To Hold A Violin

By Annabelle Holman


The violin or fiddle is a wonderful four-stringed instrument that was created to make beautiful melodies. However, a common mistake that students of this magical instrument make is not learning how to hold a violin properly. This is the first thing that should be studied. There is the right way to hold it which should be followed every time that one picks up this instrument.

One important piece of equipment that is a must have for beginning students is known as a shoulder rest. One can find the location of this tool in the on the back on the fiddle next to the lower bout. It basically adds comfort when playing.

There are various types of shoulder rests to purchase. Those looking for a less expensive option will find that a long nylon sponge works just as well. Just use a rubber band and apply it to the back of the violin and the back of the left edge of the corner.

As far as positioning, the instrument is to be held in the left hand and rest on the left shoulder at the top. It should also be sitting on the shoulder rest at the top. Make sure that the chin is placed directly on the chin rest located at the violin's base. The piece is oval in shape and black as far as color. It makes holding the instrument more comfortable. There should be a firm fit between the shoulder and instrument to the point that no hands are needed for added support.

An individual's left hand is responsible for holding the instrument. It should be placed at the neck of the instrument. The left thumb is also important and must be placed to the left of the fingerboard. There needs to be at least a half an inch of space between the thumb and fingerboard. The thumb should be level with the height of the fingerboard.

The positioning of the wrist is sometimes difficult for beginners to perfect. It is natural to want to place one's wrist on the back of the fiddle in order to rest, but is strongly discouraged. The wrist is not supposed to touch the instrument at all, but should always be in a straight position. It needs to be free to play whatever notes it wants uninhibited.

The instrument always needs to be parallel to the ground and and straight in front of the individual. It is the individual's decision to play either standing up or sitting down. Anyone can get lazy and play with the instrument pointed downwards, but this is a bad habit to start. If playing standing up, feet must be shoulder width apart and weighted evenly. When sitting down, make sure to sit at the edge of the chair in and no not slouch.

If these guidelines are followed consistently over time, it will become more natural to play the violin. It is so very important to follow these tips in order to make sure that good habits are developed. Good habits are ones that should last a lifetime.




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