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[grainya]

So I know this is fiddle community, not violin but... worth a go anyway.

We just got new music for orchestra, and my second violin part goes up to 6th position. Ouch. So for anyone that knows how to shift... do you go from first to third to sixth? Or straight from first to sixth? Staring at it hasn't been working.

Comments

[highlandsun]

As a fiddler I'd say you go with what you're comfortable with, using whatever reference points you need. I guess you might want to go to 3rd position just to make sure you're still on target. It also depends on how much time you have to shift. If you don't have time to stop along the way, then you just get used to memorizing where 6th is.

[typsygypsy]

*stares blankly*

What's a position?

[beeky]

I took classical violin for ten years in highschool.
The further you go up you must remember that your notes are getting closer together so your finger stretch isn't as extreme. The easiest way to shift from first to third lets go with the E string. Play your F with the first finger, then your G with the 2nd, then move your hand up and play your first finger with the A again.

Depending on what notes you are playing in the 6th position you will have to practice as you move up. 6th position with the first finger is the same note as 3rd position with the 3rd finger.

So in other words. in 3rd position on the E string
First Finger = A (above the treble clef)
Second Finger = B
Third Finger = C =First Finger in 3rd position.

Does this make sense?

[beeky]

I mean Third finger in 3rd position = C which is the First finger in SIXTH position!

Sorry about that!

[beeky]

Also when moving from 1st to 6th takes some practice on where to stop and knowing where that note is on the violin. A lot of times it is easier to just slide around in 6th position with one finger because the notes aren't that far apart. Find out what works easiest with you, the most important thing that far up is the knowing WHERE the notes are!

[grainya]

It actually does. I learned how to do 3rd position and can shift to that without any trouble. I never learned above that though, so I understand the theory behind it, it's like shifting to 3rd again, but I wasn't sure what the correct way to do it is. I think I may have to go straight from 1st to 6th, just because there's no rest in the piece, but I was curious how you're supposed to do it.

[jillwise]

yuck :S i hate super high positions :S

i would definitely recommend trying to shift up gradually if possible, as first to sixth is somewhat random ;P maybe ask your teacher/ conductor to help you work out some fingerings, and practise the shifts isolated from the piece. i hope this is a little bit helpful at least; it is definitely much easier to explain with an actual violin!

ps what are you playing?

[grainya]

We're doing a few pieces from "Rodeo" for our May concert - Buckaroo Holiday, Ho-Down (which is the "Beef, it's what's for dinner" commercial song), a few others. We're also doing Shenandoah and a Patsy Cline medley :D

[jillwise]

sounds like a good time! good luck :)

[grainya]

I definitely haven't tried 4th yet. I can't quite recall what the note before the shift is, so it's possible that would be easier.