How To Shift on the Violin: The Basics | Beginner Tips, Do’s & Don’ts, Exercises | Learn with Me

[@SuminaStuder1]

Don't forget to download your FREE worksheet, link in the Description 🎻😊 Chapters for easy navigation: 0:00 Intro + Today's topic! 0:54 Practice smarter, not longer 01:11 Definition 01:30 What is a "good shift", anyway?? 02:13 Keys to a good shift 02:28 Rules 03:18 Tips for teaching younger violinists 03:41 Level 1: Becoming familiar with shifting 09:09 Stabilizing your shifts 10:20 Outro + let's share tips in the comments! 😌

[@edisonlizama5742]

You are my inspiration ! Thankyou for the Tips greeting from Chile

[@yu-hengwang8338]

Just a suggestion: Timestamps are more helpful to most people when they are in the description, as KZbin automatically identifies them and places them within the video so you can easily navigate between different marked sections. Amazing video as usual, can't wait to put it to use!

[@Gnjsharma]

This was really well explained and the examples helped a lot. I look forward to more of these teaching videos, they give me a lot of confidence!

[@SuminaStuder1]

Now in turn, this comment of yours makes me more confident about my productions, too! Thank you so much for watching 🤗

[@Skinny_Karlos]

I'm a classically trained guitarist (Sydney Conservatorium) and took up the violin as a second instrument (third really as I started piano as a child for 5 years) about two decades or so ago and never noticed that I sometimes/often shift with my hand/wrist. To change to shifting solely with the elbow first is a game changer and I can't thank you enough as I haven't had a teacher for the last five years or so. A teacher would likely have picked me up on that but left to my own devices my technique has fallen. Thank you for your advice, it really helps. :)

[@madameliszt955]

I don't even play violin I just enjoy the videos

[@SuminaStuder1]

That means a lot, thanks 😄

[@Freakschwimmer]

Neither do I ^^ But I play the Cello so quite a lot of things are very similar :)

[@alastairboles4437]

Never too late...

[@Bernice.Liting]

I've just started learning pieces requiring 1st and 3rd positions. Just tried your exercises today and they really help my fingers get to the correct positions more consistently.

[@maite_0914]

The way you explain makes it so easy to understand! 🤍

[@SuminaStuder1]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you 🤗

[@DanielaSanchezviolin]

5:21 this was really helpful

[@irishshah]

Leading with the elbow! Game changer. Thank you! I can’t wait to use the scarf with my students.

[@seitzstringpros]

Really enjoyed your video! So glad you explained the sequence of events in the shift: arm first! Learning this makes enormous difference in shifting and overall intonation accuracy. Love the scarf trick - will definitely be using this on my students 🤓

[@theoneandonlymagnum]

Hey Sumina, your videos really help me out! Recently, I've picked up the violin again after a 10 year break. Could you make some videos on vibrato as well? Or do you have any tips or recommendations for exercises? Thanks in advance :)

[@acaciakennedia1580]

I love how you explain shifting, thanks very much. Also can you do a video on vibrato? I would love to see how you explain it. Keep doing these videos theyre really helpful.

[@theblackpearlinspiredstories]

she's such a inspiration

[@jeanhsu4779]

OMG I just start learning shifting recently!! This video couldn't have come in a better time!!! Thank you, Sumina!!

[@rickspyder6159]

Killer tutorial ...you rock girl...best explanation I've seen so far...this will be part of my daily routine ...this along with the intonia app is awesome

[@nurse.darwin]

Thanks for this tutorial, will apply it starting tomorrow, God bless🙏

[@88franko]

hehehe. I'm getting a masterclass. I always look forward to your uploads. They motivate me. :)

[@road2acoustic99]

Yeahhhh, I was waiting for this video since you published your short video last week, I'll watch it after the work, thanks Maestro 😍

[@SuminaStuder1]

Thank you so much! Tried to get it out sooner but thank you for your patience 😊

[@road2acoustic99]

@@SuminaStuder1 I just finished to watch it, it's very useful! Thanks again! You have to know the fact that you are one of the first violinist I've seen on KZbin when I started the violin, soon 3 years now, you are an inspiration for the futures generations, God bless you and keep all your hard work 👏 (Sorry for my english, I'm french 😁)

[@danielsaenz5570]

thank you for this! it is really helpful.

[@geraldblackburn4883]

I bought one a few years ago, student violin, and was taught, just over the last year to hold with the Thumb along the inside and 'finally' can strum without hitting the other strings 🙂, I have the position taped to my board and still clumsy with first and second positions, this was good. Moving with the hand and elbow, that is going to take some work, you move your elbow inward, I tend to move mine like a weight curl ? 😂

[@irodorinoyakata]

You are very beautiful and your violin sound is tach my heart！！

[@ericyeung1234]

Thank you Sumina. Can you create a video talking about string crossing, particularly on one finger on two strings?

[@kianaviolin03]

This video was really helpful for me İm playing violin for a year and i just learn third position 2 weeks ago and this video help me to understand it and practice it well. Thank you❤❤

[@rafaele.zavalacamero3099]

Thank you maestra!

[@loischan6023]

the fact that I get a notif for this vid the MINUTE I start practice 😌

[@layalialshoufi9369]

So helpful, thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@gerardo4104]

You have a beautiful voice!

[@jefflazo2795]

Thank you 😊

[@ОйбекКазимов-ф4т]

You’re very good teacher!

[@pra.Boss_]

I started learning violin. Can you explain more things about violin, I'm enjoying the violin by learning from your classes

[@angelosantiagogel8169]

Thank you for this lesson!

[@patriciaastrid8353]

Hi Sumina, thank you for sharing this, very helpful. I have a question on your bow hold (right hand thumb). My teacher told me to create an angle with the right thumb, i.e to create a circle with the middle right hand finger. In this video I saw your right thumb is pretty much straight, is this because you’re playing long notes ?

[@SuminaStuder1]

I agree with having a round thumb! Whilst "make a circle with middle finger & thumb" is easy to understand for beginners, I personally don't like explaining it that way, because it isn't detailed enough (I believe that the thumb should align between the middle + index finger). And yes, I did not portray perfect right hand form in this video 😂 I played it too casually and my thumb nail was too long tbh lol

[@qodaeus]

Thank you, Sumina.

[@Nightmar1500]

Thank you for this video and the PDF! One of my biggest issues has always been my pad of my thumb getting stuck on the neck when I’m trying to shift, still trying to figure that one out, but it doesn’t stop me from shifting too often, just sucks when it does. I will ask however about holding the bow. One issue I’ve been having a lot in the past is my bow slipping off my pinky while I’m playing so I end up readjusting my hand while I’m playing, I was wondering if you have any tips on that?

[@WanjiruSanya]

Hello, Thanks for the video. Could you kindly add onto the pdf the best position to shift to for the scales? Regards :)

[@hifahus.]

Thank you for the tips , you explained it very well but i have a question actualy i would like to have you opinion , well my violin teacher always told me that there is a rule about shifting , that i can only shift up ( ex: first to third ) with my 1 or 2 finger and shift down ( ex: third to first ) with my 3 or 4 finger. I am asking because having different opinions helps to become a better violonist

[@daniell23846]

Wait, what?

[@tinx266]

I think that in general, this rule works, but with all rules there are exceptions!! Take the example in the video where Sumina shifts from a fist position first finger to a third position third finger: as she is shifting, she uses a passing note with the first finger i.e. the first finger is actually completing the shift into third position and then the third finger is placed down after being moved into a new position I think your teacher is just making sure that you are comfortable shifting since the first and second finger are easiest to go up on and third and fourth generally come down easily Hopefully that wasn’t too confusing:) have a nice practice!🎻🎻

[@HappyG1lm0re]

This advice is gold. My shifting went from horrendous to pretty good after implementing these tricks. Thanks Sumina!

[@troutfisher7182]

Same here, after doing these a few times my shifting has improved immensely.

[@simlotus]

Thank you Sumina, your explanation hwo to learn shifting is great...!!! sometime when i cam back to first positon from the hight position on g string and try to play A note with the first finger on G String, i have a feeling, that the a notes not exactely the note a, is it normal and naturall to be not 100% satisfied? or practice practise practise?? :) :)

[@AndrewHubbardBadger]

Good morning :) You have the same Beethoven bust as me :)

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

Thank you.

[@s.p.production8380]

maam your teaching is owesome and your eye lashes are beautifull , big fan

[@wahyuanggoroputro4591]

Hey Sumina , We Love You From Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@silvag.r.4955]

i like it

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

What brand/ make of violin so you use. Please

[@kelvinlui7796]

Thank you so much Sumina for your generous sharing! May I know would you recommend galamian or Carl Flesch more on practicing scale?

[@BarroqueSpirit]

Genia!

[@troutfisher7182]

Shifting with the elbow instantly make it easier.

[@SylvainNyembo]

How to download some of your technics exercices ( Book)

[@sabinamartinez7863]

How can I short from 1 finger on the d string to the 2 finger on the g string

[@benwelchmusic]

Shouldn’t we call it 2 and a half position, when going from A to B natural on the g string?

[@dragonflarehg9276]

When I try doing the first exercises to shift 1st to 3rd position or really anything, the meat part of my finger I’m shifting with starts to really hurt, how do I fix that pain so I can practice shifting pain free?

[@SloppySuck]

Dragonflare more like dragonNGare

[@dragonflarehg9276]

@@SloppySuck thanks for that useful comment

[@matbob_]

I noticed she shifts from A to B in G string, to go from first position to second position with first finger. But, does second position not require first finger in B flat on G string? Can someone please explain?

[@tinx266]

Hi there:) second position is where the second finger would usually be, and I haven’t ever thought about it like you have before (making a distinction between high or low second finger) - I think that’s an important note Now I think that your second position will depend on the keg signature, so the reason that it is a B natural is because the key of the exercise is one that does not have a B flat If you are playing a piece with B flats, then it would be appropriate to shift from first finger A to first finger B flat because it is part of the key signature - that’s where the second finger would usually go when you’re playing in that key I also haven’t been playing violin for very long, but please give me your thoughts on my explanation! And if you completely disagree, take it with a grain of salt:) Also also also, you could definitely practice shifting from A to B flat, it’s just that exercises tend to stick to the notes of C major, G major and other relatively ‘easy’ keys on the violin (which means F major could be nice too:)) Hope this helps!

[@matbob_]

@@tinx266 Thank you so much for your comments! So, if I got it, second position can be either one "step" or two away from first position, depending on key, correct? Thank you. :)

[@meyerbeer13]

Positions themself have debatable utility asa concept.

[@wanderingpalace]

Nobody talking about how gorgeous she looks?

[@dvides89]

Hey Sumina , would be very interested to know your thoughts on Chromatic Glissando. I found a very interesting video on it by one of Ruggiero Ricci’s pupils: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHKQq4GOodikY5Y

[@rayseymour9877]

practice makes 'permanent' not perfect... mr pearlman

[@hauthot287]

no, u must practice 40 hours a day

[@leopardtiger1022]

Too long a bla bla, better start with Demo. And never never waste the time of viewers with bla bla bla. .

[@leopardtiger1022]

Don't talk too long. You are boring. Come to the point and demonstrate. I had respect after listening to you playing Paganini #5. But now !!!

[@SpringHuangMusic]

Speaking of the different scales systems, I’m curious about your thoughts on Carl Flesch v.s. Galamian 😊

[@Nightmar1500]

I use Flesch too! I was about to ask this

[@chau-anhnguyen2216]

Thank you Sumina! This was a very helpful and well made video :D

[@alifmustofa7852]

hello sis I like your video

[@chunpingding1196]

Very good quality video and audio. I learn and enjoy at the same time. Have a question: when we shift between position 1 and 3, do we change the hand shape? In other words, do we change the relative positions between the thumb and other fingers? I noticed that at 5:56 (at position 1), the indexed is closer to the bridge, compared with the thumb. However, at 6:01 (at position 3), the thumb is closer. That is to say that when you move from position 1 to 3, the thumb moves faster than the index finger. I thought we should move the thumb and the other 4 fingers at the same speed (when we shift at lower positions). Could you please comment? Thank you!

[@yaelfregier1218]

I asked myself the same question. I moreover wondered whether the rationale behind this could be to reach with the thumb two contact points (the base of the head with the interior side of the thumb in first position and the base of the neck with the exterior side of the thumb in the third position) that could be used as "tactil signals" that the forearm has reached the right position before moving back the thumb to its correct place with respect to the first finger. This could also explain why shifting to first and third position is considered more "stable" since one can use these two contact points while there is for the second position no contact point in the middle of the neck

[@holliewhite24]

Wonderful video and advice as always!🤗😊👏🏻👏🏻🎻💜

[@MCSCMusic]

I always have problems shifting back down positions e.g. 3rd back to 1st position where I don’t move down smoothly. Not sure if it’s due to my elbow or thumb position being wrong.

[@YuYinMelodies]

Very helpful and easy to understand, Sumina! 💕

[@geigenbauhellmich2296]

Great video! Which tools did you use to create the Thumbnail and the video? 🤗

[@yu-hengwang8338]

A problem I have with shifting is that I would get an individual shift very good. I do most of the things explained in this video right, but when I go play it in context, like the whole passage, it would go back to sounding as bad as before (out of tune again). My teacher has said it was my hand frame, but I don't think that's the issue. My hand frame stays pretty consistent every shift, in my opinion. Please HELP!

[@Louise-zs9rl]

Shifting from the elbow, can't wait to try this tomorrow thanks Sumina😁

[@weifrommusiclah7597]

Omggg, great explanation there and I am definitely showing this to some of my students. Thanks so much for creating this video, its really valuable! 🔥

[@adhamsabryviolin981]

Hello sumina, Hello everyone 😊 I watch your channel since the menuhin competition and I really enjoyed every video you've created for the violinists. My question: There is a shifting method the ( lift - shift - drop ) I want to know your opinion on this method? Thank you very much!

[@DanielaSanchezviolin]

7:06 this part is really helpful 😊

[@cliffsandifer3877]

I ve been a fiddler since before internet existed and watching shifting tutorials....taking something from many, violin is one of the greatest inventions. your technique is another notion to consider thank you

[@Monica-rv7go]

Hello Sumina, I would like to try a lesson with you. How do I arrange that with you? I tried clicking on the link in the description but it said it was an invalid link.

[@mxpujasingh]

Super helpful, thank you so much! 💗

[@ohtoriginalhimbeertoni]

Ich weiß, du bist eine exzellente Geigerin, für mein empfinden solltest du etwas langsamer sprechen. Es käme wesentlich entspannter rüber❣️

[@wut...4969]

5:42 6:17 7:00

[@mrnine998]

When you cut your hair again ?

[@SuminaStuder1]

I don't know, when will you cut yours?

[@londontechnician5186]

hi thank you for putting up teaching videos here, it encourage me to learn how to play. A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU.

[@daviddobrydnio1746]

I have been struggling with bow bounce and smooth bow changes. A DMA did a good job of instructing me to imagine kissing my wrist. I couldn't configure my hand shape and fingers so that they were conducive to drawing the upbow and staying on plane for a given string. Your camera angle is illustrates how you accomplish this manuever? and the slow motion demo adds to its pedagogical value. It will still take oodles of practice but maybe I can apply correctly what the DMA here in Connecticut taught me. I've watched other KZbin videos of your bowing but I couldn't decipher the nuances. It is with great anticipation I hope to absorb this particular video all inclusive in it's entirety. You may be only one person but you are both a gifted violinist and teacher which can be a dichotomous at times in the learning process given everyone's diverse background. Then as a student I feel a need to ask the right question the right way to obtain comprehension for myself. If I seem inept so what. I looked pretty foolish the first time I swung a golf club. Once I understood the swing plane things got better.

[@munimmultazam5394]

Sorry for being late to find this channel and thanks for the lesson. I'll try

[@Megan-el3kp]

i can shift well but when it comes to doing a 3 octave scale, my hand cramps up

[@troutfisher7182]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@yelenajones7568]

This well very helpful🙂👍

[@andreviana1369]

Amazing tips!