Violin Left Hand Position Trick!

Remember, not everyone can get a beautifully curved left pinky. I struggle with this too! We’re just looking for a position that is comfortable, and allows excellent use of the 4th finger.

[@rozarustemi3524]

Greetings professor! I am of the opinion that to be an excellent violinist you are not necessarily an excellent teacher. Being a good teacher is not always learned, you have to be born with it. And I think you are one of them. I would have loved to have been lucky enough to have such a technical and practical professor when I was younger. I can't wait to see your new videos because at the age of 47 I decided to return to the violin instrument again, and people like you make the practice that awaits me even easier. Thank you and have a nice day!

[@professorV]

Thank you for your very kind note, it’s genuinely appreciated! I’m glad you have returned to your violin and I wish you the very best with your studies. Go for it!

[@Dilsli]

Dear ProfessorV, when you post a video, I feel as if I was going back to school times to visit my favorite teacher. That same kind of feeling, like gratitude for one who taught me what I wanted to learn. I'm one of you anonymous students from across the Atlantic. I hope you and your family are well.🌻🌞 Thank you very much for all your videos!

[@professorV]

That’s a really sweet comment, which made my day! I appreciate it very much. :)

[@annemuldoon1159]

thanks for this reassurance about thumb placement. I have a good teacher who advises me that the neck of the violin should rest on my thumb which is under the neck but I do sometimes have it point toward the scroll. I have very small hands so will try to move my arm as well to achieve the curved pinky. Glad I found this video today.

[@annasolonenko3224]

Anche senza sapere inglese, posso capire spiegazioni del MAESTRO guardando i gesti. Bravissimo!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@professorV]

I’m very happy you can follow along and understand. Thank you for your kind comment!

[@valeriaromano857]

I'm happy every time you post a video. Thanks for the time you dedicate to us

[@professorV]

Thank you, Valeria!

[@LazDamar]

You’re a genius! This totally worked. In 2 minutes.🎉🎉. Thank you!

[@professorV]

That’s great. Thanks for letting me know.

[@Universe2929]

PRANAM GURUJI ( THE MASTER )❤❤❤❤❤❤ LOVE FROM INDIA.

[@renshimarek]

Ja zaczynam naukę.Dwa tygodnie temu po raz pierwszy mam skrzypce w ręku...twój kanał bardzo mi się podoba.Twoje lekcje są bardzo interesując.Zycze ci miłego dnia.

[@professorV]

Best wishes with your violin! I hope you have a nice day too.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Thanks professor V. I have large hands, but extremely tiny pinkies. It challenges me to no end. But I’m determined to master the violin, so at least I can play at an acceptable level in open mics and jam sessions. You have a new subscriber…..I’m gonna try this technique.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Oh, and I’m a 73 year old beginner!

[@professorV]

@@nickiemcnichols5397 Best Wishes!

[@BarbAFB55]

Great advice!

[@professorV]

Thanks, Barb!

[@CodyCEngdahl]

Wow, that really helps! Thanks!

[@jogmas12]

If I take up violin 🎻 I am learning to play right hand even though I’m left handed. I started playing guitar left handed and I regret that decision. If I could relearn guitar all over again I learn to play it right handed. Not making the same mistake with violin 🎻

[@joelpenazzo7248]

Great 👍thanks

[@farzadebdali]

🔥

[@infinitepawer]

I feel like I having some kind of curse because I can hold anything like a violin on my shoulder and all my fingers can do anything independently and effortlessly but as long as I hold a violin my pinky get so much tension and it become hard to move and my 1st can't hold on the fret when trying to move the pinky. By the way If I hold the violin up side down (string face downward back face upward my fingers magically play free again. This problem bug me for years and I just can't progress my playing. Still looking for a solution but no luck.

[@professorV]

That’s obviously frustrating. If you hold it like a guitar, is your left hand free and relaxed ? When you put your violin on your shoulder, try supporting the violin with your right hand (without bow), but don’t put your head on the chinrest. Keep your head straight and relaxed. Does your left hand still feel “free?”If so, put your head on the chinrest, but make sure to keep your left shoulder relaxed and down. Anything change? Now, start playing. Does your shoulder go up and get tense? You could trap a nerve over time. If not, concentrate on the amount of tension you have in your thumb, and how hard you press on the strings. Perhaps you can locate a source of tension, and then work to reduce it. It’s possible the just rotating your shoulder and arm pinches a nerve somewhere. Anyway, I wish you well and hope you can find a solution.

[@infinitepawer]

@@professorV First of all thanks for your fast reply. I suspect that has something to do with the string tension or I am pressing too much than necessary so I decide to take off all the strings few days ago and practice just like that, not sure if that help but time will tell. It just ridiculous my fingers are all free to move any way they want without tension no matter what posture I do even sleep on the floor or sit on the chair with my leg on the computer table or simply any "wrong" postures that are not recommended for any violinist but as long as I hold the violin with a proper posture suddenly my pinky has such tension come from no where and become lame. By the way I do play guitar and having the same problem too. Let me know if I can upload a 1m video into my channel for you to have a look to better understand my problem. Thanks in advance.

[@svvksylvia2762]

For those who has double joint pinky, it's slightly complicated. But very useful technique, thank you.

[@professorV]

Hello, yes, some people have more trouble with their 4th fingers due to size, shape, etc. I think it can be improved with creative thumb placement, creating the optimal geometry, but it may never be the beautiful, curved pinky that we see with the large hands. That’s ok! I’ve seen fantastic players who work around this issue. Best wishes with your violin.

[@svvksylvia2762]

Just wondering if you offer online lesson to children?(11yo)@@professorV