Violin Tips: How to Hold a VIolin or Viola Without Tensing Up (How to Play the Violin or Viola)

[@yoseiyosei11111]

Fun fact of learning violin: At least one of your bone will feel uncomfortable

[@ashbeelashbeel7880]

Thats quite a funny way of saying it!!!😂😂😂

[@Creationhorse]

Yeah, my collar bone hurts

[@elevatedculture4435]

I'm a teacher and have been trying to find ways of explaining the posture and the violin fitting to students and this really helped. Thanks a lot for a very clear and informative video.

[@josiesequins4962]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! There are a lot of beginner videos that seem to gloss over a lot of these little details that are important to people (like me) who want to learn without paying for lessons. By explaining WHY we need to hold the violin/thumb etc in a certain place and what happens if we don't, and showing how the mechanics of the body have an impact you've make it a lot easier to actually find the correct positions. Those extra details and instructions make all the difference. :D

[@EternalQuestion]

Imagine going to your first lesson with a brand new instrument... When I went to my first lesson, the teacher produced a battered old case that could barely hold itself shut, and inside was a 3/4 violin that looked little better. I still loved it anyway. Later at secondary school, I was sent to rummage around in the store cupboard and find myself a full size violin. I managed to find one slightly better than the first, though just barely... It was only after playing for 3 years and having several grades under my belt that my teacher finally recommended to my parents that it was time to buy a violin. It wasn't anything too fancy, but it felt like a fricking stradivarius compared to what I'd used before. So if you go to your first lesson with a brand new instrument, please try to appreciate how lucky you are! P.S. all of this was 25 years ago, I still have that violin, and it still sounds great. It's 35 years old now, the same as me.

[@maxchristensenmusic8858]

Best video I’ve seen on this topic yet. Very thorough without being repetitive and trivial

[@xethlorien4736]

As a bassoonist of 20 years who just picked up the viola for the first time, this answered a lot of questions! I need to find a shoulder rest!

[@thomassicard3733]

Pianist of 54 years, here. Yeah,... just started learning viola. Irresistable timbres!

[@ViolinStimme]

Bravo Laurel, couldn't fault this (unlike so many other videos by well-meaning players!) One might add that playing as a soloist one can hold the instrument more out to the side but playing in an orchestra where space is limited one usually has to hold it more in front. Actually, there is a natural inclination in all of us to change position every 20-30 seconds, so having a small repertoire of three positions is also helpful in consciously anticipating the 'twitch'! I, therefore, move between the sideways through to the more forward with one in between as added choreography! I played in orchestras without a shoulder rest for ten years which was unusual because most orchestral players use one simply because of the more forward position necessary! However, having proved it, I finally went back to a shoulder rest for more comfort.

[@alexgromov659]

When I'd wanted to start learning to play violin, I desidet that I won't be using the sholder rest according to old traditions. Realy long time I've had problem of sliping out violin because it held on 2 simetrical points and rotated down. I've tried many ways to improve it, but only couple weeks ago I finaly find reason of it and it's solution. Violin had sliped because my clothes were very smooth. And when I've tried any another cloth to put under violin, I realy at random have founded so soft cloth (it was mom's kitchen towel), that didn't allow violin to slip forward and down, now I realy happy that I have it, and I try to find same type of cloth in markets

[@galaxylucia1898]

I’m taking adult beginner viola lessons, but I love these videos because it’s perfect for a daily check-in about...everything!

[@ogstopper]

From across the pond - Thank you, Laurel.

[@KidsMezmur]

Thanks this helpes my daughter so much

[@MerelvandenHurk]

I've had a viola for well over three years now but I never got round to learning how to play because I couldn't find the money for lessons. Well, I did sometimes try to just get it into position and aimlessly pluck at the strings but not really playing. Tonight I had my first lesson and now I'm home again I've continued fooling around with it but I honestly can't find a comfortable place to hold it. Whatever I do, if the shoulder rest feels right, I can't get my chin around, I have to really grip hard or contort my neck or stretch my neck to even get above the chin rest. But if I start at the chin rest there's no possible way to get the shoulder rest right without again a lot of gripping and tensing up and basically hurting myself. I've tried at least a billion settings for the shoulder rest and I know that (without the viola) it can lie comfortable across my collarbone. I really want to learn how to play this instrument but I can't really practice if I can't even hold the thing. I'm frustrated nearly to the point of crying. Who'll save me?

[@habibanola]

Merel, I know it's tough in the beginning. We don't know enough, and our bodies are being asked to adapt to a very challenging repetitive instrument (which we are, of course, terrible at in the beginning). For more info on setup, try the website: artistinbalance.org. Each small move effects everything, so changing one small thing at a time and then being patient with that change for a bit and keeping notes can really help. Maybe just focus on finding the right the chin rest for 3 months... use a sponge or t-shirt or something basic for a shoulder rest until that chin rest feels like you are on the right path. Consider the Kreddle chin rest which is adjustable.

[@MerelvandenHurk]

I got a new chin rest a while back and that solved the problem probably as much as possible! The one that came with the viola was on the side, but now I've got one that's in the middle, over the bit that holds the strings. Turns out my body just wasn't made for the "usual" chin rests. I'm probably going to need another shoulder rest too but that's only a minor problem compared to this. Unfortunately, since I can't really afford lessons and when learning from the internet no one can correct me (and I would so hate to teach myself awful habits) my beautiful viola has been sadly neglected the last few months... But I do hope to pick it up again when time and finances allow it.

[@dejanroberto2333]

here's a few suggestions for how to learn the violin Decide precisely why you want to learn the violin Ensure that you are committed to play the violin Decide what method works for you the best - an online guide or a personal tutor or lessons. (I read about these and more on Ajana music lessons site )

[@studentoftheword6115]

At 9:50 you mentioned that the thumb is lightly touching. What about when you press down on the strings. I always grip the violin with my thumb then. Is the neck strong enough that you don't need to really use the thumb?

[@nickyork8901]

It should not feel like you are gripping the neck, that would cause lots of problems, including when shifting, this is why she says 'lightly touching'. The neck is certainly strong enough to support the fingers on the strings without the thumb touching the neck, especially as you should not be pressing hard with the fingers anyway. As she says, the neck is not going to go anywhere. However, it would be a bit weird/unnecessarily difficult to play without the thumb touching the neck, just about possible and you might then tend to put tension in at the neck/collarbone to keep the violin stable. The thumb provides a useful/essential counterbalance and reference point, part of the natural position for the hand and the fingers and keeping the overall hand position stable and consistent.

[@189Blake]

Yeah, squeezing with the thumb is actually a bad habit. There are many exercises to teach thumb independence and avoid this. Ideally, you should be able to press the strings without the aid of the thumb, the thumb is just there for comfort and reference, but not to give strength to the grip. If you tend to squeeze with the thumb that can hinder shifts to higher positions and vibrato.

[@dino0930750]

You can have a 50-50 support from nudging the violin in between the head and the collarbone and from the left hand; you can have 70-30; you can even go for 80-20, but NEVER do 100-0, holding the violin without your left hand constantly. It just creates unnecessary static contractions in the neck and left shoulder.

[@stephensheridan93]

Thank you Have a tough time holding the violin without my left hand I have a old separate shoulder rest hook Sister in laws violin “Newbie Violinist “ since Coronavirus shut down “Musician “ since 1975 There are no in -person lessons in NYC but I’m practicing every day Mrs. Sheridan

[@skyemckee5014]

I play the viola and It’s fun to play.

[@bachstraightboy1293]

Finally a video that helped me. Thank you!!!

[@allthingsstrings]

Glad it helped!

[@joshuatedjasurya6311]

Laurel Thomsen hei thanks!

[@lauriewest3206]

I'm SO glad I found your video! I have been playing for over 30 years and just recently have developed severe neck and shoulder pain. I would be very interested in having you look at me hold my violin and make suggestions as to what might help me.

[@laurelthomsen]

Laurie West So sorry to hear that Laurie! I just found your post here so I hope the it's improved by now, but if not I'd be more than happy to do a Skype consult with you and see what we might do to adjust your positioning. I'm readily searchable by Googling "Laurel Thomsen". All the best to you!

[@chanchalchakraborty3953]

Thank You. Madam. Very very Nice

[@thomassicard3733]

Good helpful tips!

[@danielspier]

that was extremely helpful, thanks!

[@bernardosilva59]

Thank you very very much , this lesson helped me a lot :D

[@1cleandude]

You my girl are TOTALLY DEFINED!!! Great video and thanks for the time and expertise!!

[@johnr.bonnett7159]

Bravo!... I'm new with the violin, and this video is the best I've seen on the subject. Thank you!

[@videodarshan]

Very Much helpful 🙏🙏thanks

[@ScaerieTale]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been learning the violin (well, the fiddle, if we're getting technical!) for the past couple of months. Due to the pandemic, in person lessons are extremely difficult even when I can find a teacher with an open slot. I'm actually progressing really well because of my existing music background, and I have a position that, for me, is *extremely* comfortable, but I've been feeling self conscious because honestly, it looks kind of goofy. It's in the general 45 degree zone and literally makes my violin feel like an extension of my body just like you said though, which makes me feel SO much better. I see a few violinists with their shoulder rest hooked way up on their shoulder and their head cocked sideways in an Erol Flynn swordfighting pose, and my body just doesn't work that way haha

[@xNimuex]

Finally a video that shows where to put the shoulder rest on the body! Please can you tell me what is the brand of shoulder rest you are showing here? The one which hooks on the shoulder :) thank you!

[@marianaavendano1301]

Thank you know I know why my neck hurts a lot!

[@sylviakelso478]

Thank you for this video, it's been very helpful for getting a shoulder rest actually designed for my physique, and left hand positioning. However, I am having trouble with chinrests and I live somewhere without a real live music shop. Is it possible for you to tell me what brand of chinrest you use, since your jaw shape also seems to resemble mine? Thank you

[@margaretbaker6367]

Another good one! Thanks

[@ridhimajoshi9296]

Thank you so much!I'm a beginner and it helps

[@trafalgar22a8]

Thank you. Yes, you are helpful

[@KennyFishbone]

VERY thorough! Thanks

[@emersonferrer8856]

Thank you fir teaching me!😊😊

[@Hcloud65]

Great lesson, I played the violin in high School and in the Macon Youth Orchestra; however I haven't picked the violin up since 1988, so I am learning everything all over again.

[@ssprofession]

Thank you very much.

[@timeisapathwalkingtounderstand]

thank you for making this video Here in New York City 10:15 p.m. Saturday April 11th trying to learn how to hold the violin because I think I've been holding it incorrectly

[@pianistofmusic290]

There’s no way I can hold it without holding it with my left hand. Is there any solution to that?

[@gabbyf4726]

the same thing is happening to me too. i can’t hold my viola without my left hand, and i never feel comfortable even while playing it

[@yesudasnathan9151]

Very useful for me a beginner. Thank you.

[@unrealist1cc]

This is my 3rd year playing the violin. Last year, I was one of the best in my class and I never tensed up but now all of the sudden I tense up doing THE BOW HOLD 😀 Thank you for this you helped me refresh my memory!

[@GadBoDag]

This helped so much! Thank you!

[@typicalgamergirl]

Omg I've never used a chin rest! so glad i accidentally clicked this video!super informative!

[@evelynovercash1147]

Very helpful.

[@sasuanime]

I tried so much to hold my violin, but it just slides off. I have to push it really hard with my chin and shoulder and it hurts really much. I tried with towel and t-shirt under it, but same problem. Then I took my shirt off and it finally stays but I would like to play with my shirt on :,D Also big problem is that chinrest hurts my chin. Is it okey just take it off and play without it?

[@kyab4005]

Did u try a thick sponge? Also u don't have to play with a shoulder rest. Lots of professional violinists play without one but yeah u can play without one

[@laurelthomsen]

+sasuanime Both chin and shoulder support should be a personally perfect fit, with no pain, tension, gripping, or feelings of instability. If you're still having trouble, feel free to be in touch and I can provide some additional resources for finding what will work for you - hint - it's often very, very far from what will typically come with your violin.

[@AG-mt3xs]

I had to change my shoulder rest. I got the Wolf primo. I also had to change my chin rest. It has made a huge difference. Perhaps talk to your teacher and see what might work best for you? *EDITED* I just switched to an Ever Rest shoulder rest, and it is amazing. The contour really helps. Also, switched to a Kaufman chinrest, which made a world of difference. It is really hard to adjust in the beginning. Just have to find what works for you.

[@Stephiness]

I have the same problem. I feel like my shoulder rest always slides down my shoulder when I'm wearing tshirts 😩 but not with tank tops. And then with my chin rest, it definitely takes a while for it to feel comfortable. It curves way too deep into the side of my jaw. I changed my shoulder rest now I'm looking into a new chin rest. This video was so helpful!

[@pipatp1288]

I love this vdo

[@dungvo3208]

thank you

[@slowjam1030]

Great instruction. Which shoulder rest is that? I would like to try one that is moldable to my collarbone and shoulder. Thanks!

[@BVTeditzfr]

What's the name of the shoulder rest that she is using?

[@garrysmith8320]

What a lovely instructional film, however I'm still struggling with my violin positioning. I have a chin rest with a Kuhn shoulder rest but it still doesn't feel comfortable. Arrgh! Can you suggest a shoulder rest that can be moulded? I think that may help. Many thanks gs (ps you're very pretty, sorry)

[@STBRetired1]

I was ready to give up on learning to play the violin. I was under the impression that the violin was held STRAIGHT OUT to the left. Due to a shoulder injury, I don't have that flexibility in my left shoulder. But, after seeing your SIDE POSE, I can see that the violin is actually held out halfway between the straight side and straight front position - about 45 degrees between the two. For some reason, NO ONE ELSE has shown that clearly until you did.

[@jldy1287]

The violin angle really depends on your body (lenght of your arm, and what feels comfortable)

[@STBRetired1]

@@jldy1287 - it's really a struggle to twist my hand and forearm around sufficiently to finger the fretboard. Probably because I never had to do such a maneuver for the first 75 years of my life and now all the muscles, tendons and ligaments are screaming about doing new moves.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

wonderful video. thanks. i have left arm pronation problems due to a radius break many years ago. cannot get to g or multi finger d string notes. any suggestions. for exercises?

[@usernamemykel]

I need to know what your eyes should be seeing and at what angle, to the pegs. I have never seen an image directly from the headstock of a violin to the violinist's face, and this is what I need to know. All images have been from the side or quartering the violinist, but nothing from the violinist's viewpoint from the bridge to the pegs or vice versa. Please assist.

[@MonteBelknap]

This is so good!

[@MRC_Hobby]

My collarbone is little bit hurts while gripping the violin,,is it normal? Or using a shoulder rest could minimize that?

[@monishthalapaneni5877]

This was helpful but like my teacher says, to keep an open wrist for vibrato, but my arm and wrist hurts a LOT when using an open wrist, anyone have any recommendations

[@TheGospelDefense]

Hi, what kind of should rest you have there? I have a kun, but still not very comfortable with it.

[@laurelthomsen]

A lot of them aren't. Setup is crucial for comfort and technique. I like the Wolf brand. It looks similar to the Kun, but has a metal rather than a plastic bar (covered with a pad of course!) which can be bent to fit your anatomy. That's really nice! The "Forte Secondo" model works well for me. It's hard to recommend something to you without seeing you and your shoulders though. I always say start with a good chin rest that fits your chin like a glove, then work on the shoulder rest. Do you have a teacher? I do consults via Skype if you need more help.

[@TheGospelDefense]

Thank you for responding...No, I don't have a teacher, its too much for me to afford, but thanks for offering me your services and for telling me your should rest brand, Im gonna look for a Wolf one now, and try to c if it will work better than a Kun, i believe it will be since im gonna be able to bent it. So, Thx a lot. God Bless you.

[@mangoshelter3443]

Vlolin

[@yeahohright3097]

yep

[@CaptainWondermint]

Definitely

[@holo6883]

Smol cello

[@hudsoncaceres6820]

Chello

[@LittleDreamer1412]

Very helpful! I'm starting my Violin journey next week with my first real lesson and I'm still afraid to even touch it 😅 This helps a lot!

[@allthingsstrings]

Good luck!!

[@riah9970]

My bow is too long I don't have much enough stamina still this video helped me a lot.

[@infinitepawer]

So any reason for using that tail piece which have different afterlength for all the string ??

[@gabbyf4726]

whenever i try to hold my viola without my left hand, it always ends up drooping down. and i don’t really feel comfortable even while playing it. any tips?

[@ausetgypsy3750]

Any suggestions for me? By the end of practicing I realize that the violin is digging into my neck/threat and it hurts, an obvious sign that it's not positioned correctly. Time after time I fix it but only to wind up slightly choking my self, it sounds funny , yes but is highly frustrating.

[@familyreynolds5598]

cool

[@EdHotchkin]

I'm observing the date of this recording, and wondering if you're still willing to answer a question on such an old video, and not just you, neither. I always have the same question on any video, and I've been discouraged from making comment recently. Please let me know (on youtube) if you can still answer a question. This is just a test send.

[@InfiniCalendar]

How should I hold it if I'm left-handed?

[@deanherbig9178]

tell us about that cool tailpiece

[@colinhesketh4710]

I can't find a shoulder rest that actually fits. My latest is the Bon-Musica not very impressed with it so far. Help please, I don't want to give up playing the instrument after 3 years of study.

[@kipponi]

Could it twist somehow ? Make it your own.

[@nickyork8901]

This may sound weird, but have you got it the right way round. With some of them it's easy to end up with them at 180 degrees from how they should be, and that is super uncomfortable! As she says in answer to a different comment, you could try the Wolf one which can be bent slightly to fit your shoulder. It's essential to use the adjustments on the feet and length to fit your instrument and your shoulder height, for example on the Kun by moving it to different points in the slots and/or screwing the feet up or down.

[@susie7121]

Is it ok to put your thumb under the neck if you have short fingers?

[@nickyork8901]

Should not be necessary, at least not until you get into high positions. I have short fingers and a short left thumb, and the neck fits naturally into the joint of my thumb in first position and even up to fourth, fifth and sixth position. I have more of a problem in very high positions and sometimes have to move my thumb into a weird place for eighth position, which creates a problem for getting back down.

[@meghnachoudhary3710]

My violin has started digging into my collarbone since I have started vibrato practice. It leaves a bruise and can also hurt a little bit sometimes. Does this mean that I am not holding the violin properly?

[@DA-uk5cj]

Meghna Choudhary You should try getting a chin rest

[@meghnachoudhary3710]

@@DA-uk5cj I do have a chinrest and a shoulder rest.

[@perttikoskinen6239]

The short answer to your question is yes, you're probably not holding the violin right. Follow the principles in this video carefully and you'll find the proper way. Doing things right and relaxed is really very important. If it hurts it's wrong.

[@macy609]

MY COLLARBONE IS IN SO MUCH PAIN. 😀

[@pogneto]

My violin rolls off my collar bone? What might I be doing wrong?

[@laurelthomsen]

Are you using a shoulder rest, pad, nothing...?

[@christybernadette4168]

Every positiom hurts my bone, chin, and jaw so much. My jaw become swollen and made me can't play for a week

[@skyemckee5014]

I couldn’t play my viola after I fractured my jaw for 5 weeks. It was so frustrating and it also made me unable to eat solid food for 5 weeks.

[@ALoonwolf]

Aye but if you DON'T grip it then it just slides off, and it is not possible to grip it with one thumb!

[@assgardgarcia8627]

11:15

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

anktha ouya

[@TraceguyRune]

what is a vlolin?

[@Pralinette09]

I've been learning the violin for 6 monts now, but the violin still fall out of my shoulder when i play, I start with a good position where everything is secure and then after like 2 mins the violin slide off my shoulder (i have the second shoulder rest shown in the video). My left hand hurt really bad everytime i try to practice and my wrist also... i really don't know what to do anymore haha and my teacher is not helping at all, if the violin falls she gets mad and she doesn't even try to understand why, that's the reason why i'm trying to figure it out by myself. Although, your video seems to have help a little bit withmy position and the pain in my shoulder (sorry for this big explantion but i'm a bit desperate hahha)

[@jldy1287]

Hi there, did you fix the issue of your slippery violin, if yes what was the origin of that issuhave you spoken to your teacher about that issue? Dialogue is very important

[@anascoon-heisenberg3940]

Look, I am totally making a right shit of this!!! What am I doing wrong, jungs?

[@MarioDeSuganda]

i wanna play violinn.but i don't have one 😂.violinn is expensiveee..maybe someday...maybe.

[@walkingwithjesus323]

Tomy Kurosaki you can purchase an inexpensive violin from kkmusicstore.com I bought a Cecilio from there. It is a good beginner/student instrument.

[@baskara111]

well you can buy the cheap one around $57, or buy the second-hand violin. +$80s are preferable though

[@MarioDeSuganda]

Ok thanks for the suggestion

[@george2212]

Tomy Kurosaki I started in 4th grade with a cheap violin from a catalogue, and when i grew out of it I rented one. Now Im at a full size and I bought one, knowing that I'm going to play for a while

[@kipponi]

Expensive ? I ordered my violin with case, bow, rosin 50€ (with hippy flowers). Now I have to learn to play it. My collarbone hurts so my violin position is awkward. This video tells many basic things which should be right.

[@rl7651]

Your video is helpful and well intentioned and you bring up important points, but, I feel it is important to understand why some feel that the freedom of the left hand is not as good with a shoulder rest than without so I encourage you to consider the following: vimeo.com/163487675 Also there are, anatomically speaking, misunderstandings about the shoulder and the collarbone. There is no such thing as a "shoulder". If you ask people to say where there shoulder is they will point to different places- where does it really begin and end and is it more in the front, the side, the back? We do however have a shoulder blade and it is part of the arm as is the collarbone. Whenever you lift your arm (which will allow the violin to rest higher on the risen collar bone therefore requiring less support needed from a shoulder rest or chin rest) or extend your arm and even when breathing (because the lungs go slightly above and behind them so that when they expand with air) the collar bone moves, and so does the shoulder blade. All of this is to say that the body is meant to move and therefore the violin should not be prevented from moving by a shoulder rest that fixes the position of the instrument even in the in between the extremes position that you demonstrated clearly in your video. I recommend watching the video I linked to above for an honest, sincere, evaluation from a former shoulder rest user and why he changed.

[@timbutlerwinnipeg]

How are you .i want some skype lessons

[@jytte47]

The viola is heavier and thicker than a violin. A pitty you did not show how to hold a viola

[@joedebono4012]

How do you prevent your violin from getting stolen you put it in a viola case ha ha

[@SanguineYoru]

Why does it take 15 minute to explain something that should only take 30 seconds????

[@kipponi]

Are you really so stupid ? Tell me what you learn in 30 seconds ? Or better not.