Violin Basics - Left Hand Position and Violin Placement

[@ibrahimkenderian4479]

I play the violin since I’m 7 years old, now I’m 34 and it happened that my learning process was very unstable, on and off, change of teachers, change of violin teaching schools, now I’m asked to play the hardest repertoire of the violin because, of I can’t be considered as a violinist unless I play Paganini or any of this. It has never been a challenge, I don’t understand this concept in music, and I usually put away what bothers me because I believe something is wrong when something has a constant unsolved problem. So I’m back to fundamentals just because I want to get this sound I love and the ease in playing I used to have back then, meanwhile a dear friend introduced me to this channel, and believe it or not, because you’re as copy of my teacher Lisette Miguerditchian, may she Rest In Peace, I find the same ease in playing by watching your videos and getting back to the very fundamentals, and this was the only time after she passed away that I feel any kind of advance. I highly advice this channel to anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, listen to every word she this great teacher says, she knows it all.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Thank you - I am so glad that my videos are helpful. I am also glad to learn of another excellent teacher, Lisette Meguerditichian, even though she is not with us any longer...

[@lesley-annmathews7971]

I know i have had an -as you out it..- unstable learnig process.. 30 years later progress is still slow and PAINFUL! Im a pianist but playing the violin is my DREAM AND PASSION.

[@melodyide2858]

This is pure gold! Thank you for explaining these points so clearly.

[@RobertPadgett]

Positioning the thumb near the nut is truly nuts.

[@barryc1968]

Thank you madam, it is something I have struggled with for 2 years. This was a comprehensive study in left hand mechanics. I an sure this will improve my intonation and a wayward fourth finger.

[@violinvitamins5176]

I love this idea of the thumb where it grows! Will be borrowing it from you 🧡

[@natef3079]

It's like you read my mind. The last few days I've been wondering what i should be doing for a proper left hand position. I even planned to search your videos for something. I almost feel like you made this video for me, haha. Thanks for uploading this at the perfect time!

[@jennyyeung9303]

same for me :)) i am having the squeezing problem...

[@rockydonet]

Thank you for the basic position tutorial, very helpful : )

[@AustinArto]

Returning to violin after a break, I felt it wise to get instruction on the basics; I thought of you and found this video. I'm pleased that I did. This concise but thorough instruction on left-hand placement has dispelled illusions and bad habits as I restart my violin journey. Thank you, Prof. Bushkova.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Very glad it is helpful!

[@marinathr4890]

I’ve just started teaching and my students have lots of leftover problems from their previous schools and teachers so I came here to go back to basics and see if I give the right advice to them and wow I’m actually shocked that I’ve followed each and every of your advice (since I use them myself) thank you for a great video!

[@peytondistler3159]

You are AMAZING!!! I haven't played much violin in the past few years and I could not get my fourth finger to behave or be in tune. I watched this video and I have improved so many issues!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@antonioromera8880]

Thank you very much Professor Bushkova. Your videos are always full of great advices. They are also really valuable coming from such a reputable teacher. Thanks for sharing your wisdom

[@solid_amouri307]

Your video and instructions transformed my tone significantly. A thousands thank you.

[@lesley-annmathews7971]

I am so glad to have found you! You are a wonderful teacher! I love how you work in small bits, and let it settle. THANK YIU i can nit wait to watch all your videos and try all your advice!

[@patfiddles]

Julia, many thanks- this is the best video I've seen on this topic. The information on the hold and set-up is similar, but your approach to begin (and remain) at a point of comfort for a few days is the key to success. Trying to place the first and second finger on the same string right away will encourage pinching the neck and twisting the forearm until the muscle is strained and hurts. Getting this left hand hold right from the start is very much worth the investment in time.

[@josephososkie3029]

“ hmmmm...interesting. “ I like her teaching style.

[@annaholley8913]

What a great way of explaining left hand position. I am self thought violin student, and up till now, I did not know that my left hand was positioned wrongly. Lady violinist in my church talked to me about that. I am practicing the correct position for four days now, and my playing improved. It will take time, if I would know about it from the beginning, it would now be a second nature. I looked at several videos, but this one is definitely the best. 🤗👍

[@William3DP]

I purchased my first violin just two weeks ago, and I am trying to learn as much as I can from online lessons (primarily from Alison Sparrow, but I have also been using other violin videos as well). I have just started using the first finger my left hand, and I have been having difficulty. I have studying many different left-hand position videos, but I have been finding most of them difficult to understand. Your video has been by far the clearest and most easy-to-follow explanation on how to properly position and use the left hand. In particular, your video revealed on thing that I was doing that was causing me a lot of trouble: I was positioning my thumb close to the nut. This was making my hand uncomfortable. When I followed your instruction to position the thumb 1-1/2 to 2 inches away from the nut, my left hand feels much more comfortable. Thank you for sharing your many years of experience and violin knowledge. I will be meeting in person with a violin teacher next week, but your left-hand instructional videos have been very helpful.

[@jaydeejourdin4137]

June 2, 2021. I am grateful to have found you.

[@daltondick5223]

I have just started learning the violin. I’ve been learning for about 4 months and these videos have saved me! With my learning disability most lessons are very difficult for me to grasp, but with your videos I have finally been able to learn! The way you teach and show how to do different techniques is so easy for me to understand and are extremely effective! Thank you so much!

[@ViolinClassUSA]

You are very welcome!

[@radleyisidore1900]

Thanks so much, I love that you explain it straight. I'll be watching your videos to start properly, 'cause it's harder to modify one's habits later. Again, thank you!

[@Minunmaani]

I love how you speak about messages to brain. I have braindamage since childhood, and I just got my violin at age 44. Violin has been in my life a week now. I have played "ave Maria" "Dido's lament" Memory from Cats and "vem can segla för utan vind" piece. Now I would like to know how I really learn to play violin. So, here I am, to learn.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Brain is amazingly resilient. I am glad you are learning the violin

[@MsPea]

Thanks for this video. I'm just starting and am having trouble making the violin feel comfortable, and getting used to how to arrange my fingers. I'm self-taught, with the help of videos like yours. This has helped me with my left hand.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Glad it did. Hope you are a subscriber and already saw my last video on Left Hand!

[@natefromdetroit]

This is very good demonstration focused on the left hand! Many other vids focus on holding with the neck and angle etc and leave out details of the left hand angle and proper use.Thank you. Elegantly presented as well ☺️

[@uhoh007]

Russian teachers are always the most sensitive :) Thank you, I am starting (age 63) after years on keyboards, where Russian school is also the best. I listen to many good violin teachers on youtube. You are the best, truly. I am watching all your videos. Someday I hope you or your luthier together show how to properly carve and place a bridge and the strings on a new violin. I spent the entire day today learning to do this on my student violin. Many new players, like me, do not realize violin is not like guitar.

[@michaelfossumorchestra8459]

Thank You Professor Bushkova!

[@dvides89]

Concise and very detailed as usual :)

[@1cleandude]

Very good insight on thumb and the index finger! Thanks again for your time and expertise Julia!🙏🏻

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@asyamusina4990]

Это Концентрат полезной информации. Казалось бы, я уже сыграла все нужное и не нужное и все равно зайду на Ваш канал и всегда хоть чуток да почерпну вашей мудрости. Прекрасное начало продуктивного дня 🌸

[@watchandpray6684]

Thank you!

[@mtnfmly]

Such wonderful teaching. Thank you and I look forward to learning from you!

[@PhilipYHLi]

I came back after trying the thumb position to thank your video! I've been struggling with using the 4th finger on 1st position without tension and trying this method really helped. Thanks you so much for your videos.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Glad it helped!

[@enealiviu4797]

@@ViolinClassUSA And how in the world do i get very accurate intonation like how do i make my fingers fall all of the time on the right notes like for example i struglle with the B natural on the a string to make it in tune with the open E not to mention that my G on the D string is not perfectly aligned with the D on the A string i have to play it sharper to sound in tune with the open D. It's frustrating not being able to get past minuet 1 in suzuki book 1 for the past 3 years of playing.

[@nickyork8901]

Very clear, helpful video thank you, and nicely presented as always. Your hand is rather ideal for violin playing eg. the space between the thumb and the first finger, and I bet you are also a good pianist!

[@stephenbrivati3233]

The usual brilliant explanation of things helpful to beginners and professionals alike. One point I think is worth mentioning is that you use the word chin to place on the chin rest. In fact, in your perfect demonstration, you place the jaw on the chin rest. I think this distinction is quite important for beginners. Thank you for your marvellous videos.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Yes, I have been using the word 'jaw-rest' when explaining the concept to students.

[@rendeldepalubos2631]

Very helpful ma'am thank you -from the Philippines💖

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperJimmyChanga]

Today is my 11th day with a violin. This video helped me to relax my hand and my wrist. Practice is already so much easier! Thank you!

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Glad it helped!

[@darkdentist6720]

I recently found your channel and I can say for sure you are a very gifted professor and teacher. I'm an advanced violinist and I'm always checking my basics every time i face a difficulty, I can't describe how important the hand setup is in violin. In our days it is so rare to find a master in any craft or art, willing to share all the knowledge he aquired through life-long hard work, let alone doing it for free and for strangers he probably won't even meet! Your help is truly invaluable. As for my question, if you happen to see my comment, sometimes I am more tense but it is tension from the music I am playing. This transfers to my left hand, my fingers and my chin. Do you think that it is a mistake to be more tense and stiff in some moments? Should a violinist's hand always be completely relaxed when playing? I also hope everyone you love and care for is safe in this hell that goes on and on in Russia and Ukraine. I know that no Russian wants this and innocent people and families are getting hurt in both sides. We should be making music instead of war!

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Thank you for your comment! For any in-depth questions, please us the channel's email provided in the description of the latest video.

[@aminmehdizadeh9661]

Awesome like Always!

[@tanielkuntu5760]

You are a wonderful teacher. Proostit! :D

[@acside5313]

Very helpful, thnx!

[@concertmasterntl]

Most professionals, both young and old, still place the thumb pretty close to the nut. It works very well for many people. Look around any professional orchestra and this is the most common left hand position.

[@louisluy1131]

thats what im thinking about

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Yes, I know, I have "looked around" for several decades now:) It works for people with larger hands, especially men, because their hands are often structured a bit differently. But it is not the most ergonomic position, nevertheless, regardless of how many people may be playing this way. Also, the number of orchestral players getting tendinitis is very high (although, this info usually stays 'under covers; in our world)

[@kxkx8243]

thank you!!! So helpful :)

[@mohitkamboj7326]

Thank you Madame..🙏

[@amusicment4829]

Excellent, thank you!

[@jennyyeung9303]

very helpful :D thanks a lot, professor.

[@SofiaViviEnDo]

Would you do a video of the left thumb for intermediate and advance players? Thanks in advance

[@ViolinClassUSA]

I believe I have addressed this in another video already

[@zeroossi5967]

great viedo , i have a question should the bow be stright on the violin or we tiltied a Little bit forward ?

[@ivgardi]

It's both. Generally you tilt it when you draw to the frog and put it straight when you draw away from it.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

The way I teach and play - yes, the stick of the bow should be always tilted toward the fingerboard about 30%. It may get straight-ER by the very tip of the bow (on a П bow) but at the change it needs to go back to the 'tilt'.

[@HaimBenAvrahm]

Don't worry about placing the 4th figure just yet. It already got the hint, and start growing into position quite soon.😊

[@hannahka6263]

Thank you for the video! But could you possibly tell how to hold the violin with short arms please. I am an adult and started playing the violin again (it hurt when I was young and I didn't know why). Now I see that I have probably a wrong posture for smaller hands and shorter arms and my back starts to hurt so much. It would be great to have some help! Thank you very much!

[@ViolinClassUSA]

You need to hold the violin more in front of you. Not as much to the shoulder as I am showing here.

[@claudiatondi4742]

What exercises are best to practice for playing fast 3 and 4 octave scales? Can you demonstrate exactly how to lift and drop the finger and how high the finger should be lifted?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

The best exercise to play fast is to play fast :) Practice the shifting portions of those scales. Practice in "bursts". I guess, I should make a video about it.

[@claudiatondi4742]

Can you please demonstrate arm vibrato and talk about what makes the vibrato sound beautiful?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

I do not teach arm vibrato on principle... I find it quite an impediment later on.

[@momoma533]

Hai, I have a question regarding to the first finger we shall pull back: I guess its simple for the e string: the back pulling motion is coming from the base knuckle, but for the g string I am wondering how can do the same motion without leaving the string, as the fingertrack goes more diagonal, when my hand is positioned above g string, where the hand is more closed. So, to stay on the string I needed to do another motion: its also from the base joint, but its not the simply pulling back, but more a turning/rotation in the joint, to make it possible to move the fingers quite along the string. Is that right? Hope its not too complicated. I have been thinking long time, whats the best frame to practise. :))

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Make sure that on G your elbow comes 'in' enough so that your LH alignment is exactly the same as it was on E string. The hand should not feel the difference in the same position on different strings.

[@lawrence18uk]

Immediate Question: for the F-natural / B-flat on E/A does the first finger have to bend even further back, or does the whole hand/thumb move?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

The first finger goes back a bit more. But either the starting "F sharp" position of the first finger or the "F-natural" position requires only a VERY SMALL adjustment of the first finger. If you feel it has to go back a lot, check your thumb - maybe it is too much forward - and the whole position of your forearm - maybe it is also in the too high of a position.

[@tamogiorgadze6242]

Can you make a video about how to get rid of back pain? Please🙏

[@ViolinClassUSA]

This is a huge topic. Which part of the back? What is the age of the player? etc., etc., etc. There are many different reasons for back pain...

[@tamogiorgadze6242]

ViolinClass I am 20 years old, I’ve been playing for 5 years. When I want to play more than 2-3 hours my neck, shoulders and back starts hurting so bad, I have to stop playing at least few hours. Sometimes the pain is so intense, I have lay down for couple of minutes...

[@ViolinClassUSA]

@@tamogiorgadze6242 This is not good news. Are you taking lessons or playing by yourself? You need to be looked at by a careful and knowledgeable teacher. Most likely you have a poor fit between your chinrest and the shoulder rest (or shoulder pad)m but it is hard to say without seeing you.

[@lawrence18uk]

So, the thumb goes pretty much opposite where the second finger touches the string. Whereas in the "Old School", it went past where the 1st finger contacts. That feels strange for an "Old Timer", but does in another way feel more natural

[@ViolinClassUSA]

That is correct. The funny thing is that most of the greats all had their thumbs against the 2nd finger - or somewhere between the fist and second fingers - while all the beginners were taught "by the nut". Go figure why.

[@MariaAWis]

I'm also surprised, but excited to try out this method. I'm going back to playing after a 10 year break and now that I'm watching all those KZbin videos on various techniques to refresh my mind I'm realising how many bad habits I must have played with before! And the 4th finger was a big challenge. Using it always made my hand tense up and squeeze the neck. I used to think it's because I have short fingers that I have those issues...

[@claudiatondi4742]

What is the correct height of the shoulder rest?

[@lawrence18uk]

I learnt the violin almost 50 years ago now, with the thumb by the nut. I had a major gap of about 20 years recently in playing - is it worth me relearning the new thumb position?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Yes, I think it would be worth relearning. You will find it easier to play. P.S. You do not have to put the thumb That far forward as I do but wherever it naturally 'grows'.

[@asalasal4720]

BTW which point of my thumb exactly should hold the violin? The right middle or the left side? ... And how can I fix my frame and same fingering each time ? Ofcourse in relax way .

[@ViolinClassUSA]

The point of the thumb is middle-to-right.

[@delted_]

Everyone here 👇🏻 is amazing and also the people ☝️

[@jujuekviolin]

I have one question request to answer. Left hand in the fifth position on C major key,where the thumb should be placed and I feel tension on my thumb,so I afraid my left hand position is wrong. Hoping your answer. Thanks

[@ViolinClassUSA]

I do not quite understand the question. You can play all keys in the V position. Do you mean, the NOTE of C on E string?

[@jujuekviolin]

@@ViolinClassUSA Yeah! My thumb feels tension and hurt on fifth position. How should the thumb be effort?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

@@jujuekviolin Yes, it is possible that your thumb position is wrong in the V position... It should be very close to the base of the neck (where the neck meets the violin body). If it is there and it is still tense, it means that you are squeezing and you have to find a way to stop squeezing...

[@jujuekviolin]

@@ViolinClassUSA I got it. Thanks alot

[@roymichaeldeanable]

Thanks....xx

[@infinitepawer]

To place the thumb not too close to the nut so that the thumb can give support to all 4 fingers more evenly or it's some other reason ?? Thanks first

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Yes, you can put this way. If you re-watch my "Milstein Exercise" video, there are some hints to that as well :)

[@songsabai3794]

Thank You!!!!

[@untonsured]

What about the angle of the scroll from the center of the body?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Yes, this is something I should have addressed here but the time adds up... Do I not address it in any other beginning technique videos? I thought I did

[@untonsured]

@@ViolinClassUSA You could have yes. It's just something I became aware of recently and perhaps it's overlooked sometimes. I notice some players really seem to hold it far to the left like Heifetz and it seems to allow the angle of the fingers to be more natural like in guitar position...but I could be wrong about that.

[@asalasal4720]

Hi maam... I have short and small hands and every time I put my finger in different ways. I'm not begginer but I wann fix it in a relax way and I can't...

[@ViolinClassUSA]

You must think more and practice with more attention. You got to memorize how to place the fingers in exactly same way at first.

[@earthearth5188]

The reality is that the violin was made so the body needs to adapt to, not the other way around... the good news, is that with time all hard things become doable....

[@sams3416]

Hi Why you put your thumb like that?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

I explain it very thoroughly in the video.

[@DivaDeb1234]

I am intermediate player. I don't understand why my pinky doesn't feel reliable .

[@ViolinClassUSA]

The pinky is the shortest and the weakest finger. Takes years and years to figure this one out...

[@DivaDeb1234]

@@ViolinClassUSA ok thank you. I will do the work and I will figure it out. Thank you for letting me know. It is better slowly. 2 steps forward and one step back as the days go by ...

[@sutdhinanchaowonglert9312]

I was taught to place the thumb by the nut

[@ViolinClassUSA]

That is too bad. Better to relearn sooner than later

[@davisnv393]

Madem plese sending one violin l am very poor famely So send me a violin 4/4.

[@JH-ct9fj]

You can't play the violin, you cannot start now Joe, you are too old for this. I think I can. I know I can snd will play like a boss. The same way I learned the Accordion and the Mandolin when everyone told me, you are too old for this. Well Mandolin: Check. Accordion: Check. Violin: I am coming. Oh you are a good music teacher. 💙

[@ViolinClassUSA]

You can start at any age :)

[@Proud_Troll]

Why is it so difficult to just know how to place the left hand? You cannot do vibrato with this position. Why is there no consensus? Why does everyone say different things?

[@ViolinClassUSA]

I think it is because a) People adjust to the violin differently depending on their built/physical attributes b) Many people do not analyze What they are doing, How they are doing it, and what is the Best Way to do it

[@Proud_Troll]

@@ViolinClassUSA So is this video a demonstration of how you play, or the official way you're supposed to play, or both?

[@zukhraglavch1187]

Могли бы субтитры на русском языке написать . Русскоговорящие чтобы тоже имели возможность слушать вас.

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Все никак время не найду...