How to Hold a Violin.
Starting Out
Find a private area
with a straight-back chair and a music stand. Take the violin out of its
case and place the instrument base on your lap. Pluck each string using
your right to test its tension and hear its pitch. Use a piano to tune
your violin to G - D - A - E. ("E" is the top space on the treble clef
on your sheet music. "G" is below the second ledger line of the treble
clef.) Wrap your left hand around the upper body where the neck and
fingerboard extend from the instrument.
Place the base of the violin and the black
chin rest below your chin. Bring your left shoulder around so it's under
the chin rest and forms a support from below. Keeps the violin’s level
using your left hand. Your shoulder and chin provide firm, but easy
contact and support. It will hurt the first time. If you can, try
getting a shoulder pad.
Be comfortable and
relaxed. Place your right thumb at the corner of the fingerboard nearest
the bridge. Put the pad of your index finger on top of the "G" string.
This string is the thickest of them all. Apply slight pressure so that
your finger lands on the neighboring "D" string. This is "plucking" and
is called playing "pizzicato." It is usually written down as ‘pizz.” in
music.
Pluck the "G" string four times in a steady
rhythm. Use no fingernails. Repeat on the "D", "A" and "E" strings.
Count with a steady beat. Say the names of the strings each time you
pluck to make a sound. This helps you identify the string and soon the
instrument. Mix the sequence and keep the tempo at a slow rate. Focus
on accuracy. Identify the location of the "D" and "A" quarter notes on
the treble clef of your sheet music. "D" hangs just below the bottom
line. "A" occupies the second space.
Using the Bow
Tighten the bow hair so there is a 3/4-inch
space between the hair and the bow at the closest point. Place your
right thumb on the inside part of the bow where the frog creeps forward
and back. Lay your three middle fingers on the outside of the bow. Place
your pinkie on top, near the adjustment screw. Rest the side of your
index finger (just above its second joint) on top of the bow stick.
Place the frog end of the bow hair on top of the "G" string halfway
between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge. Allow your hand to
fall naturally from your arm at the point of your wrist. Apply a slight
bit of pressure on the bow and draw a straight line while vibrating the
string. If the bow does not make any sounds, try rubbing Rosen on it.
Stop near the bow tip. This is a "down bow." Reverse the direction and
move the bow on the string from the tip to the frog. This is an "up
bow." Move the bow at a medium-slow and regular speed. Focus on
producing a steady and pleasant-sounding tone.
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