High 2s VS Low 2s

You may have heard me or other music teachers reference high 2nd fingers and low 2nd fingers, but what exactly is the difference?

A high 2 is when the 2nd finger is placed next to the third finger. For example, when playing on the A string, a high 2 will be placed on the note C#, a whole step away from the 1st finger and a half step away from (aka touching) the 3rd finger. This is generally the first placement students will learn. All songs up until Etude in Suzuki Book 1 use the high 2nd finger placement.

A low 2 is when the 2nd finger is placed next to the first finger. For example, when playing on the A string, a low 2 will be placed on the note C natural, a half step away from (aka touching) the 1st finger and a whole step away from the 3rd finger. Generally, students learn this placement in the second half of Suzuki Book 1 when the pieces switch to G Major. Because G Major only has one sharp, F#, it is necessary to use the low 2nd finger on the A and E strings.

The terms “high” and “low” can be applied to other finger placements as well. When playing a “high” finger, move it closer to the bridge, and when playing a “low” finger, move it closer to the scroll.