Learn Violin Online with Online Violin Teacher Meghan Faw Lesson 7/15: Third finger notes
In this lesson, you will learn where to place your third finger on the violin and the corresponding third finger notes on each string. This is the final finger we will learn to use before practicing some scales and songs. I know what you might be thinking: what about the fourth finger?! I haven’t forgotten about it, I promise! The fourth finger is the smallest and weakest finger and therefore the hardest to use. I recommend sticking with fingers 1, 2, and 3 until you feel confident with your positioning and finger placements.
The placement of the third finger is slightly different from fingers 1 and 2. The first finger is placed about an inch away from the nut of the instrument, and the second finger is placed about an inch away from the first, but the third finger should be placed right next to the second finger.
Before we get into the notes, I’d like to introduce the concept of resonant intonation. Resonant intonation simply means that certain notes on the violin, namely the ones that share a name with the open strings (G, D, A, E) will ring or resonate more than others. When these notes resonate, that means you have landed your finger on the exact right placement and the note is in tune. The third fingers on D, A, and E strings will resonate.
The third finger on the E string is the note A. You can also play your open A and see if the pitches match to help with intonation.
Third finger on E string, A
The third finger on A string is the note D.
Third finger on A string, D
The third finger on D string is the note G. I find that this note is the most resonant one on the instrument, so if you’re having trouble hearing the ring, start with this note first.
Third finger on D string, G
The third finger on G string is the note C. This note won’t resonate as much as the others because we do not have a C string. We aren’t violas!
Third finger on G string, C
Be sure to download the free exercises that correspond to this lesson and watch the video below for extra instruction.
