Learn Violin Online with Online Violin Teacher Meghan Faw Lesson 10/15: the fourth finger

By now, you should know the parts of the violin and have your instrument set up, know how to tune, understand proper posture and positioning, how to use fingers 1, 2, and 3, the basics of reading sheet music, and practiced 3 scales and the first 5 songs in the free beginner songbook.

Yes, the fourth finger is the smallest and weakest finger, which makes it the most difficult to use. But there’s actually another reason why it’s so hard to get that pesky pinky working right. Your third and fourth fingers (ring and pinky) share a tendon in your hand, which means that it can be harder for them to move independently.

The fourth finger will be placed a whole step away from the third finger.

The fourth finger is the same note as the open string above it (ie fourth finger on A string is the same note as open E). Knowing this helps you work on your intonation. If you’re not sure that you’re placing the fourth finger in the correct spot, play the corresponding open string and see if the pitches match. You can also listen for the ring or resonance of the note and practice with a tuner.

Fourth finger on E string, B

Fourth finger on A string, E

Fourth finger on D string, A

Fourth finger on G string, D

Be sure to download these free fourth finger exercise PDFs.