Learn Violin Online with Online Violin Teacher Meghan Faw Lesson 3/15: Posture & Positioning

Proper posture and positioning are extremely important. If you have poor posture, it will not only affect the sound, but also make it much harder for you to play the violin-and it’s already hard enough as it is! In this lesson, you’ll learn how to hold the bow, how to hold the violin, and how to position your left hand.

How to hold the bow

Start by taking the bow in your left hand and holding it in front of you parallel to the ground with the bow hair facing the floor. Bend your right thumb and place it on its side on the silver part of the bow (the ferrule).

This is the thumb placement I suggest for beginners as it provides a bigger space for the hand to grip and therefore is a little easier to handle at first while our fine motor skills develop. The advanced placement for the thumb is inside of the bow, on top of the frog.

Next, place your middle finger directly across from your thumb. This is the center of your bow hold. Then place your ring finger right next to your middle finger, covering the frog.

Finally, place your index finger on the bow, touching between the first two knuckles, about a finger’s width away from your middle finger. The pinky then goes on the top of the bow, nice and curved.

How to hold the violin

To hold the violin, place it onto your shoulder, turn your head to a 45 degree angle (to the corner) and gently press down with your chin. You should be able to hold the violin without using your hands and maintain level shoulders. If you find yourself raising your shoulder to hold the instrument, you most likely need to use a shoulder rests. Shoulder rests provide support and height, which generally make holding the violin easier. I suggest trying this Kun shoulder rest or if you have a particularly long neck, this Bon Musica shoulder rest.

How to position your left hand

Your left hand should come in contact with the violin in 3 places: the thumb, the inside corner of the index finger, and whatever finger you are placing down. The thumb should be about a 1/2 inch away from the scroll, and should be touching the neck on the inside corner. The inside of the index finger should be touching the neck right on top of the bone, and when you place your fingers down, place them on the tips and keep the knuckle up.

I can’t stress enough how much posture and position directly relates to the quality of your playing. It can be tedious to master at first, but it is well worth the investment.