How many positions are there on the violin?

While this question seems relatively straightforward, there are differing opinions on how many positions there are on the violin.

The position is determined by the placement of the first finger. Using the notes on the E string for reference, I will now go through the positions on the violin.

First finger on F or F# is 1st position. If the first finger remains on F natural and other fingers follow on the corresponding notes (2 on G, 3 on A, 4 on B flat), that is sometimes considered to be half position, however, half position is rarely used in the repertoire.

First finger on G or G# is 2nd position.

First finger on A is 3rd position. This is the second most common position after first position.

First finger on B or B flat is 4th position.

First finger on C or C# is 5th position.

First finger on D is 6th position.

First finger on E or E flat is 7th position.

First finger on F or F# is 8th position.

First finger on G or G# is 9th position.

First finger on A is 10th position. Most pieces do not go above this position.

First finger on B or B flat is 11th position.

First finger on C or C# is 12th position.

First finger on D is 13th position. In this position, the 2nd finger is on E, 3rd finger is on F or F# and the fourth finger is on G, which lies at the very edge of the fingerboard. It is extremely rare to play up this high.

Depending on whether you choose to count half position, there are either 13 or 14 possible positions on the violin.