Third Position on the Violin

Learn how to play in the third position on the violin and to find it easily. Positions are used to avoid awkward fingerings, string crossings, and open strings as well as to play higher notes than reachable in first position. Feel the curve of the neck on the violin to locate first position accurately. Learn where your guidelines are on your instrument to shift easily and find the position without having to search or test the notes first. Practice slowly at first then work up your speed. Begin memorizing the correct fingering for all your notes in third position for better reading.