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(1 votes) 
Honorary tenured advisor
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I've been at it awhile, but I guess this is still a beginners' question.
I want to play a two-octave A scale in first position without open strings. Is this a usual way of playing an A scale?
That means I have to play C# on the G string, followed immediately by D, also on the G string. Should I use the pinky or the third finger for C#?
The same situation comes up with G# followed by A on the D string.
How is this usually done?
I would use 3rd finger and then 4th. This will help develop your 4th finger better.
Honorary tenured advisor
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Thank you both. Yes, it makes sense for me now to use the third for C# and fourth for D. I guess I just wasn't used to thinking that way. Yes, Kevin, the question comes up because I'm on a program to use the pinky and get away from open strings.
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I've been a little confused by the idea that C#/Db on the G string can be fingered by either the 3rd or the 4th finger. Here is my current understanding.
The finger used depend on the context, most importantly the scale.
For example, both C and Db are present in pieces having a key signature of four flats (e.g. F minor and Ab-major). Then the 3rd finger would be needed for C on the G string, and the 4th would be needed for Db.
But for a piece with two or three sharps, if the 3rd finger is used for C# on the G string, then the 4th is available to play D on the G string, in case it is desired to avoid open D.
Please someone who knows what they're doing agree with me!
Or disagree in case I am wrong, ha ha.
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Exactly.
There are exceptions, but for now, C# (on the G string) is played with a 3rd finger in 1st position and Db (they are of course the same sounding note) with the 4th.
Another way to think of it would be that your C (on the G string) whether it be natural or sharp will be played with your 3rd finger and your D (on the G string) whether it be flat, natural or sharp will be played with a 4th finger.
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