How to Hold the Violin

The violin is the main melody instrument of the symphony orchestra. It is a fine instrument for a music student to begin at an early age.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find a private area with a straight-back chair and a music stand.
2. Take the violin out of its case and place the instrument base on your lap.
3. Pluck each string using your right or left thumb to test its tension and hear its pitch.
4. Use a pitch pipe or a piano to tune your violin to G - D - A - E. ("E" is the top space on the treble clef on your sheet music. "G" is below the second ledger line of the treble clef.)
5. Wrap your left hand around the upper body where the neck and fingerboard extend from the instrument.
6. Place the base of the violin and the black chin rest below your chin.
7. Bring your left shoulder around so it's under the chin rest and forms a support from below.
8. Keep the violin level using your left hand. Your shoulder and chin provide firm, but easy contact and support.
9. Be comfortable and relaxed.

Tips & Warnings

• A shoulder pad or shoulder rest that attaches to the base of the instrument often helps the young student support the violin. These cost between $12 and $35.