How to Use Proper Stance and Position for the Violin

If you watch violinists in an orchestra or playing country music, you will see a great variety of positions. Most classical violinists, however, are taught a certain stance that creates good posture, ease of playing and no cramping of muscles in the hand, shoulder or neck.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with feet together, but slightly apart. Hold the violin by the neck in the left hand, with the violin facing outward. Hold the bow by the grip in the left hand, with the bow pointing upward.

2. Move your right foot out to the back so that it forms an "L" shape with your left foot. Ultimately, your left foot will be in alignment with your violin.

3. Put your left hand forward and down, and fold the bottom of the violin upward, bracing the bottom against your left hip. Your whole left side is pointing forward in this stance.

4. Slide your hand down the neck and grasp the body of the violin. Flip it up so that the face of the violin is facing outward and the scroll and pegs are pointing down.

5. Bring the violin up to your shoulder, which is relaxed, and hold the violin in place with your chin, which is also relaxed. Keeping both chin and shoulder relaxed will prevent bad posture and cramping.

6. Slide your hand into playing position on the neck, letting the neck rest gently between the thumb and palm while your fingers arch to reach the strings.

7. Raise your bow to the strings to play.