How to Play Octave Passages in Tune on Violin

In any piece of violin music, double-stop octave passages can be quite challenging. Double-stop octaves require you to play two notes at the same time an octave apart. Playing octave passages requires you to integrate technical skills, including intonation, hand position, finger position, and string crossing. Getting one note of octave in tune is difficult enough. Yet it is even harder to play both notes in tune with each other. While it may be tempting to attack all the elements at once, the best way to master double-stop octave passages is to start slowly and to isolate the elements.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure your violin strings are in tune. When your strings are always in tune, it allows you to memorize the exact finger spacing and hand positions on the violin. By learning the exact finger spacing and hand positions of the notes, you’ll be able to play the octave passages in tune every time. However, if your strings are out of tune, your left hand will continually have to adjust positions to accommodate the strings.

2. Warm up by practicing three-octave scales in the key of the music you are playing. For example, if your piece is in G Major, warm up with a three-octave G Major scale before tackling the octave passages. Scales train your ears by allowing you to hear the notes of the piece. Scales also help to familiarize your hand with the entire fingerboard. When your hand becomes comfortable in all areas of the fingerboard, you will have an easier time playing in tune.

3. Work on the octave passage by practicing just the bottom note (using the same fingerings as if you were playing both notes). Work with the metronome, starting at a slow tempo and working your way up until you’ve mastered the passage. Do not switch to the faster tempo until you have mastered the slower tempo.

4. Continuing working out the octave passages by practicing just the top note (using the same fingerings as if you were playing both notes). Work with the metronome, starting at a slow tempo and working your way up until you’ve mastered the passage.

5. When you finally put both notes together, the intonation should improve dramatically.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjusting the left elbow will help you play the octave passages in tune on violin. On the higher strings (A and E) as well as lower positions, the left elbow should be lower. On lower strings (G and D) and higher positions, the elbow should rise to accommodate.
• Spaces between notes may change as you approach different parts of the violin fingerboard. As you move to higher positions, the spacing between notes tends to be smaller. Adjust the fingers and hand positions accordingly.
• It is more important to play the bottom note in tune. When the you nail the bottom note, the top note is more likely to fall into place.
• For long term foundational work, number 24 in Kreutzer’s book of violin studies is a helpful exercise for learning to play octave passages in tune.
• If you land out of tune on a note, don’t just correct it and move on. Analyze the problem. Were the notes sharp or flat? Were the elbows, hands, and fingers in the right position? Then work it out by going back a few notes and practicing how you arrive to the next note. Playing in tune on violin is like performing a triple lutz in figure skating. You have to land correctly the first time.
• When changing positions, make sure your thumb moves with the rest of your hand. If your thumb is stuck in a different position, it could affect your ability to play the passage in tune.