Ready to play the violin? Try these simple tips to hold your violin and bow.
Front View
Back View
Side View
Violin Placement
Place the violin on your left collar bone (some violinists prefer the soft spot just behind the collar bone), and rest the left side of your jaw on the chin rest.
The violin is held horizontally (parallel with the floor) and is angled to the left of a straight forward position.
The elbow should be under the center of the violin.
The thumb should be opposite the first or second finger.
Maintain a curved, open space between the thumb and index finger (a backwards "C").
Keep the wrist gently rounded, and avoid resting the wrist against the violin neck.
Many violinists find shoulder rests helpful to hold up the violin, and there are a variety of shoulder rests available. Some violinists use round make-up sponges (attached with rubber bands), and others use shoulder rests that feel most comfortable to them. Visit our Music Store - Violin Shoulder Rests for sample styles.
Posture
When standing, stand straight with feet shoulder width apart, and with relaxed knees. Some violinists recommend sliding the left foot slightly forward.
When seated, use a chair with a firm base, and sit up straight (soft sofas aren’t recommended). Some violinists sit towards the front of the chair, and prefer placing the left foot slightly forward.
Bow hold front
Bow hold back
Violin Bow Hold Tips
Relax your hand, slightly turn your wrist to the left, and let your fingers drop into place.
The tip of the bent thumb touches the frog contact point.
Fingers gently curve over the top of the violin bow stick.
The middle finger is opposite from the thumb.
Violin Bow at the frog
Violin Bow at the middle
Violin Bow at the tip
Violin Bow Placement Tips
Good tone quality is achieved through proper bow placement, bow speed and bow pressure.
Slightly tilt the wood of the violin bow towards the fingerboard.
Place the bow on the string at the middle point between the bridge and the fingerboard.
Draw the violin bow in a straight line so the bow remains parallel to the bridge.
Loud sounds can be achieved with heavy bow pressure and by drawing the bow close to the bridge.
Soft sounds can be achieved with light bow pressure and by drawing the bow close to the fingerboard.
Keep the level of the arm and bow constant while playing on different strings.
