Third Position Playing Tips
Don’t Want to Read? Watch the Video!
Needing to learn third position but finding it a little difficult? In this post, discover third position playing tips.
Typically third position is the first position that is learned after first position. Because of this, many violinists struggle with reading the notes in while playing in third position because different fingers are now playing the same notes on the staff.
Know Note Names
If you are unable to read notes by note names as opposed to numbers, just don’t even start reading third position or playing in third position. It is truly imperative that you know your note names first or else you will be completely confused. As violinists, it is possible to play every pitch with every finger just like pianists so if you are associating a finger with a note name, guess what? You have to change your way of thinking and learn note names in first position before moving to third position.
Know your note names as previously discussed and what finger plays what note. Quiz yourself. Ask yourself; “How do I play F Sharp in third position? What finger on what string?”
Need help with note names and what fingers on what strings for third position? You may find my printable third position flashcards super helpful. Within this kit you also get access to my Notes on the Violin in third position printable ebook.
Or better get this for free in my Beginner No more: Learn Third Position Now learning library with video lessons and sheet music!
Maintain Proper Posture
Do not get lazy and allow your wrist to rest on the shoulder of the instrument. You can use the shoulder as a guide to finding third position but do not use it as a crutch to lean on. This actually weakens the strength of the fingers in the left hand while playing in third position and makes it impossible to vibrate with a proper vibrato.
Be sure your wrist does not fall under the violin in third position. Third position is not necessarily the most known transitory position to get up into the higher positions as fourth or fifth but if you’re not set up properly in third, it will be hard to work around the shoulder. Watch as you’re working in third position, that your palm is still facing the fingerboard, that you still see the back of your hand in the video, mirror or camera and that you are playing with the elbow under your setup in such a way that if you needed to shift out of third position to a higher position, you can effortlessly clear the shoulder of the instrument.
Know the Lay of the Land
You would never travel somewhere without know a little bit about the place first right? Do a little research to at least know what currency is used and what the weather is like so you know how to pack right? Well learning a new position is just like that. You have to know the lay of the land first or you will never shift their in tune consistently.
Know where your thumb lives in third position.
Simple Exercise: Replace your third finger with first finger on the A string, this is ‘D’. Comfortably let your left hand be – just like it is in first, straight wrist, left hand facing the fingerboard etc.
Take your hand away and return it to the same position playing ‘D’ with the first finger on the A string. Make sure to land on pitch and keep practicing until you feel completely comfortable where third position is on the violin.
Visually, physically and aurally know where third position is.
Practice 01 on each string. Take the hand away and land perfectly on pitch for your first finger in third position. Repeat for each string. You can always check with your open strings. The first finger matches with the lower open string.
Practice 1 to 4 on each string saying your note names and checking intonation as you play.
What to Practice in Third Position
Practice everything you can get your hands on in third position including scales, arpeggios, and etudes being aware of intonation and finger relationships. Say names of notes out loud as you play them.
Any or all of the downloadable exercise books below will definitely help you strengthen your third position playing skills.
After teaching online for over 10 years, I have finally compiled ALL of my 3rd position materials in one place. A fabulous eCourse called “Beginner Violinist No More: Master 3rd Position Now!”
I have to say I am pretty proud of this course and the results that violinists are getting.
“Beginner Violinist No More: Master 3rd Position Now!”
Start improving your note reading skills in third position with my Violin Notes Sheet Music & Flashcards!
Become a MASTER third position player with finger pattern EXERCISES in Master Third Position Practice eBook.
NO TIME? 5-Day Speed Course for 3rd position! Choose a video lesson every day for 5 days or spend one week on each. Your choice how fast you want to go.
OUT OF TUNE FOURTH FINGER in 3rd position? Work it out with Fourth Finger Studies for 3rd Position practice eBook!
Desire to improve third position fluency & intonation? Practice from the SCALES & ARPEGGIOS Series!
- C Major/minor Scale & Arpeggios
- D Major/minor Scale & Arpeggios
- E Flat Major/minor Scale & Arpeggios
- All 2 Octave Scales and Arpeggios in 3rd Position
Get all of the above PLUS step-by-step highly detailed violin lesson videos to help you practice properly for fastest results!
BEGINNER NO MORE: MASTER 3RD POSITION NOW!
Listen to Your Pitches
Listen to the ring of your first and second finger and always double check with open strings. Do not confuse the different color of the instrument in the higher position with an in tune note. The notes should still sparkle and ring true just like they do in first position.
If in doubt of your intonation, play pitches in question in first position first so you can get the pitches in your ear and then play the same pitches in third position.
Understand Intervals & Finger Relationships
Always know the interval distance. An interval is the space between two fingers. Be aware that the intervals get smaller the higher you go up the instrument. Your fingers will be closer together than they were in first position. the distance between one and four in first position is not the same distance from one to four in third position. In third position, the distance between one and four is a little bit smaller than in first position. Don’t let your fourth finger go sharp due to a high third finger.
Also, know how the notes relate to each other across the instrument as well; for example, B flat to F natural are straight across the instrument.
Okay and then take the exercise of the one four and you can take that to every interval. So you can take four one thinking your note names D, A, D, B flat, D, B, D, D, D, C sharp, D. You can finish with an octave. That way it’ll help you get to know the note names of the fingers in their position and also the relationship from one to the next.
How to Have Good Tone in Third Position
Be aware the higher your left hand goes up the instrument, the string shortens – the distance between your finger and the bridge shortens; therefore, the bow needs to go closer to the bridge to produce a good tone.
Happy Magical Practices,
Heather is a classically trained concert violinist performing with the Yambol Chamber Orchestra, Bulgaria. She received her BM violin performance degree from CU-Boulder, studied with top teachers including Rachel Barton Pine. Heather has held leadership positions with multiple orchestras in the Greater Chicago-Milwaukee area. She has instructed millions of violinists globally via Youtube videos, online academies, group coaching and one on one sessions. Heather’s students have won multiple awards, concerto competitions, held concertmaster positions in orchestras and even performed in Carnegie Hall. Heather is an advocate of a holistic violin lifestyle – putting one’s mind, body and spirit as a violin journey priority.
Please share in the comments which above tips you will be implementing into your daily practice sessions.
This was great! Thankyou!
You are most welcome!
Hi Heather,
I’m struggling with tone in third position. Is it my violin or is it me? Difficult to say perhaps but it’s frustrating me!
James.
Hi James! I would love to help you out with your tone in third position. The best way for me is to actually see you play in order to determine what is the main cause. You can schedule a session here: https://heatherkaye.as.me/violinlessons Look forward to working with you.