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Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:36:30 -0800 (PST)
Subject: vibrato/ hand position

Hi Rachel,

Glad to assist if I can:

hey! i have a few quick questions. when you are doing arm vibrato, or even just playing normally, my problem is the correct positioning of the left thunb.

Yes, this is an important consideration. Please view our hand-position pictures on our website at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page368.htm

You'll notice that the thumb rises above the fingerboard...the violin neck is cradled within a "v" between the thumb and first finger...the thumb does not ride underneath the neck. The correct positioning of the thumb is best taught by a personal instructor. And, no doubt, it's also a critical influence in attaining an effective vibrato along with proper stretch of the playing hand.

i have been playing for five years, but just recently got a violin teacher. she has been trying to teach me, but i don't really understand. is my left thumb supposed to go under the neck of the violin?

Never under the neck except for special application...the neck resides between the thumb and the bottom of the first finger as the accepted standard for violin technique.

or if not, if it is supposed to go to the side, and all the weight is on your shoulder and chin, how do you keep it from hurting?

If you're properly holding your violin, you shouldn't feel the kind of shoulder tension or pain you're encountering. There's an ideal balance that when achieved, you'll find your violin almost floats with very little effort on your part to support it. This does require careful attention and practice. This is not accomplished overnight...and, again, for proper positioning, a teacher is indispensable.

it always ends up killing my chin. i'm using a nice shoulder rest. i really just can't figure out what i'm doing wrong. any advice you have for me would be awesome. thanks so much for your time, rachel.

In this case, you might try experimenting with different chinrests...for they do come in a variety of heights and shapes. I have found certain chinrests will hurt my chin...while others are far more comfortable. I've also found that a shoulder rest can make the chin rest feel too high...and, I personally play without a shoulder rest...not recommended though...

Hope something here helps, Mickey