Left Hand Hold Part 1

Manukau Youth Orchestra Elementary Violin Technique

Really it is important to understand all parts of this section and to look at all of the images within this section before attempting to hold the violin at the neck.

The phrase "hold at the neck" implies some sort of strangulation with the hand firmly gripping the neck. This is to be avoided as it will lead to a struggle between player and instrument.

The function of the left hand should be to act as a cradle for the neck of the violin. The violin too must be relaxed, after all you would not expect someone to sing well if you had your hand firmly around their neck. Sure your arm and hand need to have the strength to hold the violin up but the instrument itself should rest in the shape created by your thumb and left hand. Treat your violin with respect and don't strangle it.

The crease between your hand and fingers should line up with the top of the finger board. This can be seen in the image on the right by following the black arrow along this crease to the top of the finger board. This check should be performed regularly to ensure the hand is in the right place for the new student.

The other side of the violin neck should rest on the top joint of the thumb with the crease at that joint below the top of the finger board. This can be seen more clearly in the images that follow.