} Shifting

Introduction to Shifting

An efficient shifting technique is vital for a fluid playing style and…

Slide a finger along a string with a light touch, like playing…

“Match the bottom harmonic with the top harmonic. Try with the 3rd…

This is a wide view of matching harmonics. Whenever possible leave your…

Shifting could have been called ‘sliding’ as there is usually a guide…

“If we only played the broomstick, we would only need to use…

A basic principle of shifting is that we need to hear the…

This is the same exercise, seen from the other side of the…

The finger releases to the top of the string, as if playing…

“Make sure you release the pressure of the finger before shifting and…

“If the thumb is pressing release the tension and place it underneath…

In this close up view we can see: 1. The hand position…

This game is fun to play and really improves intonation. It can…

We should always hear a note in our heads before we play…

We usually use guide fingers in shifting to help us feel where…

When we shift, our guide finger can travel to either a note…

“Practise sounding out your guide fingers. Release the pressure of the finger…

Notice how Fintan hovers above the note, just contacting the string with…

“Our basic shift uses guide fingers. Practise Kreutzer Etude No.11. Shift on…

“Then practise keeping the bow moving but making the guide finger less…

“If we only played the broomstick, we would only need to use…

When you shift to a new position, shift to the whole-hand frame*…

“Make sure that your elbow is free to move to the right…

The arm is generally comfortable with the elbow at a 6 o’clock…