Quick Answer
Studies that combine first and third position help violinists learn shifting more naturally by connecting familiar notes with new hand positions. Instead of treating third position as completely separate from first position, mixed-position exercises help students understand how notes and finger patterns relate across the violin fingerboard.
First- and third-position studies can help violinists:
- improve shifting accuracy
- strengthen intonation
- develop fingerboard awareness
- build confidence moving between positions
- prepare for intermediate violin repertoire
Carefully structured position studies often make third position feel much less intimidating for developing violinists.
Learn to Play Wohlfahrt Etude No. 39 on the Violin
The exercises below give you shifting, position, and bowing exercises that help you master this intermediate violin etude.
Teaching is often an act of quiet service.
When I went to research more about Franz Wohlfahrt’s life, I discovered that he was the son of a piano teacher. He himself studied with Ferdinand David. He wrote books for his students.
And that’s about all there is; Franz Wohlfahrt seems to have lived a life outside of the history books.
However,
The impact that Wohlfahrt had on violin teaching is undeniable; he left us with some wonderful etudes that are still played today! His etudes make students solid.
Wohlfahrt’s Etudes Op. 45 have been transcribed for viola in a number of different editions and also for advanced cello by Paul Gruemmer. I love to play Gruemmer’s cello transcription in my own practice!
Here are some free preparatory exercises for Wohlfahrt's Etude No. 39 (Op. 45)!
These exercises help you work on third position, string crossing, intonation, and more. At the end of this mini book, the complete etude is included.
How these free exercises work
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Here are some books at this level that you could study along with the Wohlfahrt Etude!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should violinists study first and third position together?
Studying first and third position together helps violinists connect familiar note patterns with new hand placements on the fingerboard. This approach often makes shifting feel more logical and secure because students learn how notes relate between positions instead of memorizing isolated patterns.
Why is third position important on the violin?
Third position helps violinists expand their range, improve tone consistency, reduce unnecessary string crossings, and prepare for more advanced repertoire. Many teachers introduce third position early because it is relatively stable and easier to hear in tune than some higher positions.
How can violinists improve shifting between first and third position?
Many violinists improve shifting by:
- practicing slowly
- using guide fingers
- repeating short shifting patterns
- comparing notes between positions
- focusing carefully on intonation
- keeping the left hand relaxed
- practicing scales and studies in both positions
Short daily shifting exercises are often more effective than occasional long practice sessions.