Quick Answer
Third position books help violinists and violists learn shifting gradually by combining position work with familiar notes, simple patterns, and manageable exercises. Instead of jumping directly into advanced repertoire, students usually progress more successfully when third position is introduced step-by-step through scales, shifting exercises, short studies, and carefully leveled music.
Many teachers begin with:
- finding guide notes in third position
- practicing slow shifts between first and third position
- learning note patterns across strings
- reinforcing intonation with scales and exercises
- applying third position in short musical pieces
A structured third position book can help students develop confidence, accuracy, and relaxed shifting habits before tackling more advanced repertoire.
How to Learn Third Position on the Violin
Learning third position is one of the most important milestones on the violin and viola, signifying that you’re officially an Intermediate Player! Whether you’re learning third position for the first time, or just want to feel more comfortable playing in it, here are the books to use.
Where to Start
If you’re new to shifting positions on the violin, Third Position for the Violin, Book One is the place to start! This is the comprehensive guide to learning Third Position, with exercises and short pieces that can help you start playing or teaching this position.
What’s in this book?
- How to find third position for the very first time
- How to shift up and down from first to third position
- Learning the notes in third position
- How to move across strings in third position
VIOLA
Third Position for the Viola works the same way that the violin book does. Short exercises are followed by short pieces that use the skills that were just taught.
This book is focused on shifting into third position.
What Comes Next…
Once you reach p. 18 in Third Position for the Violin, Book 1, covering all four fingers on all the strings, add the Third Position Study Book to your practice. This book starts each page with a practice shift to find third position, but focuses on being comfortable remaining in third position and crossing strings while in position.
What’s in this book?
- An exercise and tune on each page
- Each exercise includes a pitch check for the three upper strings
- Frequent string crossing to develop fluency
- Pattern-based exercises for muscle memory
- G, D and C major
VIOLA
Third Position Study Book for the Viola works the same way that the violin book does. Short exercises are followed by short pieces that use the skills that were just taught.
Each page has one exercise and one piece on it, making this an easy book to assign.
This book is focused on playing across strings in third position.
Teachers often ask: “What is the difference between Third Position for the Violin and Third Position Study Book for the Violin?”
- Third Position for the Violin focuses on shifting into third position. You learn to play the notes in third position after each shift but playing across strings is not a focus. Because is it extremely important to learn shifting early so that you can feel comfortable with it, we recommend this book for starting third position.
- Third Position Study Book for Violin focuses on playing across strings in third position. There is a shift at the beginning of each exercise, to get you into position, but shifting is not the main focus. We recommend that this book follow Third Position for the Violin or be studied along with it.
- Third Position for the Viola and Third Position Study Book for Viola work the same way.
Improve Your Skills!
Finished these two books? Or already know third position, but want to improve your left-hand agility and become fluent in different keys and hand positions? Finger Exercises for the Violin, Book 3 is the book for you!
What’s in this book?
- More advanced finger patterns
- In-depth study of key signatures and how they affect finger patterns
- Slurs, string crossings, speed work
- Stretching to the octave harmonic on each string
VIOLA
This book is not yet available for viola! Check back with us in the future.
Add the Other Positions!
Do you feel comfortable in third position, but want to be able to use it with the other positions? G Major Shifting for the Violin is a stress-free way to combine 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions. (For viola this book is C Major Shifting for the Viola.) Laid out in easy patterns, this book will have you shifting fluidly between the positions in no time.
What’s in this book?
- Finger patterns repeated in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions
- Each section highlights shifting on a different finger
- Low-stress approach to the middle positions
- Exercises repeated on all four strings
C Major Shifting for the Viola works the same way as G Major Shifting for the Violin.
Free Third Position Duet for Two Violins or Two Violas!
Are you looking for some free third position material for violin or viola?
Play this free Irish fiddle tune as a duet or a solo! Try out some basic third position skills on the melody line or stay in first position for the harmony line.
Free Duet for Two Violins
Free Duet for Two Violas
Free play-along file!
Free play-along file!
Looking for more Duets that use Third Position?
These duets are fully compatible and can be played with any combination of violin, viola, or cello!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is third position important for violin and viola players?
Third position is often a student’s first introduction to shifting on the violin or viola. Learning third position helps players expand range, improve tone consistency, prepare for advanced repertoire, and develop greater freedom across the fingerboard. Many teachers introduce third position before higher positions because it is relatively stable and easier to hear in tune than some other shifts.
What is the best way to learn third position on violin or viola?
Many students learn third position most successfully through gradual, repetitive shifting exercises combined with scales and simple pieces. Helpful practice strategies include:
- using guide fingers during shifts
- practicing slowly with relaxed hands
- repeating short shifting patterns
- comparing first- and third-position notes
- practicing scales in third position daily
Structured third position books can make shifting feel less intimidating by introducing one skill at a time.
Should students learn third position before tackling hard violin or viola pieces?
Many intermediate violin and viola pieces become much easier after students develop confidence in third position. Learning third position early can improve intonation, reduce unnecessary string crossings, and prepare students for higher positions later. Technical study before difficult repertoire often helps students avoid tension and shifting anxiety.
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