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How to Use Third Position Books for Violin and Viola
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.
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.
Where to Start
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.
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.
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!
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.
Click the Image Below to Download the Violin Duet!
Free play-along file!
Click the Image Below to Download the Viola Duet!
Free play-along file!
Looking for more Duets that use Third Position?
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