Finger Dropping and Lifting / Shifting / Vibrato / Pizzicato / Harmonics

Shifting

Tips and details for smooth and accurate motions for complete command of the fingerboard

Definition

Beginner

Each shift consists of three motions:

Lift
Shift
Drop

No pressure between thumb and knuckle of the first finger.

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Three categories of shifts:

Shifts with one finger

Shifting ↑: lwr finger to hghr finger
Shifting ↓: hghr finger to lwr finger

Shifting ↑: hghr finger to lwr finger
Shifting ↓: lwr finger to hghr finger

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Exercises

Beginner

Practice a scale on one string with one finger.

Each shift follows the pattern:

Lift
Shift
Drop

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Intermediate

Arpeggio on 1 string, 1 finger, 2 octaves.

Make sure every shift lifts, shifts, and drops.

Practice slowly enough to control the arrival on each pitch.

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Advanced

Shift on the old bow using the intermediate note.
This shift can be hidden by release of bow pressure.

Shift on the new bow with the new finger.
This shift is used when you want to hear the glissando.

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Master Classes

Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy, chromatic glissando

Slow, relaxed vibrato motion.

Open your elbow while you vibrate.

Release finger pressure on the string by 50%.

The thumb does not touch the neck of the violin during this motion.

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Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy, end glissando

Shift with the new finger on the new bow.

Aim for the 1/2 step below target note, then vibrate up to correct pitch.

Bow pressure during the shift determines how much of the slide you can hear.

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Performances

Brahms: Violin Concerto, 1st movement

Violin, Timothy O'Neill
Piano, Sujung Cho