Left hand
How to do shifting (position changes)
Shifting is moving the left hand to a new position on the fingerboard to reach notes outside the current position. A clean shift is governed by the same finger that was down or a guiding finger that travels lightly along the string, with the thumb and hand moving as a unit and the arm leading. Releasing finger weight during the travel is what makes shifts smooth and accurate. Shifting unlocks the entire fingerboard and is required for nearly all intermediate and advanced repertoire. Smooth, in-tune, tension-free shifting is a major audition discriminator because it exposes both intonation and left-hand freedom.
How to practice it
- 1Practice the shift slowly while lightening the finger so it slides with almost no pressure, producing a faint harmonic-like ghost sound (the Yost approach); this trains light, accurate travel.
- 2Move the thumb and first finger together as a unit, with the thumb traveling parallel to the hand so the frame stays intact.
- 3Practice with an audible guide note first (sliding the old finger to the new spot), then make that guide silent as accuracy improves.
- 4Lead the shift with the arm and keep the wrist and hand relaxed so the motion is one smooth gesture.
- 5Practice both directions (up and down) on scales and simple shifting etudes, checking intonation of the arrival note each time.
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard during the travel, which creates an ugly scoop and slows the shift.
- Leaving the thumb behind so the hand frame collapses and the arrival is out of tune.
- Gripping with tension, which makes shifts inaccurate and effortful.
- Not hearing the guide note, so the landing position is a guess rather than a measured distance.
Frequently asked
What is shifting (position changes)?
Shifting is moving the left hand to a new position on the fingerboard to reach notes outside the current position. A clean shift is governed by the same finger that was down or a guiding finger that travels lightly along the string, with the thumb and hand moving as a unit and the arm leading. Releasing finger weight during the travel is what makes shifts smooth and accurate. Shifting unlocks the entire fingerboard and is required for nearly all intermediate and advanced repertoire. Smooth, in-tune, tension-free shifting is a major audition discriminator because it exposes both intonation and left-hand freedom.
How do I practice shifting (position changes)?
Practice the shift slowly while lightening the finger so it slides with almost no pressure, producing a faint harmonic-like ghost sound (the Yost approach); this trains light, accurate travel. Move the thumb and first finger together as a unit, with the thumb traveling parallel to the hand so the frame stays intact. Practice with an audible guide note first (sliding the old finger to the new spot), then make that guide silent as accuracy improves. Lead the shift with the arm and keep the wrist and hand relaxed so the motion is one smooth gesture. Practice both directions (up and down) on scales and simple shifting etudes, checking intonation of the arrival note each time.
How do I check my shifting (position changes) is working?
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