Question

good solos to play on violin that includes shifting in to third position?

Answer 1

Start with practicing shifts that use the same finger. Put down your violin bow and practice with just the left hand shifting up and back down. Then add the bow to hear how your shift sounds.

Move your left thumb so it stays inline with your first finger. Your thumb should never trail behind or move ahead of your hand. One easy way to help with proper thumb movement and placement is to use Mark! Set! Go! Instrument Fingerboard Tape. "Mark! Set! Go!" comes with tape to place where your fingers need to be. It also comes with sticky foam sheets to put on your violin for thumb placement. This is a cheap, excellent tool for students learning new positions and shifting.

The key is to move your hand quickly through the shift and land in the right position. It is also essential that your bow moves slowly during the shift so you don't hear the shift. Just remember...slow the bow down, speed the hand up! Actually doing that is harder done then said. Practice makes perfect.

Three octave scales are really beneficial to students learning their positions. Incorporating scale work into your daily practice routine is a very simple way to become proficient at shifting.