Shifting high and shifting low,
Our fingers glide, a seamless flow.
Expanding our range, we'll embrace,
A wondrous journey through fingerboard space.
Welcome to the eighth instalment of our imaginative 12 Month blog series for young viola students! In this month's adventure, we'll dive into the incredible world of shifting on the viola. Shifting is a fundamental technique that allows violists to access various positions on the fingerboard, expanding their range and unlocking new expressive possibilities in their playing.
To begin our journey, let's explore the different types of shifts that violists use. The most common shifts are position shifts, where we move from one position to another, and sliding shifts, which involve moving smoothly from one note to another without changing positions. Additionally, there are also pivot shifts, where we rotate around a fixed finger, and crab shifts, where we change positions lifting each finger at a time, crawling up or down like a crab.
Position Shifts
When shifting between positions, you are essentially moving from one "box" of notes to another along the fingerboard. For example, shifting from first position to third position involves moving your entire hand up the fingerboard while maintaining proper hand shape. In this shift, the first finger takes the place of the third finger in the new position, expanding the range of notes you can play. When practicing position shifts, concentrate on smooth movement and keeping your thumb aligned with your fingers for optimal balance and finger placement.
It is crucial to ‘feel’ the new position before you practice the shift, move the hand to the desired position so you know what the target is. While in the position, close your eyes and feel what that position feels like. Pay special attention to any points of contact of the hand with the fingerboard, thumb placement.
Remember, you have only shifted successfully if all four fingers can be placed on the fingerboard.
To help with practice, imagine a graceful swan gliding across a lake as you move from one position to another on the fingerboard. These shifts are essential for accessing different pitches and expanding your range. Focus on maintaining a relaxed hand and arm while shifting positions, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate intonation.
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Position shifts refer to the movement of the entire hand along the fingerboard to access different ranges of notes, allowing violists to play higher or lower on their instrument. These shifts are essential for moving between the distinct positions on the viola, such as first, second, third position, and beyond. Properly executing position shifts is crucial for playing different pieces of music that span various ranges and require the ability to access higher or lower notes on the fingerboard smoothly.
This type of shift occurs usually after playing an open string. To practice position shifts:
start in a specific position with your fingers on the strings, then gently lift your fingers keeping them very close to the string.
Relax both the base of finger 1 and your thumb
move it to the desired new position while maintaining a relaxed hand posture.
Once you have reached the new position, place your fingers on the string, keeping your hand shape consistent and your fingers curved.
For example, if you are in the first position with your first finger on the B note on the A string and want to shift to the third position, lift your hand and move it up the fingerboard, placing your first finger on the D note on the same string, where your third finger previously was.
As you practice position shifts, focus on maintaining a consistent and relaxed hand shape, keeping your fingers curved, and anticipating the new position before moving your hand. This will help ensure that your shifts are smooth, accurate, and seamless, allowing you to play a wider variety of music and access different parts of the viola's range with ease.
Sliding Shifts
Sliding shifts, also known as "glissando shifts" or "portamento shifts", involve moving the hand along the fingerboard while keeping the finger that initiates the shift in contact with the string, creating a smooth and continuous slide between the starting and ending notes. This type of shift is particularly effective for creating expressive and lyrical passages in your playing or for adding a touch of emotion and character to your music.
To practice sliding shifts, start with your finger on a specific note in a particular position. Slide that finger along the string, maintaining consistent and light contact on the string throughout the movement until you reach the target note in the new position. While sliding, keep your hand shape and focus on maintaining a relaxed hand and wrist, allowing for a smooth and even sound during the shift.
Picture a swan gliding gracefully across a serene pond, barely disturbing the water's surface, as you smoothly slide between notes within the same position. This imagery captures the elegance and evenness of movement required to execute sliding shifts effectively, allowing you to produce a connected and fluid sound in your viola playing.
Sliding shifts can add expressive elements to your playing, such as portamento or glissando. Practice by isolating specific slides in your music and gradually increasing confidence, ensuring a clean and controlled motion.
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For example, if you are in the first position with your first finger on the B note on the A string and want to shift to the third position, slide your first finger up the fingerboard while keeping it in contact with the string until you reach the D note on the same string.
When incorporating sliding shifts into your playing, remember that the key to achieving a fluid and expressive sound is maintaining consistent and light finger pressure and a relaxed hand position throughout the shift.
By mastering sliding shifts, you can add a new dimension of expressiveness and emotion to your viola playing, enhancing the overall musicality of your performances.
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You can also start with one finger, and swap to another finger at the half-way point of the slide then end the slide on another finger. This creates even more flexibility, variety and adds more nuance to your expressive playing.
pivot shifts
Also known as "extension shifts", pivot shifts involve extending or contracting the hand around a fixed finger, effectively changing the position of the other fingers relative to the fingerboard without moving the hand itself. This type of shift is especially useful when playing passages that require quick and precise changes in fingering or when transitioning between positions that are close together, such as between first and second positions or between third and fourth positions. They often work really well in passages where thinking enharmonically can helps us play with more ease.
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An enharmonic passage is a musical passage in which two or more notes that are enharmonically equivalent (meaning they have the same pitch but are written differently) are used interchangeably or in succession.
For example, in the passage below, we can easily shift to 2nd position thinking enharmonically. Imagine the passage is:
C - E - G♭ - B♭
G♭ (enharmonically equivalent to F♯) and B♭ (enharmonically equivalent to A♯)
In this example, placing finger 2 on G♭ (thinking it is F♯) and 4th finger on B♭ (or A♯) allows us to shift to 2nd position without moving the hand, playing with secure intonation.
Visualize a spinning top as you rotate around a fixed finger on the fingerboard. Pivot shifts are particularly useful for navigating tricky passages and maintaining a stable hand position.
To practice pivot shifts, choose a finger to serve as your anchor, usually the first or second finger, which remains stationary on the string. With that anchor finger in place, extend or contract your hand, allowing the other fingers to reach new notes without physically shifting the entire hand. Focus on maintaining a relaxed hand position and avoiding tension in the fingers, wrist, and arm during the pivot movement.
For example, if you are in first position with your first finger on the C# note on the A string, and the next note is B♭ on the D string, you can pivot to second position, extending your hand and placing the fourth finger as if was an A#. This allows you move to second position without the need to move the hand.
By mastering pivot shifts, you can efficiently navigate the fingerboard, making it easier to play fast and intricate passages while maintaining accuracy and control.
Crab Shifts
Crab shifts, also known as "crawling shifts," involve moving the hand along the fingerboard while keeping all fingers in contact with the strings, giving the impression that your hand is "crawling" like a crab. This type of shift enables you to maintain constant contact with the strings, resulting in a more connected and fluid sound, as well as providing a sense of security during position changes.
Crab shifts involve moving between positions sliding individual fingers on the string, as if your hand were a crab crawling along the fingerboard. This type of shift enables you to maintain constant contact with the strings, resulting in a more connected and fluid sound. To master crab shifts, practice sliding individual fingers along the strings while maintaining light finger pressure, as if your fingers were delicate crab legs touching the surface of the water. Pay attention to the smoothness and continuity of the movement, striving for a seamless transition between positions.
Crab shifts can help you maintain contact with the fingerboard and achieve a smooth, seamless sound. To master this technique, practice moving individual fingers with minimal finger pressure, each time altering the finger patterns, focusing on the sensation of your fingers gliding along the strings.
By incorporating crab shifts into your viola technique, you can achieve smoother position changes and improve the fluidity of your playing, especially in legato passages where seamless connections between notes are essential.
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Objective: This exercise helps students practice crab shifting by moving from one note to another while maintaining the same finger on the string, imitating a crab's sideways movement.
Start in first position with your second finger on B on the G string.
Without lifting your finger from the string, slowly slide your second finger up to the C# note while maintaining consistent finger pressure and a relaxed hand position.
Pause for a moment, and then slide it back down to B.
Repeat this process for each finger (first, third, and fourth) on the same string, sliding up and down a whole step for each finger.
Once comfortable with this exercise on the G string, practice it on the other strings (C, D, and A) to become familiar with crab shifting across the entire fingerboard.
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Objective: This exercise focuses on alternating fingers during crab shifting to develop finger independence and coordination.
Begin in first position with your first finger on B on the A string.
Without lifting your finger from the string, slide your first finger up to the C# while keeping a relaxed hand position.
While still on C#, switch to your second finger without moving the pitch, as if your fingers were playing "leapfrog."
Slide your second finger back down to the B note, maintaining consistent finger pressure.
Once back at the B note, switch to your first finger again without changing the pitch.
Repeat this process for other finger combinations (e.g., second and third, third and fourth) on the same string.
Practice this exercise on the other strings to master crab shifting with different finger combinations across the fingerboard.
Now that we have established imaginative associations with each shift type, it's time to incorporate some practice techniques.
fingerboard awareness
First, we'll focus on fingerboard awareness. Using a fingerboard map or visual aid, we'll familiarize ourselves with the various positions and note locations on the viola. This will help us to develop a mental picture of the fingerboard, enabling us to navigate it confidently.
finger dexterity
Next, we'll work on finger strength and dexterity. To do this, we'll employ exercises such as finger gymnastics and spider walking. These activities will help us to build strength and flexibility in our fingers, ensuring that we're able to execute shifts smoothly and accurately.
relaxation techniques
As we become more comfortable with the mechanics of shifting, it's essential to incorporate relaxation techniques. Shifting can be physically demanding, and tension in our hands or arms can inhibit our ability to shift smoothly. By practicing mindful breathing and regularly checking in with our body, we'll learn to maintain a relaxed state while shifting, allowing our fingers to glide effortlessly across the fingerboard.
Check out Month 3: Viola Yoga
Check out Month 3: Viola Yoga
bring it to life
Now that we have a solid foundation in shifting, it's time to bring it all together by applying these techniques to real music. Start by choosing a piece that requires shiftingand break it down into smaller sections. Focus on one section at a time, choose the appropriate shift type to that passage and practice slowly and methodically. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the shifts, and soon you'll be playing the piece with confidence and ease.
critical listening
Lastly, let's not forget the importance of listening. As we practice our shifts, be mindful of the sounds we create. Strive for a smooth, seamless transition between notes, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shifting techniques to find the one that works best for you.
finale
In summary, the art of shifting is a crucial component of viola playing. By exploring different types of shifts, creating imaginative stories to accompany our slides, and practicing a variety of techniques, we'll confidently navigate the fingerboard and expand our viola's range. So, let's embark on this wondrous journey through fingerboard space and unlock the full potential of our beautiful instrument!
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