Conquering Fingerboard Violin Mysteries

Conquering fingerboard violin ministries is not difficult. When you first look at the fingerboard of a violin you realize it has no frets or markers to help you determine where to place your fingers. You wonder if mastering this fingerboard is even possible without being a genius of some sort. With the application of a few basic techniques, you will find that mastery of the fingerboard is not difficult at all.

The fingerboard is the top, or the flat portion of the neck of the violin. Its purpose is to create a surface where the strings can be pressed upon in a particular place to create a desired sound. Most violin fingerboards are made of ebony, which is a very dense hardwood.

A critical component in conquering fingerboard violin mysteries is for you to develop and trust your own musical ear. A musical ear simply means that you can hear whether or not a tone is correct, or on the right pitch. In other words, your brain will know what the pitch should sound like and you will be able to make proper adjustments by the placement of your finger on the fingerboard.

Beginning violin students may be encouraged to use fingerboard charts to help them in the placement of their fingers. Some instructor's also use pieces of colored masking tape to help the student determine proper finger placement. No matter what method is used you must remember to keep your hand relaxed and your left arm in the proper position.

If you purchase a used violin, or if you have used your instrument for many years, your fingerboard may be worn and need to be resurfaced. You can easily tell if this is the case by examining to see if there are grooves present, or if your fingerboard is damaged in any way. Scratches in grooves in the fingerboard can greatly diminish the sound quality of your violin. A qualified violin technician can repair the damage and remove the grooves, thus restoring the fingerboard to a like new condition.

When viewed from end to end, a properly formed fingerboard will have a slight concave shape. This shape is designed to improve the overall tone of the instrument. The fingerboard also has a convex shape when viewed across its width. The purpose of this shape is to insure that each string is approximately the same distance from the fingerboard at any given point.

Many times, when concentrating on developing a specific area of concern, it is easy to neglect other components of your craft. In other words, while working on fingerboard violin techniques, don't neglect your posture, or the position of your right hand. Don't forget about the seven positions of your upper right arm. And don't neglect your bowing techniques.

Keep in mind that playing the violin is made up of many different components. These components must be developed in harmony with each other. You should learn to think of each component as a single note intended to be played together with others in a harmonious chord. You have been given the tools to conquer fingerboard violin mysteries.

Hailey Alton is a violin performer, music lover and teacher. For more great tips on Fingerboard Violin techniques please visit http://learntheviolinfast.com

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