Hello!

I'm new to the violin and have been teaching myself (using "The Violin Book" curriculum by Eden Vaning-Rosen). I've been playing less than a month, but I'm having trouble getting a correct left hand position. Maybe I should add here that I have pretty small hands (the smallest of any adult I know, although I can span an octave on the piano), my thumbs are double jointed, and I use a shoulder rest. Anyway, my thumb keeps wanting to slip below the neck to help put enough pressure on the strings to make good sound. When it's where it's "supposed to be", I have awful sound because I can seem to put enough pressure on the strings!

I'm getting rather frustrated, because I've tried and tried to get my hand to play in the correct position. I can place it correctly, but I can't actually play with it in the correct position. I then got to wondering if my strings are the culprit. I have super cheap strings that only cost me (dare I say it?) about $4.00 for the set. I think they are "Castle" brand... (I can see some of you cringing now... My violin is not a super nice one, but a decent beginner's violin (cost me about $200 or so).

I've felt like giving up a few times, but I promised myself I wouldn't when I started. I really want to learn to play well, and I know establishing good habits/ hand positions is really important. So I was really hoping you could help me, since I don't have a teacher to ask. (btw... It's not that I wouldn't love to have a teacher, it's just out of the question with finances right now.)
So, what do you think? Could it be my strings? If it is, are there any strings that are a little more malleable (for lack of a better word) that I could buy? I honestly can't spend a lot on strings right now, but fear not, I'm willing to spend more than $4... Thanks!

You absolutely need a real live teacher so that they can make sure your posture bow grip are correct no video or book will help unless you have someone to make sure you are doing these things correct also you need a teacher to help you with intonation and tuning very important .Try and find a teacher in your area to help you in your music

Nope, don't think it's the strings- like the other person here said, you should find a teacher to help you with the posture; she or he will give you some tips

Totally agree with the other 2 people. As I remember from my own student days, that is a common problem, and one that a teacher can help you correct. As for finances, try to find a teacher who will make lessons affordable for you. Many will negotiate their hourly fee, teach a group, or have you come as frequently as you can afford. Having fun playing music is too important a delight in life to give up on! And you don't want to develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on. I also remember having difficulty with something my teacher wanted me to do, and the problem turned to be my cheap bow! As soon as I could afford a good bow, he encouraged me to upgrade it rather than get a "better" violin, and it made all the difference in advancing my technique.

Good luck - you've picked a difficult but beautiful instrument.