I`ve noticed that as you go up the neck on a guitar, the frets get smaller, so the violin being a string instrument also, I figured that this must also be true on a violin.

Does this mean that you use less fingers up in the high positions or do you have to crowd all the fingers together and shift very slightly to go a semitone higher? Also, at what position would this come into effect (if that is what happens?)

Thanks

you have to cramm your fingers up I`m afraid, it`s really irratating sometimes, especially if you`re doing 3 octave scales. You`ll start to notice the shifts becoming smaller and smaller at about position 4 maybe 5. That`s you first finger on the `b` or `c` on the E string.

The fingering is the same (but you might need to stop using fourth finger if it`s too short). If it`s not the same, do tell me.

Thanks for the replies...looks like I`ll `enjoy` getting into those areas

Another thought, when you do go higher up the neck, can you rest your palm on the body of the violin? I know the thumb has to be kept at the end of the neck, but I wondered if resting your palm on the violin was `bad.` I tried both ways with my first finger on G on the G-string (7th position?!) and my hand and arm was aching...I`m probably doing it wrong though!

Thanks

I was taught to change position not by thinking about moving my hand, but by bringing my left elbow round under the violin- this feels a bit uncomfortable at first - as if you were preparing to play a backhand in squash - but it automatically brings your hand up the violin without getting your hand and wrist into an awkward position. At least in the way that I was taught it cannot be right to rest your palm under the violin in any position. The violin is so light that the support of your thumb joint should be ample in terms of strength, although the trick seems to be with being relaxed and balanced enough to keep changing position comfortably.