Ševčík Op. 8 – Shifting the Position and Preparatory Scale-Studies for the Violin

The chief difficulty in these exercises consists in shifting so smoothly that it is hardly perceptible. Shifting downward, from a higher to a lower position, offers peculiar difficulties. In order to effect it smoothly, hold the violin firmly with the chin, and try to use the thumb as little as possible when shifting. Later these exercises are even to be practised without using the thumb, which is then held under the neck of the instrument.