Learn all about the 4th violin position including shifting and repertoire that uses it. Download free exercise booklet and start practicing right away!

For many people, fourth position starts about where their wrist starts to touch the rib of the violin. If you practice this over and over, it can be a good shifting tool. However, for a more exact measurement, fourth position starts where regular fourth finger would be in first position.

The Fourth Position on the Violin. Many violinists find the fourth position a difficult position to play in. Like the second position, it is a lost sheep of the violin positions. Forgotten about during practice, and therefore avoided when playing a piece. The fourth position can be often avoided by playing in third or fifth position instead.

Fourth position is physically the most comfortable. The hand rests naturally against the rib of the violin. The distance between the fingers is a little smaller than third which makes it more comfortable for most people. You can shift or extend comfortably and reliably between third and fourth.