Position Shifts

The rules given in Article III of this section concerning shifts between the first and fourth positions remain the same for shifts between other positions. The following exercises are intended to familiarize the player with shifting between various positions, taking into account the four cases mentioned above. (The positions are labeled half, first, 1 ½, second, third, 3 ½, fourth, 4 ½. These numbers are to be understood as closed hand positions. If extensions are added, so is the abbreviation “gr.”)

Position Shifts on One String

First Type

The shift is done on the same finger

Second Type

Shifting when there is an open string between the positions

Third Type

The first note of the new position is assigned a higher-numbered finger than the last note of the old position

Fourth Type

The first note of the new position is assigned a lower-numbered finger than the last note of the old position.

Position Shifts Across More than One String

Example on One String

Example on More than One String