I dropped my violin while putting this to it's place. I have never before seen anything in such slow motion and I heard my self shoutig "noooooooooooooo!" just like in movies. Now I know how to hold the violin, and she still sings beautiful. Story from nightmare. Today is my day four with violin in my life, and I am here to learn.
How interesting. thank you. After a pandemic vacation from my violin, I picked it up and made my clavicle very sore within five minutes. My local shop looked at me & replaced the Guarnieri chin rest with a center mount Wittner rest. That got the violin off my clavicle. Somehow with your long neck to shoulder gap, you look so comfortable with the standard chin rest and a Kun without extraordinary elevation adjustment.
Really glad you made a video on this! I played with a lot of tension in my shoulder/neck for way too many years. I wish someone had taught me early on how to use shoulder rests properly so that I could have been a lot more comfortable. Good posture is so important for playing violin/viola, and I'd love to see more videos on this topic. I'm also looking forward to hearing what you have to say about playing with/without a shoulder rest 🙂
Left shoulder tension is often not talked about especially for people that use shoulder rests. I will be sure to make a video on the role of shoulder rest and why some use them and some don't! Thank you for the comment!
I’ve been playing for close to 10 years and recently got a new instrument. I’ve been having jaw pain and shoulder aches from how much pressure I’m putting on the chin rest. I’ll have to try out some of the adjustments you recommended.
Very good explanation. Haven't seen anyone else discuss this topic. I've seen recommendation on different products, but not how to find the proper fit.
I use a Kun rest, and I put a couple wide rubber bands on it opposite my chin. It helps hold it there better. I can rest my chin and let go and it stays really well
The only video I found that helped me not be in pain while trying to figure out how to use my kun shoulder rest. New viola player. Thank you!!!! ~*Shana
That was amazing. I didn't know that the shoulder rest could change the leg's lenght. I had my first experience with the viola today and it was so uncomfortable, so uncomfortable. But since I am self-taught, I thought that it was probably due to me not being used to it, but now I see that I need to adjust things to fit me, and you showed me how to do it.
Before I watched this, everytime I played, my shoulder's were always cramping and I felt uncomfortable. Now, I feel a lot better thanks to this tutorial!
I truly and deeply appreciate this advice. Though I've been playing for a good while, I really am delighted to find optimal ways to promote my sound. Thank you!
I found this very helpful. I have been trying to put my shoulder rest too high on my shoulder and then it continually slips off. This seems to work better, at least right now.
Excellent vid. Been playing violin 4 months but I either have to wear a couple of fleecy jackets or place a thick pad over my shoulder to raise it up further. My KUN rest won't go any higher. Am about to order one which offers greater height adjustment as violin sags without my padding. This vid was super useful though. Wish I'd seen it earlier when desperately trying to get my violin comfortable.
Could you please do a video about using the ISI/Aceto Violin neck strap? (Ithaca Stringed Instruments/ Eric Aceto, luthier & designer of the neck strap).
I have a Kun shoulder rest. I like the many ways to adjust it. It really helps to keep posture but for beginners but if you are already used to it it is a bit harder.
i hope you’re doing well, i just started playing and i’m still trying to figure out how to hold everything and find the right posture and your videos really help! i do hope you keep making them ❤️
Thanks for putting this up. Looking at this fitting exercise, I'm realising I've probably been holding the violin too close to a forward position, like pointing at 11 o'clock when it should probably be around 10 o'clock. Time for some experiments I guess!
I’m a Beginner violin student. Do you have an opinion on bonmusica shoulder rest and/or how to use it like what you did with the kun shoulder rest? Thank you!!
I've tried it before unfortunately it didn't work out for me. I think it's a good shoulder rest with possible adjustments that other brands don't offer but it becomes more player specific. I would suggest going into a store or find someone that owns one to try it before you make your decision.
Bow bouncing while doing vibrato probably means your vibrato is causing the instrument to shake. Make sure the vibrato is relaxed, especially the side of your index finger, let it be free and not rub against the neck of the instrument. You might also want to consider that the bow has enough pressure while doing the vibrato.
I was so distracted because you're so adorable heh! I forgot we were talking about shoulder rests for a second there..!! You haven't posted in 3 years btw? Just wondering.
This has helped more than any other video on the subject of how to hold violin. For more views maybe add some crappy none copyrighted music and do a bunch of shots from different angles at faster pace. Just kidding. Thanks again!
Hey man, i just found this video and it is by the best one ive found compared to others, this has helped me a lot, thank you so much. I hope you make a return at some point, if not i hope youre doing well. Have a good day mate
You can try adjusting the height of the shoulder rest legs first to find a comfortable height, then adjust the placement of the feet. You may find bringing the side that rests near your chest higher to help the support more.
As an OAP,new to violin, I find it impossible to hold violin horizontal without supporting with left hand. Which would be the best kind of inexpensive shoulder rest? GDC
Could be as cheap as getting a sponge that could be shaped to fit your body and holding up the violin. But if you would like to purchase something pre-made I would suggest going into a store that carries few different types of shoulder rests and simply try to see which fits best.
I play since 6 week and still struggle with the shoulder rest. I have the Kun shoulder rest too and have tried all different kinds of heights and set-ups with this one, but it still feels uncomfortable or my violin tilts forward/to my right. I have tried another shoulder rest as well (Wolf) which was way too high for me. My teacher adjusted the chin rest more to the middle which helped a bit but it still doesn't feel right. How do I find the right set-up? I have screwed and unscrewed the feet of this thing so many times now and it starts to get really frustrating 😔
Since you have tried many setups and haven't found an ideal setup, I would suggest emailing a picture of the setup while holding the instrument to undergroundvirtuosos@gmail.com then I can give you proper feedback.
Grab a couple rubber bands. Tie one end to the shoulder feet (around the screw). Hook the other end to the corners of the C bout. You may also want to make sure the shoulder rest is hooked on the widest part on both sides. Should be a snug fit. Hope that helps!
I just tried to follow this video and I have a problem. Whenever I set the shoulder rest and then try to place my chin, when I secure my chin the bottom half of the shoulder rest comes up. I've extended that part of the shoulder rest out as far as it will go and lowered the closer one, but it didn't help. When I place my chin, I immediately get about two inches of gap at the bottom of my shoulder rest. Is the problem with my chin rest or shoulder rest? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
You might be placing the shoulder rest and the violin too high on your shoulder. The top end of the shoulder rest (closest to shoulder) should line up with the top of your shoulder. You might be placing it pass that and having shoulder rest stick out behind your shoulder. If you are placing the shoulder rest on the correct part of your shoulder and upper chest but still have this issue then it might be the chin rest that's causing the problem. There are a lot of different types of chin rest. My suggestion would be to visit a local shop that has different types of chin rest for you to try. Unfortunately it's hard to determine the issue without seeing the actual setup on the player, hope that helped!
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 Thank you! I'm a professional low brass musician and I'm challenging myself to learn violin. But it's these kinds of things that I really need some guidance on. RUclips has been a great help. Consider me subscribed to your channel. As to my problem, I feel like I'm setting the shoulder rest properly, but the lip of my chin rest is so high that my jawbone is tilting the violin. I really think it's the chin rest. (It's not exactly a pro-level instrument. It's a Knilling 110 Sebastian.) I'll be looking for a local shop to go try out some per your suggestion. Thanks again!
My problem is that I can hold the violin just fine, but when I turn my glance to look at the music, the hold falls apart and I have been unable to learn vibrato.
Thanks, but nothing works ajusting any sholder rest ive tried, nor wasting any more money on them Ill keep using a potholder with and folded wash cloth.
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 After hearing my teacher go on and on and on about "poly pads" and rubberbands I realized all I had to really do was go up on my adjustments on the Kun.. so I ended up at the last 2 threads of screw on the stock ones. My long ones should be here today! I"m *almost* perfect now, but I don't like having 2 or 3 tthreads engaged, I'd rather have many, many more. To say the shoulder rest is transformational is understatement.
I'm a rank beginner but I find the Kun useless. The violin just constantly slides down my chest and falls when using your directions. Holding the violin in this way is out of the question. It just falls... There must be some trick or gimmick which has not been told. I find it difficult to believe that my body is so differently shaped than others.
Some people are just anatomically different. I don't find this position comfortable either. Not sure what is wrong...shoulder rest, chin rest...but I'll keep trying to figure it out.
I've been playing about six months and yeah, holding the fiddle is a bear, even with a good teacher. The instrument's just an ergonomic nightmare. I found that a cheaper not-so-flexible shoulder rest worked better for me, but I'm still working on it -- may change my mind. Hang in there.
Let me assure you, it is not the shoulder tests problem. As a beginner it is quite arrogant to say that the Hardware is to blame even though you just did not yet properly learn it.
I had never used a shoulder rest and the Kun was all that available locally. My teacher told me to use a round red sponge I had and rubber and it on. Made all the difference in grip. Also, there are several videos on RUclips about using rubber bands to hold a rest on your instrument. Keep trying! I played for over 40 years without one. Because I couldn’t get it to work. A new teacher and the internet made all the difference.
This is weird because my teacher told me that the shoulder rest needs to be straight and can’t be adjusted. And it needs to be a certain height for the legs of the shoulder rest too. And after adjusting it, it feels much better. My teacher will probably say this is no good. Should I get a new teacher?
Maybe try a couple new teachers that have a good reputation in your area before making that decision. Everyone has different body types so not only one kind of shoulder rest setup is going to work for all.
Good for you to find a setup that works for you. Unfortunately not everyone has the same body type so some people find it more comfortable with a shoulder rest.
It's wonderful you don't need a shoulder rest. No more clutter to affect the sound vibrations. However I found no shoulder rest made my hand pattern on shifting unreliable. Can't do without a shoulder rest. Just goes to show how we all have different needs to get us to the same goal, to play the violin well.
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 I have but the issue could be too the chin rest....the violin needs to fit the body like a glove and because of my long neck all the weight of my body is falling on my left hand
I agree that it could also be the chin rest. Best to have a good teacher examine your setup and see what you need to do from there. It is possible to add height to chin rests. One way is just adding more cork at the base but too much cork can make it unstable. Another way, if the top of your chin rest fits well with your jaw/chin, but it needs to be higher, you can have a luthier add a little more wood at the base of the chin rest. This will be stable, but it does add slightly more weight to the instrument. Final method would just be trying out different chin rests and see what fits.
Technology has advanced over time where people have created various tools to help making it physically more accessible to work around the instrument. That said, it isn't necessary for everyone. It is up to the players' physique and hopefully with proper guidance to help one find the best possible setup for each unique player.
I dropped my violin while putting this to it's place. I have never before seen anything in such slow motion and I heard my self shoutig "noooooooooooooo!" just like in movies.
Now I know how to hold the violin, and she still sings beautiful. Story from nightmare.
Today is my day four with violin in my life, and I am here to learn.
good luck!
For me, who just starts out and can't afford lessons until next month, this is incredibly helpful. Thank you so so much for this video!
After playing forever, nobody has ever showed me that! Thank you!!
How interesting. thank you. After a pandemic vacation from my violin, I picked it up and made my clavicle very sore within five minutes. My local shop looked at me & replaced the Guarnieri chin rest with a center mount Wittner rest. That got the violin off my clavicle. Somehow with your long neck to shoulder gap, you look so comfortable with the standard chin rest and a Kun without extraordinary elevation adjustment.
Really glad you made a video on this! I played with a lot of tension in my shoulder/neck for way too many years. I wish someone had taught me early on how to use shoulder rests properly so that I could have been a lot more comfortable. Good posture is so important for playing violin/viola, and I'd love to see more videos on this topic. I'm also looking forward to hearing what you have to say about playing with/without a shoulder rest 🙂
Left shoulder tension is often not talked about especially for people that use shoulder rests. I will be sure to make a video on the role of shoulder rest and why some use them and some don't! Thank you for the comment!
I’ve been playing for close to 10 years and recently got a new instrument. I’ve been having jaw pain and shoulder aches from how much pressure I’m putting on the chin rest. I’ll have to try out some of the adjustments you recommended.
Very good explanation. Haven't seen anyone else discuss this topic. I've seen recommendation on different products, but not how to find the proper fit.
Thank you so much!! Pianist here learning violin. Such good advice!!!
I'm glad I found this...I had the narrow end at the top. It is more comfortable with the big end up.
Thank you so much! I just started and I didn't know how much my chin/jaw placement mattered. Your explanation was clear and easy to understand
I use a Kun rest, and I put a couple wide rubber bands on it opposite my chin. It helps hold it there better. I can rest my chin and let go and it stays really well
Thank You! Super useful to realise it's meant to rest on my shoulder-pec area and not over the top of my shoulder!
The only video I found that helped me not be in pain while trying to figure out how to use my kun shoulder rest.
New viola player.
Thank you!!!!
~*Shana
Thank you so much. You are an excellent teacher.
Excellent tutorial regarding the Kun shoulder rest. TY!
thank you very much ! It's really helpful
Best explanation I’ve seen so far! Thank you!!!!
That was amazing. I didn't know that the shoulder rest could change the leg's lenght.
I had my first experience with the viola today and it was so uncomfortable, so uncomfortable. But since I am self-taught, I thought that it was probably due to me not being used to it, but now I see that I need to adjust things to fit me, and you showed me how to do it.
Before I watched this, everytime I played, my shoulder's were always cramping and I felt uncomfortable. Now, I feel a lot better thanks to this tutorial!
Thank you! Best explanation out there what the shoulder rest should be doing!
Very useful! I wasn't initially sure if it should curve towards or away 😅
It's always great to get additional information!
I've been using my shoulder rest wrong. Thank you for making this video! And beautiful HxH poster back there btw :D
Thanks, the video really helped my shoulder rest placement
I truly and deeply appreciate this advice. Though I've been playing for a good while, I really am delighted to find optimal ways to promote my sound. Thank you!
Thank you great teacher
I found this very helpful. I have been trying to put my shoulder rest too high on my shoulder and then it continually slips off. This seems to work better, at least right now.
Very helpful method - thank you. And your comments are well thought through and clear.
Thank you so much for this! Really appreciate your willingness to put this video together.
Thank you. That was very helpful.
Very helpful video thank you so much!! also adorable plushies in the back😁
Excellent teacher, excellent lesson. Thank you!
Thank you, much appreciated
Excellent vid. Been playing violin 4 months but I either have to wear a couple of fleecy jackets or place a thick pad over my shoulder to raise it up further. My KUN rest won't go any higher. Am about to order one which offers greater height adjustment as violin sags without my padding. This vid was super useful though. Wish I'd seen it earlier when desperately trying to get my violin comfortable.
Great lesson and you seem super chill and down to earth. Thanks
Great advice. Thank you
thank you so much for this video!
Could you please do a video about using the ISI/Aceto Violin neck strap? (Ithaca Stringed Instruments/ Eric Aceto, luthier & designer of the neck strap).
I have a Kun shoulder rest. I like the many ways to adjust it. It really helps to keep posture but for beginners but if you are already used to it it is a bit harder.
Thank you once again! It was never explained to me how it should all sit! After yesterday’s video, my playing was much better!
i hope you’re doing well, i just started playing and i’m still trying to figure out how to hold everything and find the right posture and your videos really help! i do hope you keep making them ❤️
Thanks for putting this up. Looking at this fitting exercise, I'm realising I've probably been holding the violin too close to a forward position, like pointing at 11 o'clock when it should probably be around 10 o'clock. Time for some experiments I guess!
Great video! I recently started learning violin 🎻
I’m a Beginner violin student. Do you have an opinion on bonmusica shoulder rest and/or how to use it like what you did with the kun shoulder rest? Thank you!!
I've tried it before unfortunately it didn't work out for me. I think it's a good shoulder rest with possible adjustments that other brands don't offer but it becomes more player specific. I would suggest going into a store or find someone that owns one to try it before you make your decision.
nice video. may i ask. how to do the vibrato without bow bouncing? especially upbow
Bow bouncing while doing vibrato probably means your vibrato is causing the instrument to shake. Make sure the vibrato is relaxed, especially the side of your index finger, let it be free and not rub against the neck of the instrument.
You might also want to consider that the bow has enough pressure while doing the vibrato.
Hey Mr. Paul I also use the same shoulder rest Kun. and also Great video
I was so distracted because you're so adorable heh! I forgot we were talking about shoulder rests for a second there..!! You haven't posted in 3 years btw? Just wondering.
Very helpful
Thank you so much ❤
This has helped more than any other video on the subject of how to hold violin. For more views maybe add some crappy none copyrighted music and do a bunch of shots from different angles at faster pace. Just kidding. Thanks again!
Hey man, i just found this video and it is by the best one ive found compared to others, this has helped me a lot, thank you so much. I hope you make a return at some point, if not i hope youre doing well. Have a good day mate
Good video ❤
Thank you for this video, it has been helpful. Like to know where to get "kun" shoulder rest.
Amazon, sharmusic, and local music stores that sell violins might also have that.
when my shoulder rest is placed comfortably near body, my violin point downwards.. what should I do? appreciate your advice 🙏🏻
You can try adjusting the height of the shoulder rest legs first to find a comfortable height, then adjust the placement of the feet. You may find bringing the side that rests near your chest higher to help the support more.
As an OAP,new to violin, I find it impossible to hold violin horizontal without supporting with left hand. Which would be the best kind of inexpensive shoulder rest? GDC
Could be as cheap as getting a sponge that could be shaped to fit your body and holding up the violin. But if you would like to purchase something pre-made I would suggest going into a store that carries few different types of shoulder rests and simply try to see which fits best.
I play since 6 week and still struggle with the shoulder rest. I have the Kun shoulder rest too and have tried all different kinds of heights and set-ups with this one, but it still feels uncomfortable or my violin tilts forward/to my right. I have tried another shoulder rest as well (Wolf) which was way too high for me. My teacher adjusted the chin rest more to the middle which helped a bit but it still doesn't feel right. How do I find the right set-up? I have screwed and unscrewed the feet of this thing so many times now and it starts to get really frustrating 😔
Since you have tried many setups and haven't found an ideal setup, I would suggest emailing a picture of the setup while holding the instrument to undergroundvirtuosos@gmail.com then I can give you proper feedback.
Having a lot of problems with the shoulder rest falling off, any tips?
Grab a couple rubber bands. Tie one end to the shoulder feet (around the screw). Hook the other end to the corners of the C bout. You may also want to make sure the shoulder rest is hooked on the widest part on both sides. Should be a snug fit. Hope that helps!
The stuffed toy behind you
>. <
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4:30 is the adjustment
I just tried to follow this video and I have a problem. Whenever I set the shoulder rest and then try to place my chin, when I secure my chin the bottom half of the shoulder rest comes up. I've extended that part of the shoulder rest out as far as it will go and lowered the closer one, but it didn't help. When I place my chin, I immediately get about two inches of gap at the bottom of my shoulder rest. Is the problem with my chin rest or shoulder rest? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
You might be placing the shoulder rest and the violin too high on your shoulder. The top end of the shoulder rest (closest to shoulder) should line up with the top of your shoulder. You might be placing it pass that and having shoulder rest stick out behind your shoulder.
If you are placing the shoulder rest on the correct part of your shoulder and upper chest but still have this issue then it might be the chin rest that's causing the problem. There are a lot of different types of chin rest. My suggestion would be to visit a local shop that has different types of chin rest for you to try. Unfortunately it's hard to determine the issue without seeing the actual setup on the player, hope that helped!
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 Thank you! I'm a professional low brass musician and I'm challenging myself to learn violin. But it's these kinds of things that I really need some guidance on. RUclips has been a great help. Consider me subscribed to your channel. As to my problem, I feel like I'm setting the shoulder rest properly, but the lip of my chin rest is so high that my jawbone is tilting the violin. I really think it's the chin rest. (It's not exactly a pro-level instrument. It's a Knilling 110 Sebastian.) I'll be looking for a local shop to go try out some per your suggestion. Thanks again!
My problem is that I can hold the violin just fine, but when I turn my glance to look at the music, the hold falls apart and I have been unable to learn vibrato.
Thanks, but nothing works ajusting any sholder rest ive tried, nor wasting any more money on them
Ill keep using a potholder with and folded wash cloth.
Are you using the extra long legs for your shoulder rest?
Yes I am.
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 After hearing my teacher go on and on and on about "poly pads" and rubberbands I realized all I had to really do was go up on my adjustments on the Kun.. so I ended up at the last 2 threads of screw on the stock ones. My long ones should be here today! I"m *almost* perfect now, but I don't like having 2 or 3 tthreads engaged, I'd rather have many, many more. To say the shoulder rest is transformational is understatement.
I'm a rank beginner but I find the Kun useless. The violin just constantly slides down my chest and falls when using your directions. Holding the violin in this way is out of the question. It just falls... There must be some trick or gimmick which has not been told. I find it difficult to believe that my body is so differently shaped than others.
You're right. There is probably something missing. I suggest finding a professional teacher in your area to help you with that in person.
Some people are just anatomically different. I don't find this position comfortable either. Not sure what is wrong...shoulder rest, chin rest...but I'll keep trying to figure it out.
I've been playing about six months and yeah, holding the fiddle is a bear, even with a good teacher. The instrument's just an ergonomic nightmare. I found that a cheaper not-so-flexible shoulder rest worked better for me, but I'm still working on it -- may change my mind. Hang in there.
Let me assure you, it is not the shoulder tests problem. As a beginner it is quite arrogant to say that the Hardware is to blame even though you just did not yet properly learn it.
I had never used a shoulder rest and the Kun was all that available locally. My teacher told me to use a round red sponge I had and rubber and it on. Made all the difference in grip. Also, there are several videos on RUclips about using rubber bands to hold a rest on your instrument. Keep trying! I played for over 40 years without one. Because I couldn’t get it to work. A new teacher and the internet made all the difference.
This is weird because my teacher told me that the shoulder rest needs to be straight and can’t be adjusted. And it needs to be a certain height for the legs of the shoulder rest too. And after adjusting it, it feels much better. My teacher will probably say this is no good. Should I get a new teacher?
Maybe try a couple new teachers that have a good reputation in your area before making that decision. Everyone has different body types so not only one kind of shoulder rest setup is going to work for all.
Relax shoulder .....nose facing .....
Hmmm.. mine went inth n trash.. i couldget it ti stay so it went in the trash!
eren jaeger
It should be called a pectoral rest.
How I solved my shoulder rest problems: I threw it in the bin :) don't use one anymore and never been happier.
Good for you to find a setup that works for you. Unfortunately not everyone has the same body type so some people find it more comfortable with a shoulder rest.
It's wonderful you don't need a shoulder rest. No more clutter to affect the sound vibrations. However I found no shoulder rest made my hand pattern on shifting unreliable. Can't do without a shoulder rest. Just goes to show how we all have different needs to get us to the same goal, to play the violin well.
My issue is that i have a long neck
Have you tried longer shoulder rest feet?
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 I have but the issue could be too the chin rest....the violin needs to fit the body like a glove and because of my long neck all the weight of my body is falling on my left hand
I agree that it could also be the chin rest. Best to have a good teacher examine your setup and see what you need to do from there.
It is possible to add height to chin rests. One way is just adding more cork at the base but too much cork can make it unstable. Another way, if the top of your chin rest fits well with your jaw/chin, but it needs to be higher, you can have a luthier add a little more wood at the base of the chin rest. This will be stable, but it does add slightly more weight to the instrument. Final method would just be trying out different chin rests and see what fits.
@@undergroundvirtuosos1873 thanks bud
Best use of a shoulder rest is to throw it in the garbage, playing without one is the best decision one can make.
Because it suits you it may not be the solution for everybody
The violin was designed w/out a crutch, so why use one at all?
Technology has advanced over time where people have created various tools to help making it physically more accessible to work around the instrument. That said, it isn't necessary for everyone. It is up to the players' physique and hopefully with proper guidance to help one find the best possible setup for each unique player.