2. Shifting

Principles

• Plan for your shift with both arms.
• Shift between hand positions, not finger to finger or note to note.
• You can only shift quickly if you can already shift slowly!
• If you’re missing a shift, break it down (see #Breaking it Down (2. Shifting)

Fundamental Questions

• Will you do an old or new finger shift?
• Is your left elbow facilitating the shift? E.g., rainbow shape or smiley face shape.
• When does the thumb transition from behind the neck to resting on the string?
• Will you shift on the old or new bow?
• Does your bow distribution complement your shift?

Breaking it Down

• Identify the target (arrival) note.
  • What hand position are you shifting into? Which are you shifting from?
  • Is your hand balanced throughout the shift?
• Practice slowly!
• Practice sliding audibly first. If you miss, you’re shifting too fast.
• Practice shifts in reverse for increased security.
• Use the wipe-out rule (see #Wipe-Out Rule (1. Practicing)
  • Don’t only correct a missed shift; instead, reinforce your muscle memory by practicing many successful shifts.
  • Think of each successful repetition as depositing money in the bank for later.