Holding the violin.
Chin-rest.
The violin is held with the left hand and rests on the left collar bone. The instrument must be horizontal. To give a firm grip, a small pad is often placed between the violin and the left shoulder. A chin-rest screwed to the ribs, and covering a part of the upper table, is also to be recommended. The chin-rest serves also to protect the varnish.
To prove that the violin is held securely and well, the left hand may be removed.
Position of the left hand and the left arm.
The left hand is placed so that the neck of the violin is held between the lower joint of the thumb and the third of the index finger. The neck must not be gripped, but lightly held[12], and care taken that between the neck and that part of the hand which connects the thumb and first finger, there is an open space. The inner part of the hand is kept away from the fingerboard, so that the fingers may fall upon the strings from above. The position of the left arm must be such as to bring the elbow far enough to the right to place it underneath the middle of the violin. To attain a correct manner of holding, place the first finger on
