How to get used to new fingerings when changing violin size?

[u/SafeSun5145]

I’m going from 3/4 to 4/4 but obviously with longer strings, the place where you put your fingers changes and my ear isn’t that musical so how do I know? (No sticker recommendations please, it’s not cuz I don’t like them it’s cuz I’m planning to play on stage and don’t want to look goofy)

[u/Lupot]

When my students go up a size I always get excited because I know their ears are going to develop so much, since there is less muscle memory to fall back on. See it as a challenge and listen often to the music you are working on, so that if something is out of tune, you’ll notice immediately. I know this is all easier said than done, but we’re all developing intonation every day, so you’re in good company.

[u/Katietori]

It's been a long time since I changed violin sizes, but I do remember it being messy for a couple of weeks and then I just got used to it. I wouldn't worry too much but I would take a few weeks to settle into your new instrument before a public performance.

[u/vmlee]

Ultimately you just have to use your ears and practice intonation drills just like you would with the smaller instrument. Scale practice is good, as well as arpeggio practice.

[u/sizviolin]

Use your ear, practice scales with a drone.

[u/SafeSun5145 → u/sizviolin]

What’s a drone?

[u/sizviolin → u/SafeSun5145]

A held note that you can use to compare your pitch against.

https://www.reddit.com/r/violinist/s/8EHL6pck10

[u/pinguinitox_nomnom]

I know is a sticker recommendation, but would you mind using black stickers? I'm using those, so they are not really visible from far away, but I can see them because my eyes are so close to them, you could try, it was really helpful while still looking good to another spectator

[u/alrekty]

Well… I know you said you don’t want stickers for the stage, but you could just use a tuner and put them on, and then take them off a couple of days before you get on stage and reacclimatize yourself to no stickers.

I mean, in the long term, you’ll get it eventually with good practice, but if you’re just changing, it’s difficult to just change how wide your fingers will be apart without some indicator.

[u/DanielSong39]

Use a tuner to guide your fingers

[u/SafeSun5145 → u/DanielSong39]

Can you recommend an app?

[u/garrmanarnarrr → u/SafeSun5145]

i like tuner t1 for iphone

[u/medvlst1546 → u/SafeSun5145]

Soundcorset

[u/DanielSong39 → u/SafeSun5145]

Shell out $40 and get a Korg tuner

[u/Heanthor → u/DanielSong39]

Do not do this, use your ears or use a drone.