How to improve violin intonation, step by step

Know your finger patterns

In first position, the fingers take a few patterns, depending on where the half step falls. Ševčík built his beginner's method on them, the system of half steps. Learn each one on its own, slowly, on all four strings:

2 and 3 together: the pattern of A major on the A string, usually learnt first
1 and 2 together: C natural on the A string, as in G major on the E string
3 and 4 together: the half step at the top of the hand
Low first finger: the first finger back towards the nut, as for B flat on the A string

Check against the open strings

Open strings are your reference. The fourth finger plays the note of the next open string: compare them (Ševčík op. 6 no. 4). G, D and A played with a finger ring with the open strings when they are in tune: you hear it in the violin.

Keep the fingers down

A finger that stays on the string is a landmark for the next one. Play patterns where the fingers stay down while the others move (Ševčík op. 6 no. 12, Schradieck book 1). The hand keeps its shape and the fingers land in the same place.

Slow scales, long notes

Play a scale slowly, one long note per bow, and listen to each step before going on. Correct the note while it sounds, then play it again in tune. Then faster, in eighths, in dotted rhythms, in triplets (Hřímalý): if the intonation breaks, go back to the tempo where it held.

Use the right reference

A violinist does not play in equal temperament everywhere. In a scale, the leading note leans up towards its tonic; in a double stop, a major third sits about 14 cents lower than on a piano. A tuner judges every note against equal temperament: use it to check a note, not a melody.

Beginners stray about 20 cents in scales on average, professionals about 10 in very slow scales (Pardue and McPherson, 2019; Loosen, 1993). Aim for the tolerance of your level first.

A violin scale in Avilo, D major in third position: the intonation gauge during the note, sharp or flat

Look less, listen more

Looking at a screen during the note helps to find a placement, but does not train the ear. Look once, then play again without looking. After the series, look at which notes are out of tune, and whether they tend to be sharp or flat.

Questions

Why is my violin intonation so bad?

Most often the finger patterns are not secure yet, or the hand loses its shape. Work each pattern slowly against the open strings, keep the fingers down, and play slow scales before fast ones.

Should I practise the violin with a tuner?

To check single notes, yes. For melodies and scales, use your ear and the open strings: a tuner judges in equal temperament, which a violinist does not always play.

Why do my third fingers sound out of tune with the open strings?

G, D and A played with the third finger should ring with the open string below or above. If they do not, the finger is off: move it until the violin resonates.

How to improve your violin intonation