My name is Felipe (a.k.a. Jorge Suíno), from Brazil, and I started learning the violin in early 2006. My teacher started giving me lessons that included the 3rd position several months ago, and I was so overwhelmed with how goddamn hard it was that I ended up "shelving" this issue. Seriously, it's freaking impossible to get the perfect pitch when I shift.
However, I figure that it's been long enough and I should be able to face it head-on by now, so I'd like to know if anybody can provide me with stuff that can help me memorize exactly where my hand's supposed to be when I move over to this position. Visual aids, whatever. Anything.
you need a "base" finger, say your first. on the e string play f sharp. then play up the scale to b, (1st finger 2nd, 3rd, fourth) listen to your fourth, then with your "base" finger slid your hand up until you get the same b note sound as with your first. this is a pretty stable way of doing it, instead of leaping into the right general area. after a bit of practice you won't really slid your finger will just go there. it does take practice.
good luck, you'll be fine with a few more concrete lessons
From my own experience,i was frustrated about third position when i first learnt it too.The third position,well....you can try playing with first finger in first position,let's say you play the B note on A string,normally if you practice,from B,you will shift to D.When you shift,just remember you lift the finger,shift it down and drop,try not to change your...err.....position of hand,just let it slide smoothly down without changing your hand posture just like when you are holding down the B note,normally when in third position,your wrist(around there) would touch your violin.
So the points arei)DO NOT change hand posture when shifting
(ii)PRACTICE
Hope you understand,：） and hope it helps too.
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i)DO NOT change hand posture when shifting