Hi, just wondering if you can play the violin without a shoulder rest. I don't think so but I just want to be sure. Anyway, most violin outfits I have seen don't mention a shoulder rest included, so do you have to buy them seperate?

-Alan

P.S. Yes I know my questoins are !****!ed, I know like nothing about strings, I'm a woodwind specialist

Although I have seen some violists play without a shoulder rest, the majority of violinists and violists use one. They are not included in an 'outfit' because different shoulder rests feel comfortable to different people. It's a matter of personal preference.

Instead of buying a shoulder rest, many people start with a kitchen sponge instead. They come in a variety of widths so you can see what feels best. Use an elastic across the back of the violin to keep it in place. Remember your goal is to be able to support the violin between your shoulder and chin comfortably without raising your shoulder or tensing up your neck, and without using your hands to support the violin.

When I was younger I didint play with one becuse my violin teacher didint know better...I hated using a shoulder rest... but now im lost without it! I think you need one!

ive tried shoulder rests and absolutely hate them. i started without a shoulder rest, and i still dont play with one. i dunno, i just dont need it

Thanks to everyone

You most definitely do not need one! Milstein didn't use one; Zuckerman does not, Heifetz did not either. Gitlis uses a small pad.

Learn to balance theviolin on your shoulder, with a bit of weight on hte crook of your thumb. You don't need to have it clamped uner your chin in a death-grip!

i can't play well w/o my shoulder rest. my violin slips.. lol

It slips because you have poor positioning...not becasue you do not have a shoulder rest.

Although the shoulder rest can be useful, it can also enable one to use poor technique.

The violin should be right up to your neck, balanced on your shoulder, with a bit of weight on the left hand as required...the support of the left hand varies.

If it is slipping, then you are either not holding it level with the ground, or too far at an angle either out or forward...you want to find the happy medium position.

Before, no one used a shoulder rest. People just managed without. However, I have a very long neck and just thinking about playing without a shoulder rest already makes my neck hurt!

Really, it depends on your own prefrence, I you do decinde not to go with the shoulder rest, you have to be extra caeful about your posture and alinment. And put a cloth on you shoulder to protect your neck from the edge of the violin, it can hurt!

I cant play without a shoulder rest! I guess its just a matter of choice, try one out if you havent already. They are wonderful.

Although it's not absolutely necessary, I think it really does make playing easier, as you don't have to grip the neck as tightly when everything is snug and secure. I personally use a shoulder rest, it is incredibly painful for me if I don't