# First Position, Viola

All four strings, fingers 1–4

First position is your home base on the viola. Map the notes on every string, internalize the half-step patterns, and develop the left-hand frame that supports everything that comes after.

Beginner · 5 lessons · approximately 57 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Free lesson sample: Read and play a viola D-string first-position pattern

This short pattern uses the D string: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4. It uses a high second finger for F sharp. Other keys can require a different second-finger placement without a change of position.

Before you start: Tune the D string and choose a pace that gives you time to name each note. Plucking is fine. Use a teacher-approved hand frame and stop if the hand feels strained.

### The example, written out
- D4: open string (0) · 0 semitones above open D
- E4: finger 1 · 2 semitones above open D
- F#4: finger 2 · 4 semitones above open D
- G4: finger 3 · 5 semitones above open D
- A4: finger 4 · 7 semitones above open D

### Try it step by step
1. Play D4, then E4. The open-to-first-finger interval is a whole step, or two semitones.
2. Continue through F#4 and G4 and A4. Say the note name before placing the next finger.
3. Play the whole pattern upward and downward, one note per beat. Reset the hand between repetitions instead of gripping more tightly.

### Worked answer
Ascending fingers: 0–1–2–3–4; descending: 4–3–2–1–0. E4–F#4 is a whole step; F#4–G4 is a half step. Fourth-finger A4 matches the neighbouring open A string, so alternate those two notes as a listening check. This is one pattern, not every note available in first position.

### Common mistakes
- Do not substitute F natural for the F sharp shown here.
- The table gives semitone relationships, not finger distances in centimetres. Instrument size and setup affect physical spacing.

[Download the viola D-string chart](/charts/viola/strings/d)
[Compare the pitches with a tuner](/tools/tuner/viola)

## Before this module
- [Getting Started](/learn/viola/getting-started), The middle voice, your viola, your bow, your posture

## What this module covers
1. **The C String**, First position notes on your deep, rich C string (12 min)
2. **The G String**, First position notes on the warm, lyrical G string (11 min)
3. **The D String**, First position on the singing D string (11 min)
4. **The A String**, First position on the bright A string (11 min)
5. **String Crossings**, Smoothly moving between strings on a heavier instrument (12 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Viola first-position chart](/charts/viola), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [Tone & Bow Control](/learn/viola/tone-bow), Drawing the viola's deep, warm voice

## Where should I start with first position?
The curriculum places Getting Started before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “The C String”: First position notes on your deep, rich C string. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the first position module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 57 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with all four strings, fingers 1–4. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The complete “Read and play a viola D-string first-position pattern” exercise, its worked answer and common mistakes are free on this page. The lesson list and linked public tools are also open. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the viola curriculum](/learn/viola)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/viola/first-position