# Shifting, Viola

Moving through positions

Shifting opens the upper range and gives you the lyrical possibilities of the violist's repertoire. Master third position, learn fifth position, and develop the smooth shifts that make the viola sing.

Intermediate · 4 lessons · approximately 46 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Intonation](/learn/viola/intonation), Playing in tune on a longer fingerboard

## What this module covers
1. **Introduction to Shifting**, Moving up the fingerboard on viola (11 min)
2. **Third Position**, Your first new neighborhood (12 min)
3. **Fifth Position**, Reaching the singing upper register (11 min)
4. **Smooth Shifts**, Making shifts inaudible (or expressive when wanted) (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
- [Vibrato](/learn/viola/vibrato), A wider, warmer oscillation

## Where should I start with shifting?
The curriculum places Intonation before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Introduction to Shifting”: Moving up the fingerboard on viola. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the shifting module?
The 4 listed lessons total approximately 46 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with moving through positions. 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 shifting description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. 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/shifting