OK. This post is the exception: it's longer (but worth it if you play out of tune).

The relationship between left-hand tension, position, and accurate intonation on the violin 

Kathy Judd, June 25, 2025

Although accurate intonation requires ear training skills, physical tension is commonly a primary contributor to intonation inaccuracy in violin playing.

Stiff hands: For accurate intonation, the left hand must be flexible. A tense hand hinders the ability to hit the correct note or to make quick intonation adjustments because, without suppleness, the hand cannot respond swiftly enough to play in tune.

Finger pressure. Applying too much pressure with the fingers can cause the hand to become tight, constricting necessary elasticity.

 Finger angle: A hand position that puts too much pressure straight down on the knuckles will cause tightness and inflexibility.

Tight knuckle joints: The knuckles need flexibility. Playing too much on the tips of the fingers constricts the knuckles, so the hand cannot stretch to the pitch or quickly adjust. 

The default hand position: A constant hand position is critical to accurate intonation. Constantly moving the basic hand position contributes to inaccuracy.

Default position  - back of hand: Maintain a consistent default position for the back of the hand. Altering the position of the back of the hand when switching strings can lead to poor intonation.

Default position -  finger pad: Playing on a curved finger pad instead of the finger tip allows for better flexibility.  The finger can switch between the pad and tip if needed; however, the default is to the curved, flexible pad for accurate intonation. 

Hand mirroring: The right and left hands tend to mirror each other; tension in the right hand is mirrored in the left hand. For example, playing softly with the bow makes it easier to put the left hand down lightly, and conversely, a forte passage can make the left hand press harder.  Squeezing the bow can cause squeezing in the left hand. It takes practice to divorce the two hands regarding pressure. The violinist may need to adjust their bow hold position if it is too inflexible. 

Controlling left-hand finger pressure: Put the finger on the fingerboard as lightly as a harmonic, then, instead of the rest of the pressure to make a pitch coming from the hand, think of it coming from hanging the arm downward. This takes the pressure off the first joint,  releasing tension and allowing for a better stretch.

Checking default position with 1st and 4th fingers: If the hand is in tune between the first and fourth finger, on all four strings, and in all positions, without changing its position, it is easier for the 2nd and 3rd fingers to be in tune, whether they are half or whole steps from the first or fourth fingers. 

Exercises for intonation using 1st and 4th fingers: First, practice Perfect 4ths up and down the strings (1st and 4th fingers.) Then, add the high and/or low 3rd finger (Major or minor third). Keep the hand loose and light while listening for accuracy.

Overall body check: If the left hand is tight, likely that this is partially due to tension elsewhere in the body.  Check neck, arms, back, and, importantly, the right hand.  

Practicing awareness: One can release tension that affects intonation by building constant awareness of the tension and consistently practicing with a flexible hand position to develop relaxed muscle memory.

Mental component: Although tension in violin playing is physical, often physical tension that causes inaccurate intonation emanates from the mental; the mind and body are inextricably linked. 

Summary: There are many effective techniques to release tension and support the body and mind connection in violin playing, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and hypnotherapy. These practices can help release tension and enhance intonation accuracy and overall performance.