Viola Finger Chart

Using a viola finger chart, or scale chart, will considerably enhance learning capabilities and may help the efficiency of the teacher during lessons in preparing for exams.

The viola finger chart on page 169 will give instructions so that viola finger positions may be easily obtained. By going to the corresponding pages throughout the manual it will be possible to understand the scale chart.

Section from the scale chart.
This can be read in any direction.

The viola finger chart is made up of squares with each square owning a scale. 

The letter names of each scale are placed vertically down either side of the page. The chart can be read horizontally from left to right and from right to left. This way each line, in both directions, represents a single key.

When the scale chart is read vertically from top to bottom or from bottom to the top, each square will represent a different key.

Reading the chart vertically will be the most efficient way to memorise scales. 

Assimilation of each scale will be thorough if the chart is read from all directions.  

To develop the geography of the viola fingerboard, it is recommended to select scales randomly in high and low keys. Using a metronome to gradually increase scale tempo, will make rapid passage work easier and will eventually improve viola finger positions over the viola fingerboard.

Co-ordination of both hands will improve, and a rounded tone will be experienced when playing in the higher registers of the instrument. 

This will develop violin fingering technique, which in turn will allow greater physical flexibility and dexterity

Much emphasis must be given to the position of the left hand, posture, and the numerous viola positions that may be subtly adopted

The viola fingering chart, or scale chart, will focus the student and will help them become more familiar and efficient when practising their scales