Violin notes

The four open-string notes

Violin music normally uses the treble clef. These are whole notes: read them from left to right as G, D, A, E. Short ledger lines extend the staff for the low G; D sits just below the bottom line.

Check these strings with the online violin tuner before practicing. Its microphone mode checks open strings, rather than every fingered note.

Violin notes in first position

Swipe the table sideways to see every finger, or focus it and use the arrow keys.

Finger 1 is the index finger, 2 the middle finger, 3 the ring finger and 4 the little finger. The thumb does not have a note number. This table compares common first-position placements. A low second finger sits closer to the first finger; the higher placement makes a different note.

This is a starting pattern, not a rule for every piece. First position also includes low first and high third fingers. See the full violin fingering charts for those notes and printable diagrams.

G-string finger 4 plays D4, matching the open D string. The same relationship gives A4 on the D string and E5 on the A string. These shared pitches are useful checks when learning finger placement.

How to read violin notes

On the treble staff, the five lines from bottom to top are E4, G4, B4, D5 and F5. The four spaces are F4, A4, C5 and E5. Each move to the next line or space advances one letter name; the spacing does not mean every interval is a whole step.

A sharp (#) raises a note by a semitone, and a flat (♭) lowers it by a semitone. A natural (♮) cancels a sharp or flat. Check the key signature and any accidentals before choosing a finger placement. Our table uses sharp spellings: A# and Bb name the same equal-tempered pitch, though the score decides which spelling fits.

A note on the staff identifies a pitch, not a unique string. A D4 can be played on the open D string or with finger 4 on the G string. Use written string or finger markings when provided; otherwise your teacher can help choose a comfortable fingering.

A first reading exercise

1. Tune the open strings, then say G, D, A, E as you play each one.
2. On the A string, play A4, B4, C#5, D5, E5 with fingers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
3. Compare the last E5 with your open E string, then play the sequence backwards.
4. Lower finger 2 for C5. Listen to how the distance from B4 changes.

Keep a printable fingering PDF beside your music for reference.