The viola is often considered the lost instrument because so few people know about it. It is very important in the orchestra, however, providing a deeper, richer sound and harmonizing with the violins. Sometimes it even has the melody. Because it is lower in tone, it goes down where violins can t go and has a much different sound than cellos. Violinists often play very high, using first through ninth positions, sometimes even above this.
Violists don t go nearly as high.
They rarely go higher than fifth, though it is possible to go up to ninth or even eleventh position. Second position is reached by sliding the first finger up to where the second finger is. From third, to reach fifth, slide the first finger up to where the third finger was. Third is the most common position and is the first shifting position learned. When placing fingers down, or shifting, fingers must be placed firmly, but the hand must not be tense.