In the beginning it is important to build up strength in the left hand slowly. I usually spend some time, (how much depends on the age of the student) working on left hand pizzicato to help activate the muscles in the hand, and prepare it to start pressing down the strings. The thumb goes below the fingerboard, while the rest of the fingers are placed on the string. The thumb should be placed directly below the 2. finger – unless you play in the 4th position, where the thumb are placed below the 1st finger. Keep the fingers rounded and strong. Try to use the weight of the arm to pull down the string. The thumb is mainly used for support. The hand is slightly turned so that the fingers can rest on the fingerboard without sliding.
