How to pick the best shoulder rest for your body and my top 3 picks as a teacher (violin and viola)

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The topic of shoulder rests can be very controversial; however, I think that the instead of focusing on whether or not to use one, the focus should be on teaching students both how shoulder rests can help and also how they do not have to rely on having one. While some professionals are committed to no shoulder rest, many others use them. As violinists and violists we must look at several things including body types, shoulder rest types, and most importantly, the principles that guide holding the violin in the first place.

How to hold and play the violin and viola without a shoulder rest

Regardless of whether or not a player chooses to use a shoulder rest, every player should be able to play without one. In fact, it can be very beneficial to understanding left hand technique to teach yourself to play without one. It takes a bit of adjustment and training, but anyone can learn it. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you experiment.

• The violin should be held between the side of the chin (on the jawline) and the top of the collar bone. These contact points are relatively quite small. It is a mistake to think that there is a contact point “on the player’s shoulder.” It leads to shoulder tension and lack of flexibility
• If you have a long neck, any extra space between those two contact points should be filled by the chin rest, not the shoulder rest. The space should be filled comfortably in such a way that the head does not have to tilt unnaturally to the left.
• The left thumb compensates for the lack of stability created by having no shoulder rest. This requires a flexible and supple left hand where the left thumb anticipates the action of the left hand fingers and “leads” the hand, especially when shifting. (if you have a tight left hand, teaching yourself to play without a shoulder rest can really encourage you to loosen up and make your hold more supple.)
• With or without a shoulder rest, the player should have the freedom of movement to change the tilt of the violin from side to side, as well as up and down. This should be able to be done without having to bend the entire torso.

So, should I use a shoulder rest or not?

I do use a shoulder rest and I have always recommended my students use one as well. However, at some point in their development, especially if they are dealing with left hand tension, I go through the points above and teach them to play without one.

So why use one if you can play without it? The shoulder rest should be viewed as a tool to give yourself the opportunity to rest the neck and hand just a bit, rather than being the place on which the violin rests. It gives you the option for more stability but should never be treated as a lifeline for holding the instrument (a problem I myself had years ago and many students struggle with at some time or another).

Experiment, test your stamina, and then decide if adding or removing your shoulder rest is good for you or not. That being said, if you choose to use one, here’s my top three picks for myself and my students.

1. Everest EZ shoulder rest for violin and viola (Best Overall)

This is my personal favorite for playing both violin and viola! For me, it fits the bill when it comes to having a tool that supports you without taking away the freedom of movement you need for playing. Sometimes highly adjustable shoulder rests actually hinder movement because you can only make them highly personalized for a small range of motion.

Pros:

• Lightweight and sturdy
• Affordable (good starting point without breaking the bank)
• Foam is thick enough to accommodate a large number of shoulder/collar bone shapes comfortably, with enough curve to keep it from sliding down the front of the shoulder
• Allows for more freedom of movement than other shoulder rests
• Comes in sizes 1/8 – 4/4 (standard black); Spring Collection comes in sizes 1/10 – 4/4
• Spring Collection offers up to 10 color options
• Foldable Options available (1/2 – 4/4 size) to fit better in cases

Cons:

• Foam tends to come unglued after about a year of constant use
• Is not as adjustable as some other models

2. Foam Rests (Best Customizable)

Foam rests can be placed under the clothes on the shoulder or can be attached directly to the instrument with rubber bands. They range from a think foam circle just to give some padding to a thick foam wedge shaped to the contour of the shoulder. I find foam rests especially useful for very young beginners, but also for more advanced players who are needing to find a personalized setup without losing mobility. Use as is, double up, or mix and match styles until you find the right setup!

Pros:

• Highly customizable
• Foam allows for freedom of movement and discourages muscle tension in the neck and shoulder
• Affordable

Cons:

• May take some trial and error to get the setup just right (guidance from a teacher can be useful here)
• Does not work for everyone

3. Mach One Shoulder Rest (Best extra supportive)

If the Everest just does not give enough support for a student, I have found the Mach One to be the next option to consider. This shoulder rest can be especially useful for smaller-sized viola players. It’s a little more on the pricey side, but is worth it if the less affordable options have not provided adequate support.

Pros:

• Gives more contoured support on the shoulder
• A little more “hook” over the top of the shoulder can be helpful for players with narrower shoulders and less defined collar bones
• Height adjustment options good for both short and long necks
• Sleeker and less bulky looking than some other options

Cons:

• Mid-range pricing especially for the maple wood finish option
• Thin padding can be uncomfortable for players with pronounced collar bones
• Can hinder freedom of movement for certain players