Shifting Plane

Why is it difficult to shift up and then back to the same place? Why is returning to the same place not *very* easy?!

Interestingly. Just like with the 'plane / tracks' of the bowing stroke (for a given string) so too is the plane of the shift.

The shift doesn't rotate or move diagonally. It is 2 dimensional. It goes straight up or down the string. The hand moves in 2 dimensions. Up and down the string. To keep that simplicity the whole hand must move. The shift can't happen in the wrist.

Not so sure 'stretching' exercises are actually that beneficial. I think a lose shift skill is much more useful. Even for augmented 4ths... maybe.

Also, it is great to practice on different violins. It makes it much easier to notice clarity imperfections.