How to Install and Adjust a Violin Shoulder Rest
One of the most common setup questions we hear at Kennedy Violins is: “How do I properly install and use a shoulder rest?” In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what a shoulder rest does, how to install it correctly, and how to adjust it so your violin feels easier—and more comfortable—to play.
Whether you’re brand new to the violin or just want to make sure your setup is dialed in, this step-by-step breakdown will help.
What Is the Purpose of a Shoulder Rest?
Simply put, a shoulder rest helps make your violin thicker.
When you hold the violin up, there’s naturally a gap between the bottom of your jaw and your collarbone. A shoulder rest bridges that gap, making the instrument easier to support. The goal is to help you hold the violin securely without relying on your left hand to hold it up.
When the shoulder rest is fitted correctly:
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The violin feels more stable
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Less weight and tension are placed on your left hand
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Your hand is freer to move and shift
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Holding the violin feels more natural and relaxed
Not everyone uses a shoulder rest—and that’s okay. That’s a personal choice and a topic for another day. But if you do use one, it’s important to set it up correctly.
Shoulder Rest Types: Carbon Fiber vs. Wood
Most shoulder rests share the same basic design, but the materials can differ.
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Carbon fiber shoulder rests (like the Portland Carbon Fiber Rest) are extremely durable, affordable, and reliable. We sell thousands of these every year because they work well and hold up over time.
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Wooden shoulder rests often cost more, but many players choose them because they can resonate a bit better and slightly enhance the sound of the violin.
Both can work very well. The right choice depends on your budget, durability needs, and tonal preferences.
Step 1: Identifying the Correct Orientation
Before installing your shoulder rest, notice that one side has a dip or curve. This curved side is designed to sit against your shoulder.
That dipped end should go on the widest part of the violin’s lower bout (the bottom section of the instrument).
Step 2: Installing the Shoulder Rest on the Violin
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Hold the violin so you’re looking at the back.
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Locate the widest part of the violin’s lower bout.
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Place the dipped end of the shoulder rest on that widest section.
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Attach the other foot to the opposite side and gently slide the rest so both feet are positioned securely on the widest area.
The rest should feel snug—not forced.
Test It
Once it’s on:
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Gently shake the violin
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Make sure the shoulder rest does not slip or fall off
If it feels loose, you’ll need to adjust the width.
Step 3: Adjusting the Width of the Feet
Most shoulder rests allow you to adjust how far apart the feet are. This is important because:
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Violins vary slightly in size
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Fractional violins (¾, ½, etc.) require different spacing
On many rests, this is done by:
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Unscrewing a foot
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Moving it to a different hole or position
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Re-tightening it to widen or narrow the fit
Adjust until the rest fits securely on the violin’s widest point without excessive force.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning the Placement Angle
Once the rest is secure, you can experiment with placement:
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Some players angle one side slightly higher
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Others (myself included) prefer positioning the rest a bit closer to the outside edge of the violin, nearer the neck
If the rest slips when you change the angle, it means the width needs further adjustment.
This part is personal—small changes can make a big difference in comfort.
Step 5: Adjusting the Height of the Shoulder Rest
This is one of the most important steps.
Everyone has a different distance between their jaw and collarbone. Neck length varies, and your shoulder rest should match your body—not someone else’s.
Lowering the Rest
If you have a shorter neck or smaller gap:
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Turn the feet clockwise
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This shortens the legs and lowers the rest
Raising the Rest
If you have a longer neck or larger gap:
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Turn the feet counterclockwise
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This lengthens the legs and increases height
The Goal
Your goal is to hold the violin in a natural, upright posture:
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Minimal neck pinching
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Minimal head tilting
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No excessive leaning or clamping
If you have to force your head downward to hold the violin, the rest is likely too low. When adjusted properly, the violin should come up comfortably to you.
Why This Matters
The violin is already a challenging instrument. A properly adjusted shoulder rest removes unnecessary physical strain so you can focus on sound, technique, and musicality.
Making the instrument easier to hold makes playing more enjoyable—and more sustainable over the long term.
Choosing a Quality Shoulder Rest
Not all shoulder rests are created equal.
Be cautious of very low-quality rests, especially those that:
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Come bundled with inexpensive violins
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Claim to fit all violin sizes
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Use hard rubber that doesn’t grip well
Common issues with poor-quality rests include:
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Slipping off the violin
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Hard rubber damaging varnish
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Plastic mechanisms breaking under tension
What to Look For
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Soft, grippy rubber feet
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A model made specifically for your violin size
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A reputable brand with a warranty
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Solid construction that won’t strain under adjustment
A good shoulder rest should support your playing—not fight against it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using a shoulder rest, taking a few minutes to install and adjust it properly can make a huge difference in comfort and ease of playing.
If you have questions or want help choosing the right shoulder rest for your violin, our team at Kennedy Violins is always happy to help.
Happy practicing!
