Shoulder rest

Usually, the shoulder rest attaches to the edge of the back of the violin with "feet" padded with rubber tubing or made of soft plastic.

A shoulder rest, whatever its design, is an accessory to facilitate holding the instrument in place while playing.

Prior to its invention, violinists and violists employed a number of strategies to hold their instruments: the violin in particular was often depicted in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries being held on or below the collarbone, though this does restrict shifting somewhat.

[citation needed]Large violas were sometimes played with the aid of straps around the neck, and violins could occasionally be attached to the players' cravat.

Modern musicians who chose not to use shoulder rests may also prefer in its place a thin sponge or a cloth.