fourposition

Fourposition is a term used in several domains to denote a configuration with four discrete states or placements. Because it is not tied to a single discipline, its precise meaning varies by context.

In electronics and engineering, a four-position switch is a manual control that connects a common terminal to one of four separate circuits. The switch can be rotary or slide and may include an off position between states in some designs. Four-position switches are used to select modes, routing, or bands in consumer electronics, test equipment, and control panels. Some configurations also incorporate a center-off option.

In music and performance, position refers to the placement of the left hand on a stringed instrument’s fingerboard. The fourth position is a common higher fret position that enables access to pitches beyond the first few positions. Moveable hand placement in this sense changes fingering patterns and facilitates playing in higher registers, often used in intermediate to advanced instruction.

In other domains, four-position configurations appear in product design and human–machine interfaces. Devices may offer four fixed states defined by a lever, switch, knob detent, or similar control mechanism. In these cases, fourposition simply describes the number of selectable states available to the user, with the exact function of each state determined by the device’s design and purpose.

In sum, fourposition broadly describes a four-state or four-position configuration, with specific meanings tied to the field of application. See also four-position switch and position in related technical contexts.