Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shimming a main magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device. The method comprises the steps of generating at least one spatially selective radio frequency pulse (RF) for exciting nuclear spin magnetization within a restricted region of the examination volume of the magnetic resonance device, acquiring a magnetic resonance signal (ES) that is sensitive to the homogeneity of the main magnetic field, and applying electric currents (SZ, SX, SY) to a shim coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance device such that the main magnetic field is adjusted in accordance to the properties of the acquired magnetic resonance signal (ES).