What is the Correct Left Thumb Position for Violinists?

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  • Опубликовано: 24 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 121

  • @theviolincoach
    @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

    Shoulder Rest - For shoulder rest recommendations by neck length, see the description of Choosing & Fitting a Violin Shoulder Rest: ruclips.net/video/2lsiy5suqdw/видео.html
    Here's the one I use in this video - Kun Solo 4/4: amzn.to/3xYfzlP
    Goetz Slim Style chin rest: amzn.to/3zCJnot

  • @annemuldoon1159
    @annemuldoon1159 6 месяцев назад +8

    I am fortunate that my teacher has instructed me in this method for a year now and it really works for my small hands. So I watch this video to reinforce the correct position and I find that my thumb does rest near the nape as you have shown. I especially liked that you said the thumb and fingers are in different positions for every note. Thanks for this excellent instruction.
    Cheers!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +1

      Wow that's so cool. Your teacher will be pleased they don't have to repeat themselves 🤣 I am happy to have been helpful!

  • @randomfrog1196
    @randomfrog1196 21 день назад

    A whole year of self-teaching with Suzuki books and I never understood anything about getting my thumb comfortable, my fingers to reach, to stop squeezing and straining to reach my pinky - your video is fantastic, thank you so much ♥ It will take me time to apply these methods, but I feel confident that you have helped my physicality HUGELY! Thank you again!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  15 дней назад +1

      Thanks. I teach with Suzuki but I find the books do not go into enough detail for self teaching. The diagrams are very simplified. I learned with Suzuki as a kid and had a lot of tension before. I think the books are great for learning classical music quickly and also for challenging students who can learn theory quickly but they do not talk about the mechanics of the violin enough. You need a teacher for that.

  • @walterkohler4223
    @walterkohler4223 4 дня назад

    So helpful! Exacly I was looking for. Thank you ❤

  • @FiddlerNick
    @FiddlerNick 9 месяцев назад +1

    Great clear explanation. I've been playing since 1966 and having just looked at my FB pics of me playing , I'm doing it all wrong! Off to work on getting it right. Might make that pinky work less of a stretch than it is. I've always compensated by shoving my left elbow way over to the right, which hurts if I do it for long.

  • @yiply42
    @yiply42 6 месяцев назад +4

    Wow my 4th finger has really sucked for the whole 3 years I played in middle school (part of the reason I dropped the instrument), but now that I’ve come back to the instrument, I’m so glad I found this because it fixed a lot of the things holding me back and its becoming enjoyable again, thanks so much!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Hey, I'm glad this worked for you and congratulations for returning to the violin.
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @intja
    @intja 6 месяцев назад +1

    This is one of the best videos about left hand form. Thank you

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +1

      Thank you for your kind words that's means a lot to me 🙏

  • @ivrz
    @ivrz Год назад +1

    Very clear and enlightening. I have bee toying with this posture for a while and find it very freeing. Thank you

  • @hstylehz
    @hstylehz 2 года назад +7

    Hey, The video of your instructor's performance was really nice and I really appreciate the thorough explanation, I've been teaching Violin privately for more than a decade now.
    First, I don't think Vlad's thumb was actually behind his first finger for the majority of that performance if at all, it was blurry for me. If you spend some time meditating while focusing on your hand or studying the anatomy of your hand you would feel tension on the inside of your pinky knuckle when you pull your thumb behind your first finger. Also placing your thumb that far back gives a lot of strength to your first and second but very little to your third and fourth. Our first and second finger doesn't need the extra help our pink and third does. So I would have to agree with Prof. Bushkova about the hand shape mattering first and that centering your thumb near the middle finger releases the tension in your hand. Also for vibrato, we already have limited space for going downward for vibrato, pulling your thumb back further reduces the backwards direction of your vibrato. I'm sure this position works, with practice any one can make anything work, but using the wrong position would require to do extra work to get to the same solution as some one with the correct position. I'm glad this works for your students, but my students are young and have tiny hands, there isn't one student that i've had that could reach the correct pinky placement with their thumb pointing backwards. However, they reach the correct pinky position instantly when I move their thumb higher though.
    I think my main point is, because everybody's hand is a different shape, it's a little hard to be defining what is the correct position for everybody's thumb here. That thumb position might only be correct for you.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад +1

      I'm not sure why he taught me that way but he did and it works for me. Everyone is free to choose how they want to do it and whether they want to listen to my advice. Maybe you should create your own video on the topic?

    • @JoleneBurkeiseomagic
      @JoleneBurkeiseomagic Год назад

      @@theviolincoach oooohh!😅

  • @fabergefolliesdancentumble3023
    @fabergefolliesdancentumble3023 2 года назад +2

    Thank you, Ursella.

  • @davidkadobi7833
    @davidkadobi7833 Год назад

    Exactly what I was looking for, I have been struggling to reach the flat notes with my pinky finger.
    This video has really helped me.

  • @kjscessh
    @kjscessh Год назад

    I was doing this mistake all the time unknowingly. Many many Thanks for the tutorial.❤❤❤❤

  • @justinadams8290
    @justinadams8290 11 месяцев назад +1

    I feel as though I can't rotate my wrist enough hold the instrument properly. I will continue to work on that - the thumb placement portion was a great help.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Hi there, thanks for your comment. I hope you managed to figure out the rotation.
      Just to let you know that I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @pragr257
    @pragr257 2 года назад +1

    You are only one I found good with correct techniques of violin playing.Great

  • @jaydee7367
    @jaydee7367 Год назад

    Thanks, that’s very helpful, especially about not squeezing the neck and maintaining the C shape

  • @Armanzaribafiyan
    @Armanzaribafiyan Год назад +1

    Amazing tutorial! This is exactly what I was struggling with.

  • @stefanardelean6557
    @stefanardelean6557 10 месяцев назад

    That is the complet lessons.God bless you!

  • @bernardonyangoayieko3196
    @bernardonyangoayieko3196 7 месяцев назад

    You are a perfect coach. I wish I found you long before. God bless your work.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Thank you so much!
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @twochopsticks
    @twochopsticks 2 года назад +1

    Best explanation on the left thumb thank you for sharing

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Thank you for commenting, happy holidays!

  • @elcasian
    @elcasian 2 года назад

    Nice teaching maam , thanks for this video help me a lot as beginner. from PHILIPPINES

  • @BennyKleykens
    @BennyKleykens 6 месяцев назад +1

    Real good stuff!! ❤

  • @billsabiadrums
    @billsabiadrums Год назад +1

    Thank you for sharing this advice on how to hold the violin. I’ve never taken a lesson online but maybe I’ll give it a try with you.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +1

      Hi!
      Thanks so much :)
      Just writing to let you know that I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are still interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @nicholskirby
    @nicholskirby 9 месяцев назад

    Thank very much for this Ursilla

  • @ladjazzz
    @ladjazzz 4 месяца назад

    Thank god, greatly explained... Thank you ever so much.

  • @ChrisEbbrsen
    @ChrisEbbrsen Год назад

    Great lesson. My left thumb has had.a death.grip for years. I never used a shoulder.rest untill a few years ago. Right now ive no chin rest nor shoulder rest. I tryed to get a Libero shoulder rest but struck.out. From timd to time i study Wallace Richey finger gymnastics
    Thank you for solid clear guidance.bye for now

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Hey, thanks for the comment. I appreciate the feedback.
      I am teaching online again from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      PS get a shoulder and chin rest!!!!!!! Please!

  • @alibugrakosker
    @alibugrakosker 4 года назад +3

    Wow such a useful violin video, thank you so much!

  • @StidhamFamilygospel
    @StidhamFamilygospel 2 года назад +2

    Very helpful, Thank you

  • @bortsky
    @bortsky 3 года назад +3

    This is incredibly helpful!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Glad you found it helpful, thanks for your feedback :)

  • @mdhadi4896
    @mdhadi4896 2 года назад +2

    Thank you so much.

  • @theviolincoach
    @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +1

    Hi Everyone, just letting you know that I am open for online lessons from July 2024.
    Please contact me on theviolincoach@gmail.com to book
    Thank you for your support for this channel ❤

    • @ladjazzz
      @ladjazzz 4 месяца назад

      @@theviolincoach interesting....

  • @vivalux1
    @vivalux1 8 месяцев назад

    Thank you from Italy! That's what I was looking for and didn't found...🙏🏻

  • @celycely219
    @celycely219 2 года назад +2

    I also do this technique, holding my left finger under, but my teacher says I cant do that for some reason, she prefers the finger to be up along the board, but i think its more comfortable having it under like you!

  • @johnpiettro4644
    @johnpiettro4644 3 года назад +4

    Prof. Bushkova (one of the premier violin instructors on YT and top rate World symphony performer) insists that the LH thumb should be positioned across the the middle finger, not the index finger. She gives her rationale for that in her videos. Some would not agree with her. Actually the hand shape/size will dictate the thumb and index finger positions, that is: relative fingers length, fingers to hand length ratio, the length of the pinky finger which is of paramount importance and how much the pinky is recessed into the hand relatively to other fingers. The same applies to the thumb relative length and position on the hand.
    Some hands are nightmare for violin playing but nothing is impossible, at least for amateur experience.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Interesting. I do agree that it depends on the hand size and shape. I think we all have to do what works for us..for my hands and for the majority of my students, this technique works. Have a happy Christmas and thanks for sharing :)

    • @skylark5789
      @skylark5789 9 месяцев назад

      And Bushkova is absolutely correct. That's why she's an orchestral player.

  • @theguitarnoobph
    @theguitarnoobph 8 месяцев назад

    RUclips read my mind so I watched this video. And it was very, very helpful. Thank you!!!

  • @justsomerandomperson4220
    @justsomerandomperson4220 11 месяцев назад

    Thank you about the pinching the neck part, my left hand is less tense now. Although, the hand position doesn't work for me even though I no longer pinch the neck, it's as if when I change strings my hand falls back into place where it's used (where the index part touches the side of my violin neck).

    • @justsomerandomperson4220
      @justsomerandomperson4220 11 месяцев назад

      I may be doing it wrong but it's quite uncomfortable

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Try playing the violin between the thumb and index in the fleshy part. This also works fine as long as the neck isn't being squeezed.
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @楊良友-s5o
    @楊良友-s5o 9 месяцев назад

    Thank you very much from Taiwan

  • @newstyle81
    @newstyle81 4 года назад +2

    thank so much so useful video

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 года назад

      Thanks, please subscribe for more videos on the psychological and physical challenges of learning the violin

  • @sidsm3978
    @sidsm3978 2 года назад

    thank you. this was really very helpful. love from india

  • @kenmannagh7788
    @kenmannagh7788 2 года назад

    Incredibly helpful and precise, thankyou and much appreciated.

  • @robinmarks5638
    @robinmarks5638 2 года назад +1

    This is VERY good! Thank you!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад +1

      My pleasure, thanks for ur feedback :)

    • @Cheesesteakfreak
      @Cheesesteakfreak Месяц назад

      Intonation on cello is more difficult, fyi.😂

  • @dwisupriyatno1194
    @dwisupriyatno1194 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you very much

  • @terryvaughn677
    @terryvaughn677 Год назад +1

    You're awesome 😎

  • @TNungesser
    @TNungesser 8 месяцев назад

    Your way is how my teacher is **retraining** me to place my thumb. I was putting the neck between my thumb and index finger.
    Have you seen Ray Chen's thumb? It is sticking way up to where the neck looks like it is resting in the bottom between his thumb and index finger.
    However, Augustin Hadelich plays with the thumb under and also to the side of the neck as he plays.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +2

      Yes, I am thinking to do an update video as it's perfectly fine to use the Ray Chen position too. The mechanics are the same as long as the neck isn't being squeezed.

  • @blackCitizen296
    @blackCitizen296 Год назад

    Thankyou form India 🙏🏿

  • @guilhermebrito4526
    @guilhermebrito4526 3 года назад +2

    Thank youu

  • @gwendeseminat8r
    @gwendeseminat8r Год назад

    this is the best vide about this s ubject

  • @Leonscott80
    @Leonscott80 3 года назад

    Thanks for the video, it was very informative and helpful!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Happy to help! Thanks for your feedback :)

  • @TheRealRavenQuest
    @TheRealRavenQuest 10 месяцев назад

    Omg, i learned that the spacing between the violin and 1st finger touching/pressing the violin is what is causing me trouble with vibrato, so the thumb placement was very helpful. Do you have any tips on this subject without using a shoulder rest? I'm so glad i found you. New subscriber here and will definitely be coming back for more. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I'm afraid I can't teach without a shoulder rest as I personally can't play without one without using posture that would eventually cause me to have neck pain.
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024. Perhaps I can advise you which shoulder rest would suit you.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @linearch9424
    @linearch9424 Год назад

    I put my thumb below but when I press the note I still squeeze the neck, just in different position (like pinching). Because if I don't, my violin will slip down from my press. I can hold the violin without hand, but when I press, it'll go down. So I'm still having a hard time to slide, specially backwards because my violin gets pulled away

  • @yukitofujiro-lg2vt
    @yukitofujiro-lg2vt 3 месяца назад

    Can you make a vibrato tutorial using that way of thumb position?

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  3 месяца назад

      Done! There is one on my channel ruclips.net/video/n6y7qn9E2Lc/видео.htmlsi=mSsuQFRJdi714Lox

  • @ChrisEbbrsen
    @ChrisEbbrsen Год назад

    My understanding from diagrams on violin holding s a y. Thumb goes 7 oclok position on neck. Thats the number 7 not large hand. That is the preferred position. Of course Stradivaris have v neck and.thid m akes.it harder.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      If you'd like to discuss this question with me personally, I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @mattyhans9526
    @mattyhans9526 4 месяца назад +1

    The violin is held between the thumb and index finger, on the fleshy part below the thumb. You won’t get to a high level of playing using this technique.

  • @arundominic207
    @arundominic207 3 месяца назад

    Dear madam. Neatly you explained the video. But when I start playing vibrato, I cannot play or my wrist is not shaking instead, if I put my thumb little up, I can play it little easy.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  3 месяца назад

      Depends what style of vibrato you are doing..feel free to check out my recent tutorial on vibrato and let me know if you have more questions ruclips.net/video/nkwZZN4JcLg/видео.html

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  3 месяца назад

      Also... ruclips.net/video/n6y7qn9E2Lc/видео.html

  • @floridaalvarado8897
    @floridaalvarado8897 7 месяцев назад

    it is hard to press the inder, middle, and ringfingers without slightly pressuring the thumb... is the thumb slightly pressures?

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      you should be able to slide it up and down the violin neck to change position without the thumb dragging behind.
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @karaokeblokey26
    @karaokeblokey26 3 года назад

    Hi there may be a chance you won’t see this question but I find I have to press into the string with my finger so I don’t get a horrible noise when playing. As you said it is no good squeezing the violin because I’m limited in movement. When you press down on a string to play a note are you counteracting that pressure with your head and shoulder. Hope the question makes sense if you ever get the chance to read it. Thank you in advance

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  3 года назад

      The weight of the relaxed left arm should transfer into the finger. It must be hook shaped for this to happen. The weight of of head on the chin rest should mean you don't need to use shoulders to push upwards. It's a fine balance! Contact me on theviolincoach@gmail.com if you want to arrange a zoom tutorial

  • @hast3033
    @hast3033 Год назад

    What can I do about 'sweating' thumb, after playing for a longer period? It makes my shifts stuttery because it doesnt slide smoothly anymore

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  8 месяцев назад

      Yes this is a problem but if you soften the grip it should resolve it

  • @kristianhipolito4148
    @kristianhipolito4148 2 года назад +1

    Thank you violin coach for this video. it has helped my posture and understanding greatly. Because you understand form so well, I had a question.
    when holding up the violin, should the left hand, index finger, touch the violin, assuming you are not squeezing? my index finger has a gap between the neck and I wonder if that is incorrect.
    thank you!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Glad to have helped!

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @miss_euphrosyne
    @miss_euphrosyne 8 месяцев назад

    How do you prevent the violin from shaking when doing vibrato? Do you have to lock it tightly using your chin? I am a beginner in violin so I am having a hard time figuring it out.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  8 месяцев назад

      Try my video on how to do vibrato...
      Short answer is no, don't grip it anywhere and make sure your shoulder rest is fitted correctly so you don't have to grip with the chin. If you are a beginner don't worry about vibrato for now, build it when you have the basics down

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @johnalexander301
    @johnalexander301 2 года назад

    I prefer the thumb under position also. Much easier to create a wide vibrato and reach extensions all without squeezing. This is rather unorthodox as most teachers prefer the thumb on the side of the neck.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      I can't play with my thumb on the side, but some can :)

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @mohamednizar590
    @mohamednizar590 Год назад

    WHEN I HOLD THE VIOLIN WITH CHIN SUPPORT & SHOULDER REST SUPPORT IN PLACE I CANNOT SEE THE KEYBOARD, ANY SUGGESTION, MADAM?

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      Book a lesson with me and I'll look a you holding the violin and tell you what you can do.
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com 😊

  • @Galaxy-jx8go
    @Galaxy-jx8go 3 года назад

    Greetings from India !
    Thank You !
    1, Our Bible says otherwise abt left Thumb position !
    2, I myself after 20 yrs of playing, changed to this New Method LAST WEEK!
    Best , better n easy Vibrato, shifting, Overall " RESURRECTION "
    Except G# with an open D !
    I am starting All over again from HONEYMAN TUTOR, SEVCIK, RICCI , DONT N PAGANINI !
    Question !
    1, What Made U choose this Thumb position ?

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад +1

      Hey, sorry for the slow response I am only just seeing some of these comments as I abandoned my channel after injury which prevented me from using my computer. Hope you are well and glad this position is working for you. I learned it from a violin teacher I had in Serbia called Vladimir Nikolic (sadly deceased) who I went to in my early 20s to help me with my technique. It solved many problems for me. Vladimir was an incredible violinist. Here is a link to his performace: ruclips.net/video/g5lkvk3Soes/видео.html

  • @kamalshahen5580
    @kamalshahen5580 Год назад

    1 year and 7 months holding it wrong :( am so sad and can’t get vibrato cause of it

  • @kamalshahen5580
    @kamalshahen5580 Год назад

    U saved my mistake :( i hate my teachers never one told me anything about it

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @chas5131
    @chas5131 10 месяцев назад

    Superb lesson from a beautiful lady. Want to be her student or her husband.

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I'll accept student!
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @saberanouar
    @saberanouar Год назад +1

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад +1

      ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉 thanks for the feedback!
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @donnabarker3552
    @donnabarker3552 Год назад

    Do you also yeah the viola?

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  4 месяца назад

      I'd recommend a viola teacher but I can start you off
      I am opening up my schedule for teaching online from July 2024.
      If you are interested in learning with me, please get in touch by email on theviolincoach@gmail.com

  • @hardikmistry7058
    @hardikmistry7058 2 года назад +1

    And here ends months of struggle🙃

    • @theviolincoach
      @theviolincoach  2 года назад

      Thanks for the feedback, happy it helped!