I appreciate your detailed instructions and descriptions for thumb placement; and creating a 45 degree angle between the "knuckle line" and the violin neck. The latter allows me to maintain a straight wrist and easily arch my fingers. Thank you for this video.
I've been playing the violin for two years now, one with a teacher and one by myself. he never once mentioned that I happened to use the wrong posture for the left hand. i've been playing it wrogn all this time!! Thank you for this video, you have been of great help!
u r a life saver after playing for a year my teacher said my thumb position (which was mostly underneath the neck) was wrong. i tried the higher position which made my thumb joint pain so much. after u said every one has a different position i can finally relax. Thank you so much
Thank you very much for those useful advices ! I have been learning with my teacher for two weeks now and i was squeezing on my violin and the sound that was coming out was awful so i asked her what's wrong she told that it is a question of time and that i am going to fast, i have to slow down! then no progress was made. I could not find answers until i have discovered this website and channel. Every minor word helped me progress a lot and now i love playing the violin more than ever ! Thank you !
@funktifiedghostdog In a nut shell, yes, it CAN touch, but shouldn't HAVE to touch. The "having to" usually indicates squeezing, which is the evil doer of all left hand techniques. The hand must come a way (a sliver of space is all that's needed) for vibrato, and getting around the instrument easily and flexibly. There are few times when contact is necessary. During a shift, as we move the hand up and down the fingerboard, we maintain contact as a way to "measure" the distance.
Hi , actually after playing for ten years, I had to change my left hand stance and finger placement. Now that my left hand position has been like yours, I feel more comfortable during the 4th finger's vibration. On the other hand, I have some setbacks with my 2nd finger. On the A string, I have no problem with C#, but when I'm gonna play a C, either my thumb gets strained or the C is a bit sharp and some times it prompts my 1 finger to move and get out of tune. would you please say how we can over come this problem, how can we play a C, without strained thumb, change of frame, or sounding sharper and out of tune. Thanks for your useful videos.
@YeaIThinkSo I don't think bending the thumb will prevent you from using vibrato....but...I think it would be ultimately more successful with a straighter thumb. The vibrato motion actually wiggles the thumb a bit, and if the pad of the thumb, which is more "wiggly", is in contact with the neck, it will act like a shock absorber and help prevent the violin from shaking.
@kindreddarkness The left arm ideally should rotate so that the palm is facing a point between your body and the neck of the instrument? The problem is that not everyone is that flexible when just starting out, and it proves to be quite a strain. In that case, you just have to do your best. You can hold the violin out more to the left. This will help a little. But your question is a common issue for many.
@McSplat Try and turn your thumb more to the inside edge of the thumb than the pad. I also have colleagues with double jointed thumbs who just let the thumb do what it does naturally. They play wonderfully anyway. Really, nothing to worry about.
Hi Ms.Beth, Thank you for making such great video. Basic videos such as this never cease to help me reinforce my playing. watching your video made my relax my thumb, i tend to apply counter-pressure diagonally from the thumb the hit with my 1st finger base knuckle and now i remedied it by making my consciously removing my 1st finger base knuckle and make it float a little bit but still near and inline to the nut. I developed this squeezing with my 1st finger knuckle and thumb because of the fear of bad intonation so i 'anchored' my thumb and my 1st finger knuckle to keep my intonation stable.
Does the knuckle of the first finger support the weight of the violin apart from the thumb? I am just a beginner, able to play simple tunes, different violin teachers in the youtube have different opinions. They say that if first finger knuckle supports the weight of the violin, then it means that the knuckle is always touching the neck, and it would be very difficult to play vibrato. But it's very difficult to play even simple tunes without first finger knuckle touching the neck, and chin hurts
Hi Beth, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me. The problem is that the violin naturally falls off of my shoulder down the front of me after a few minutes of playing and as a result falls into the hook of my hand. I can hold the violin and drop my hand, but it is not very secure. Maybe I'm expecting too much comfort? I'm a composer/recording artist and I have been learning the violin on my own. There are few things more satisfying than playing a good phrase on the violin :)
I'm prepping myself until my very first violin arrives, this video was very insightful and your voice is so smooth and calming, very teacher like! Thank you so much for posting these videos!
@mevmevmev To continue... Another key issue seems to be setup - the degree to which the violin points to the front or the side, and sits on top of the shoulder or more to the right. The best solution depends on the length of your arms and fingers. The best advice I have found is in Simon Fischer's workbook "Basics". Highly recommended source of advice on these kinds of issues.
@allen764 Can you comfortably hold your violin and drop your hand to your side? There are chin rests with a deeper groove, or higher lip, that tends to help, but mainly it about developing the understanding that if your thumb is relaxed, the skin itself has a good deal of natural "stickiness", or friction. It's a bit of a strange concept. I have a series of video lessons at Violin Lab on the Techniques page that demonstrates this idea along with the issue of unwanted tension in the hand.
I will post this question here so others may benefit. Thank you in advance for your response! I am left-handed; I feel this works to my benefit, as my left fingers are far more dexterous than my right. However, my left wrist isn't very "bendy"... should my wrist be physically capable of facing my body, if keeping a rigid "straight edge" from my elbow? I have been playing two days, so thank you for your patience!
@gua3547354 Yes. I have a short pinkie too, and I rarely keep the first finger down UNLESS I'm immediately going right back to it, then it makes sense to keep the first finger down. Training independence in the pinkie is a technique unto itself. I have a video exclusively on training the 4th finger at Violin Lab.
Thanks for this video. I noticed my hand was getting alot of craps and the tip of my index finger was a bit numb. I think this developed because of my weak distal finger joints (never really needed them as much i guess!). Thank you for your help! im glad i caught this on day 4!
great video, thank you! one question: on the fingers-side of the fretboard, does the base knuckle of the first finger ever touch the fretboard, or is there always space? i feel like my violin teacher always wanted me to keep a space, but i can't remember(it's a while ago:-)), and i more often than not am touching the violin with that part of my hand...
why did I break the E string?! just snapped while playing! thank you so much for the tutorial, it helped a lot. but one thing I'm worried about is the string action from the fingerboard at nut and also end of the finger board. i thought mine at the nut was too high so I carved a slot for it that I think was the cause that made the E string snap. can you please do a tutorial on the string action?
@allen764 Could even be a shoulder pad problem. You should expect total comfort. If my violin even for a second feels insecure under my chin, my hand starts to squeeze and my technique is wrecked. Comfort is the most important aspect of having good technique. I encourage you to google Violin Lab. Seriously, there are so many adults in the exact same boat. You would find a ton of advice, information, and support. And I agree about playing a good phrase, Aah!!
Hi mam do you come to Assam? Assam is a state of India. Madame I inform you that India is a haven of melody but Our Assam is a paradise of melody, so mam it is important to visit our country like you because you are are a talent of of the world .kindly notice it seriously. Thank
I have a question after watching vibrato lesson about this left hand position. In vibrato lesson, you tell us to apart 1st finger knuckle from the finger board to free left hand and maximize the vibrato. I cannot keep my original left hand position and fingering when I apply vibrato and it contradicts the way you teach the left hand position. How can I achieve this?
Having my thumb in the right position really helps. Play something in the first position and see where your thumb is. Then take a small circular sticker and stick it where the thumb was. It makes finding the correct thumb position a cinch. I use a felt pad one half inch in diameter and one eigth inch thick.
How do I actually hold my violin with my chin and my shoulder...? And I only have a chin rest, so is it possible to hold the violin without the shoulder rest? Please some answers. :)
It's 8 years later, but perhaps this can answer the question for someone else if you've found the solution: Firstly, get a shoulder rest. Even if you don't have a long neck, you want to adjust it so it that you can support your violin naturally with your head without any sort of strain or weird neck placement. Next, you need to go to a violin store/luthier that has a variety of chinrests. See what works best for you. I remember I had a student violin and I could never use the chin rest, so I just put my head in the centre, using my chin to secure against the tailpiece. When I purchased my current violin, they fitted me with a chinrest that felt much more natural. The goal is to hold the violin comfortably with your head (and minimal support from your hand if you still feel uncomfortable)
Do I just need to practice more or is this highlighting maybe incorrect posture: If I start with a finger block on the E string of first finger (F), second (G), third (A), then move that block up to the A string, the D, and lastly the G, by the time I get to the G, my first finger is quite sharp.
Just a heads up that there are two schools of thought. The technique she is showing here (thumb under the neck) has its proponents but is probably the minority approach. Most players I know rest the neck lightly in the V between the thumb and first finger. Personally, I play without a shoulder rest and find her "thumb under" approach too unstable, and creates problems with the lower strings. If you are self-taught, I'd suggest you check out which approach suits you before making a choice.
Hi Beth, I have a hard time holding the violin up with my head and shoulder. It seems to naturally fall into the hook of my thumb and finger after a few minutes of playing. My shoulder rest is at its highest and I have a plastic normal looking chin rest. Yours seems to be a bit more supportive. Do you have any suggestions other than maybe getting another chin rest? Thanks for your videos! Allen
Hi! I have a question does the thumb support the weight of the violin? because I tried to put my thumb on the left side of the violin and it made my chin support the weight of the violin and it hurts. or am I doing it wrong and I should put my thumb a little lower on the neck of the violin?
@mevmevmev This seems to be another contentious point. Some teachers say rest the neck in the V, but slip the thumb under the neck when vibrating. To me that seems over-complex. Personally I have no problem with vibrating with the base of the 1st finger against the neck. If everything is relaxed, there seems to be plenty of "give" in the skin at the base of the 1st finger, and I can keep the scroll pretty steady, even with a fast, wide vibration.
Hi dear , i want to ask you something , i learned how to hold vaiolin and other things but i did not know how to get the tone i want . what should i learn now to can play the tone that i want ? should i learn the notes meaning ?
Actually I did not know that I should keep the knuckles bent rather than flat, I was not sure about the thumb position either...wow, that was great information.
Hi. I have one year studing with the violin but I still have problems with the left hand violin hold. My fingers seem to be touching the neck and I think that it's because my head and my shoulder are tense and I can't get myself to get used to the form. What should I do?
@YeaIThinkSo yes.....it is a bad thing to bend your thumb a 90 degrees angle while pressing the string.it can lead to bad pain in your left thumb. the forum is right..... it is easier to keep the thumb straight and yes the vibrato is easier. Hope this helped :)
I have an issue wehre I go to put my finger on another string but my finger touches the previous string so the note on the previous string messes up and sounds scratchy as I move the bow form one string to the other. I don't know what this would be called. What would it be called plus how do I fix it?
Hey I have a question. I am at around grade 7 and have had a new teacher for a couple of months. And last lesson she changed my left hand position so that the inside of my index finger knuckle was never touching the side of the fingerboard. Now I keep playing everything out of tune and my violin keeps sliding around and I'm almost dropping it because I have no control. I can't shift at all and even struggle just crossing to different string. what do i do?
@littlemissdango Of all the habits to break, this is the hardest for all students. I have loads of advice, but too much to write in these short response boxes. I will make a video for RUclips on the subject. It will take a few weeks though.
@tullochgorum Just an update. After trying out about 6 chinrests, I found one that made a huge difference for me. It's the strad model (part# 1119 R from Shar music). It simply has more of a lip at the edge and is more concave than the others I tried. This plus a shoulder rest plus simply practicing more got me to the point I feel much more comfortable playing with both my 1st finger touching and not touching. I can transition between the two modes (almost) without thinking.
@tullochgorum Very interesting. I'm really struggling with these two 'schools of thought'. Like allen764 my violin natrually wants to fall to my right when I don't allow my 1st finger base knuckle to contact the violin, however this no contact method seems necessary for vibrato. Any pressure with my thumb just pushes the violin further off my shoulder, forcing me to push it back up to a normal position with my hand. I have tried 3 chinrests and adjusting the shoulder rest.
its very hard to not hav a shoulder rest and to be able to grip the violin. you should go and buy a shoulder rest from your local music store, there sure to hav lots in stock. i hope this answer wasn't too late xx
The majority of famous violinist and violists now do not recommend this unnatural position for the shoulder/arm to avoid injuries. What do you think about holding the instrument at a wider angle?
do you mean more toward a parallel line to the shoulders? I would find that more unnatural. When you look at the four finger position on the violin all your fingers are aligned in your view because the violin originates from your neck. this is virtually impossible to achieve on a line extended from your shoulder as your hand naturally wants to turn perpendicular to your shoulder along that line.
Somebody needs to do a video on a stiff left hand...some of us are old farts that are getting stiff joints & need more help than a young person. Understanding & doing can be two different things...
As an absolute beginner, this is just the video I've been looking for. I heard you say, "In the preceding videos..." I better check them out, too. For those who are wondering, weightlifting and bodybuilding DOES NOT help in violin playing. I am going through hell trying to twist my left forearm enough to place my hand and fingers in the proper position - and it's cramping my left shoulder. Oh, I hate girls. They have no muscles so their floppy spaghetti arms can twist and turn in any direction, with no effort on their part, so violin playing is easy for them.
I appreciate your detailed instructions and descriptions for thumb placement; and creating a 45 degree angle between the "knuckle line" and the violin neck. The latter allows me to maintain a straight wrist and easily arch my fingers. Thank you for this video.
I've been playing the violin for two years now, one with a teacher and one by myself. he never once mentioned that I happened to use the wrong posture for the left hand. i've been playing it wrogn all this time!! Thank you for this video, you have been of great help!
Agree, the video so helpful!
@@queenie3089 she really is phenomenal
I was playing also! Now I can play much better.
I can relate to that so much! I've been playing since I'm 6 and not until now that I notice that I was playing it wrong this whole time!
u r a life saver
after playing for a year my teacher said my thumb position (which was mostly underneath the neck) was wrong. i tried the higher position which made my thumb joint pain so much.
after u said every one has a different position i can finally relax.
Thank you so much
This is, far and away, the best, most comprehensive tutorial I have found on left hand placement. Thank you so much for posting this.
Excellent description of left hand positioning. Very articulate and just enough detail without being overwhelming!
Thank you very much for those useful advices !
I have been learning with my teacher for two weeks now and i was squeezing on my violin and the sound that was coming out was awful so i asked her what's wrong she told that it is a question of time and that i am going to fast, i have to slow down! then no progress was made. I could not find answers until i have discovered this website and channel.
Every minor word helped me progress a lot and now i love playing the violin more than ever ! Thank you !
I love the way you talk. you are a really good teacher
@funktifiedghostdog In a nut shell, yes, it CAN touch, but shouldn't HAVE to touch. The "having to" usually indicates squeezing, which is the evil doer of all left hand techniques. The hand must come a way (a sliver of space is all that's needed) for vibrato, and getting around the instrument easily and flexibly. There are few times when contact is necessary. During a shift, as we move the hand up and down the fingerboard, we maintain contact as a way to "measure" the distance.
Hi , actually after playing for ten years, I had to change my left hand stance and finger placement. Now that my left hand position has been like yours, I feel more comfortable during the 4th finger's vibration. On the other hand, I have some setbacks with my 2nd finger. On the A string, I have no problem with C#, but when I'm gonna play a C, either my thumb
gets strained or the C is a bit sharp and some times it prompts my 1 finger to move and get out of tune. would you please say how we can over come this problem, how can we play a C, without strained thumb, change of frame, or sounding sharper and out of tune. Thanks for your useful videos.
I am facing the same problem :(
Youtr videos have helped me a lot I mostly play traditional Irish and scottish music music but your techniches have helped me tremendously
@YeaIThinkSo I don't think bending the thumb will prevent you from using vibrato....but...I think it would be ultimately more successful with a straighter thumb. The vibrato motion actually wiggles the thumb a bit, and if the pad of the thumb, which is more "wiggly", is in contact with the neck, it will act like a shock absorber and help prevent the violin from shaking.
@kindreddarkness The left arm ideally should rotate so that the palm is facing a point between your body and the neck of the instrument? The problem is that not everyone is that flexible when just starting out, and it proves to be quite a strain. In that case, you just have to do your best. You can hold the violin out more to the left. This will help a little. But your question is a common issue for many.
@McSplat Try and turn your thumb more to the inside edge of the thumb than the pad. I also have colleagues with double jointed thumbs who just let the thumb do what it does naturally. They play wonderfully anyway. Really, nothing to worry about.
Hi Ms.Beth, Thank you for making such great video. Basic videos such as this never cease to help me reinforce my playing.
watching your video made my relax my thumb, i tend to apply counter-pressure diagonally from the thumb the hit with my 1st finger base knuckle and now i remedied it by making my consciously removing my 1st finger base knuckle and make it float a little bit but still near and inline to the nut. I developed this squeezing with my 1st finger knuckle and thumb because of the fear of bad intonation so i 'anchored' my thumb and my 1st finger knuckle to keep my intonation stable.
Does the knuckle of the first finger support the weight of the violin apart from the thumb?
I am just a beginner, able to play simple tunes, different violin teachers in the youtube have different opinions. They say that if first finger knuckle supports the weight of the violin, then it means that the knuckle is always touching the neck, and it would be very difficult to play vibrato. But it's very difficult to play even simple tunes without first finger knuckle touching the neck, and chin hurts
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me.
The problem is that the violin naturally falls off of my shoulder down the front of me after a few minutes of playing and as a result falls into the hook of my hand. I can hold the violin and drop my hand, but it is not very secure. Maybe I'm expecting too much comfort? I'm a composer/recording artist and I have been learning the violin on my own. There are few things more satisfying than playing a good phrase on the violin :)
I'm prepping myself until my very first violin arrives, this video was very insightful and your voice is so smooth and calming, very teacher like! Thank you so much for posting these videos!
Wish I had seen this six years ago. Had to stop playing because of shoulder problems caused. leaving it alone since Nov and hope to try again.
@mevmevmev To continue... Another key issue seems to be setup - the degree to which the violin points to the front or the side, and sits on top of the shoulder or more to the right. The best solution depends on the length of your arms and fingers. The best advice I have found is in Simon Fischer's workbook "Basics". Highly recommended source of advice on these kinds of issues.
@allen764 Can you comfortably hold your violin and drop your hand to your side? There are chin rests with a deeper groove, or higher lip, that tends to help, but mainly it about developing the understanding that if your thumb is relaxed, the skin itself has a good deal of natural "stickiness", or friction. It's a bit of a strange concept. I have a series of video lessons at Violin Lab on the Techniques page that demonstrates this idea along with the issue of unwanted tension in the hand.
Im following from Turkey..You are wonderful teacher i have ever seeen.Thank you for share.❤
Thank you! 😃
ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS, My teacher hasn’t even mentioned about this to me yet or try to correct me either.
@violinlab thanks for the clear and swift response! very kind of you, much appreciated!
I will post this question here so others may benefit. Thank you in advance for your response! I am left-handed; I feel this works to my benefit, as my left fingers are far more dexterous than my right. However, my left wrist isn't very "bendy"... should my wrist be physically capable of facing my body, if keeping a rigid "straight edge" from my elbow? I have been playing two days, so thank you for your patience!
@gua3547354 Yes. I have a short pinkie too, and I rarely keep the first finger down UNLESS I'm immediately going right back to it, then it makes sense to keep the first finger down. Training independence in the pinkie is a technique unto itself. I have a video exclusively on training the 4th finger at Violin Lab.
Thanks for this video. I noticed my hand was getting alot of craps and the tip of my index finger was a bit numb. I think this developed because of my weak distal finger joints (never really needed them as much i guess!). Thank you for your help! im glad i caught this on day 4!
Muchas gracias la clase estuvo maravillosa,le saludo desde Colombia.
This tutorial is very nice & helpful.thank you for sharing your expertise.
great video, thank you! one question: on the fingers-side of the fretboard, does the base knuckle of the first finger ever touch the fretboard, or is there always space? i feel like my violin teacher always wanted me to keep a space, but i can't remember(it's a while ago:-)), and i more often than not am touching the violin with that part of my hand...
why did I break the E string?! just snapped while playing! thank you so much for the tutorial, it helped a lot. but one thing I'm worried about is the string action from the fingerboard at nut and also end of the finger board. i thought mine at the nut was too high so I carved a slot for it that I think was the cause that made the E string snap. can you please do a tutorial on the string action?
@violinlab Thank you for your timely response, and thank you for providing this resource. =)
Fantastic Video. No one explains it like her.
@allen764 Could even be a shoulder pad problem. You should expect total comfort. If my violin even for a second feels insecure under my chin, my hand starts to squeeze and my technique is wrecked. Comfort is the most important aspect of having good technique. I encourage you to google Violin Lab. Seriously, there are so many adults in the exact same boat. You would find a ton of advice, information, and support. And I agree about playing a good phrase, Aah!!
Hi mam do you come to Assam? Assam is a state of India. Madame I inform you that India is a haven of melody but Our Assam is a paradise of melody, so mam it is important to visit our country like you because you are are a talent of of the world .kindly notice it seriously. Thank
Thanks for your time Beth,
I'll keep searching.
I think to play violin is to always be searching anyway :)
Happy playing
Allen
THIS is the video I've been looking for
Excelente trabalho 👏👏👏
Absolutely fantastic!!! please make more videos.. very clear
I have a question after watching vibrato lesson about this left hand position. In vibrato lesson, you tell us to apart 1st finger knuckle from the finger board to free left hand and maximize the vibrato. I cannot keep my original left hand position and fingering when I apply vibrato and it contradicts the way you teach the left hand position. How can I achieve this?
I don't understand how you're supposed to position your thumb still... I can't make it relax
Yeh Me 2
Having my thumb in the right position really helps. Play something in the first position and see where your thumb is. Then take a small circular sticker and stick it where the thumb was. It makes finding the correct thumb position a cinch. I use a felt pad one half inch in diameter and one eigth inch thick.
How do I actually hold my violin with my chin and my shoulder...?
And I only have a chin rest, so is it possible to hold the violin without the shoulder rest?
Please some answers. :)
It's 8 years later, but perhaps this can answer the question for someone else if you've found the solution:
Firstly, get a shoulder rest. Even if you don't have a long neck, you want to adjust it so it that you can support your violin naturally with your head without any sort of strain or weird neck placement.
Next, you need to go to a violin store/luthier that has a variety of chinrests. See what works best for you. I remember I had a student violin and I could never use the chin rest, so I just put my head in the centre, using my chin to secure against the tailpiece. When I purchased my current violin, they fitted me with a chinrest that felt much more natural.
The goal is to hold the violin comfortably with your head (and minimal support from your hand if you still feel uncomfortable)
Omg, I have been playing for 2 months and my wrist was always in pain, it turns out my thumb position was wrong, thank you so much!
Does the base of the first finger always remain in contact with the neck or can there be air between them at times?
Do I just need to practice more or is this highlighting maybe incorrect posture:
If I start with a finger block on the E string of first finger (F), second (G), third (A), then move that block up to the A string, the D, and lastly the G, by the time I get to the G, my first finger is quite sharp.
Just a heads up that there are two schools of thought. The technique she is showing here (thumb under the neck) has its proponents but is probably the minority approach. Most players I know rest the neck lightly in the V between the thumb and first finger. Personally, I play without a shoulder rest and find her "thumb under" approach too unstable, and creates problems with the lower strings. If you are self-taught, I'd suggest you check out which approach suits you before making a choice.
Hello. I just little confused to hold the violin. I write using left hand so should holding the violin left hand or right hand?
You explain so darn well!...
Hi Beth,
I have a hard time holding the violin up with my head and shoulder. It seems to naturally fall into the hook of my thumb and finger after a few minutes of playing. My shoulder rest is at its highest and I have a plastic normal looking chin rest. Yours seems to be a bit more supportive. Do you have any suggestions other than maybe getting another chin rest?
Thanks for your videos!
Allen
Hi! I have a question does the thumb support the weight of the violin? because I tried to put my thumb on the left side of the violin and it made my chin support the weight of the violin and it hurts. or am I doing it wrong and I should put my thumb a little lower on the neck of the violin?
@mevmevmev This seems to be another contentious point. Some teachers say rest the neck in the V, but slip the thumb under the neck when vibrating. To me that seems over-complex. Personally I have no problem with vibrating with the base of the 1st finger against the neck. If everything is relaxed, there seems to be plenty of "give" in the skin at the base of the 1st finger, and I can keep the scroll pretty steady, even with a fast, wide vibration.
Excellent explanation. Thank you.
Excelentes videos, bien detallado,. Gracias !!!
Great video tutorial. Thank you for the great explanations and details. You got yourself a new fan ;-)
Hi dear , i want to ask you something , i learned how to hold vaiolin and other things but i did not know how to get the tone i want . what should i learn now to can play the tone that i want ? should i learn the notes meaning ?
ur explanation ws v precise & v helpful.Thank u.
Excelentes clases!!
Actually I did not know that I should keep the knuckles bent rather than flat, I was not sure about the thumb position either...wow, that was great information.
Hi. I have one year studing with the violin but I still have problems with the left hand violin hold. My fingers seem to be touching the neck and I think that it's because my head and my shoulder are tense and I can't get myself to get used to the form. What should I do?
@YeaIThinkSo yes.....it is a bad thing to bend your thumb a 90 degrees angle while pressing the string.it can lead to bad pain in your left thumb. the forum is right..... it is easier to keep the thumb straight and yes the vibrato is easier. Hope this helped :)
I have an issue wehre I go to put my finger on another string but my finger touches the previous string so the note on the previous string messes up and sounds scratchy as I move the bow form one string to the other. I don't know what this would be called. What would it be called plus how do I fix it?
Hey I have a question. I am at around grade 7 and have had a new teacher for a couple of months. And last lesson she changed my left hand position so that the inside of my index finger knuckle was never touching the side of the fingerboard. Now I keep playing everything out of tune and my violin keeps sliding around and I'm almost dropping it because I have no control. I can't shift at all and even struggle just crossing to different string. what do i do?
Could I wear my wrist brace to force my wrist to stay straight?
I found this very useful. Thanks.
@littlemissdango Of all the habits to break, this is the hardest for all students. I have loads of advice, but too much to write in these short response boxes. I will make a video for RUclips on the subject. It will take a few weeks though.
This works like magic! 😍
@tullochgorum
Just an update. After trying out about 6 chinrests, I found one that made a huge difference for me. It's the strad model (part# 1119 R from Shar music). It simply has more of a lip at the edge and is more concave than the others I tried. This plus a shoulder rest plus simply practicing more got me to the point I feel much more comfortable playing with both my 1st finger touching and not touching. I can transition between the two modes (almost) without thinking.
Hi! How many lessons in one month?
is it ok to have thumb positioned back near the scroll?
It's helpful. Thank you 😊
@tullochgorum Very interesting. I'm really struggling with these two 'schools of thought'. Like allen764 my violin natrually wants to fall to my right when I don't allow my 1st finger base knuckle to contact the violin, however this no contact method seems necessary for vibrato. Any pressure with my thumb just pushes the violin further off my shoulder, forcing me to push it back up to a normal position with my hand. I have tried 3 chinrests and adjusting the shoulder rest.
Una manzana para mi linda maestra. Gracias por su desinteresada ayuda.
its very hard to not hav a shoulder rest and to be able to grip the violin. you should go and buy a shoulder rest from your local music store, there sure to hav lots in stock. i hope this answer wasn't too late xx
but how do u hold the viola... its bigger so what is there to do?
violas and violins have different technique
search up a different video
play with the pinky please. I wanna see how with the proper left hand position.
Clear and concise
That's my goal 😊
You should join Expert Village, they need some good teachers like you. Hardly any of them know what they are doing.
i can't seem to get my hand turned that far. what should i do
Pay attention to the video and you'll find out...
Jesus i am in love with this lady.
man i taught there is a mosquito on my screen lol
Is not a mosquito, it is a bee.
It's not a fly, it's a dog.
I know. She is so lovely
Yeah she hot!
excelente explicación!
Thank You. Madam. Very very Nice
My major problem right now is how to relax the left thumb. I just started learning double stops and it's exhausting and painful
Super film ! :)
I cannot hold the violin with my chin, it's too heavy and hurts my chin bone. Not sure why.
Thank you very mucho for the tips, really helped me... :)
good tip.
Thanks, lady
I love her
Thanks alot❤❤❤❤
Amazing
Oddly Nicola Benedetti , (violin), and Chet Atkins (guitar), are left handed. I believe Jimmy Hendricks was too. Maybe it is an advantage ?
thankyou
I’m confused cause I’m left handed so is it my right your left or something
merci je t'aime
your lessons are very useful and you're beautiful
The majority of famous violinist and violists now do not recommend this unnatural position for the shoulder/arm to avoid injuries. What do you think about holding the instrument at a wider angle?
do you mean more toward a parallel line to the shoulders? I would find that more unnatural. When you look at the four finger position on the violin all your fingers are aligned in your view because the violin originates from your neck. this is virtually impossible to achieve on a line extended from your shoulder as your hand naturally wants to turn perpendicular to your shoulder along that line.
I have been losing my hand badly so thanks
Somebody needs to do a video on a stiff left hand...some of us are old farts that are getting stiff joints & need more help than a young person. Understanding & doing can be two different things...
As an absolute beginner, this is just the video I've been looking for. I heard you say, "In the preceding videos..." I better check them out, too. For those who are wondering, weightlifting and bodybuilding DOES NOT help in violin playing. I am going through hell trying to twist my left forearm enough to place my hand and fingers in the proper position - and it's cramping my left shoulder. Oh, I hate girls. They have no muscles so their floppy spaghetti arms can twist and turn in any direction, with no effort on their part, so violin playing is easy for them.
Nice shirt