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I'm wondering...is it acceptable to use a non-standard fingering if it makes playing part of a tune easier/quicker/smoother?
In particular, I'm working on Irish Washer Woman and there's a series of notes in the B part where I've found that it's actually easier to play C on the A string with my first finger rather than my second finger. It's the part that alternates between the E and A strings: E G G D G G C G G B G G.
I found that it's smoother and quicker if I leave my second finger on the G on the E string while I play the other notes, but when I get to the C, the only way to do that is to use my first finger so that I can leave my second finger in place.
Is that acceptable or should I spend more time practicing quickly moving my second finger between those two notes?
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
Honorary tenured advisor
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Hi Diane,
There are lots of notes arranged that way in Irish tunes, and IWW is one particular case.
What most people would do is sort of block fingering, like in playing some guitar chords, in which one finger (ie index) would block/press down on all strings at once.
So for this B part, usually just the second finger would press down on both A and E strings to get your C and G. Have your second on A string first for C, and then laying it flat on the fingerboard so you can also get G on E string when it come to. Lifting up from A string and then pressing down again on E string using the same finger would be too slow for it.
Hope this help.
I will try to talk to you in chat to see if I can offer further help regarding this.
Honorary tenured advisor
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I'm informed by KS that this is the sheet she's going by.
So the notes are all eighth notes, for those not familiar with the piece or her particular version. Although I guess it's pretty standard.
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Some times I will just use the same finger on two strings at the same time.
Duane
"Violin is one of the joys of my life."
I would say yes it is OK. If you can play it that way and find it easier than go for it. I have never seen any rule that says which finger has to be used.
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With any instrument, it is always good to learn the standard basic fingerings first. They are basic because they are what works best and it easiest for *most* situations.
But every now and again, you will run into a situation where it is just simpler to do things a little different, or where there really isn't much of a choice. For example, it isn't all that unusual for some music to contain a gliss/slide that would normally start with a note played with one fingering, but ends up with a note that would be fingered with a different finger. It is logical to try it with each finger in practice and go with whichever works best for that particular piece. The sensible choice is going to depend on what your fingers have to do before and after that moment.
What is most sensible is always a good choice for any piece, I think. The exception might be if you are practising something a teacher assigned where they want it done in a particular way to develop your skill in a certain move or something.
But when just working on a piece to play? I think "Make it sound good" is the main rule.
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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Your title is funny:
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Thanks for the advice and thoughtful responses everyone! What you all said more or less confirmed what I thought...try to do it the right way but if I find a way that works better and sounds good, that's OK.
Today I worked on using my second finger for both and I think I was getting the hang of it.
LOL, Pierre. I didn't realize that my subject line might raise a few eyebrows.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
Regulars
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When I am trying to learn a song > a copy may it be. I just play it a bit to get the idea of the tune. Then I peruse the sheets to check myself as far as how others are saying it should be done., others that play it well enough to arouse my interest. then I put it all together and mix everything I have gathered and end up playing it a bit different and find myself using different fingering as compared to others. Thats ok with me cause it is me playing it. And then I will play it many, many times > Now that its me playing it > using not so much what others say it should be > it allows personal dynamics to be applied. > Thats when it becomes fun and not so regimental.
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LOL, It might just be the way MY mind works. 
Sometimes I use the wrong finger when I'm out driving and see ignorant drivers. LOL
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
KindaScratchy said
I'm wondering...is it acceptable to use a non-standard fingering if it makes playing part of a tune easier/quicker/smoother?
LOL! I do it often =)
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You already know the basic/fundamental fingering and positions so yeah, what you are doing is fine. Musicians improvise that way very often. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.
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I too appreciate all the comments. I am working on Hedwigs theme and there is a part that I have to play on the g-string and I am pretty strict about
"the usual fingerings" so this is good to know.. there is a A# B combo that beckons me to use one finger... I have been struggling with the fingerings..so maybe I can just let it go and "play the damned" thing as my fingers want to play it.
Good tips. I am pretty much a stickler for myself about having to play it as I should.. I need to loosen up and just play it well.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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