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Regulars







I find this really difficult - to get my fingers into position and be in tune It’s always too sharp and feels uncomfortable!
Because of this I avoid practicing scales with a low second finger. However I’m determined to be able to do it.
Any tips would be great ! I’m thinking play over and over … until it becomes natural ha ha

Regulars










I assume you meant to say low 1, not low 2? *
Get your index finger knuckle joint right back towards the pegs -it needs to go behind the nut to play low 1 properly.
* EDIT: I should have read the post title properly shouldn't I? lol. Here's my tip for low 2 then:
Don't come in so much from the side of the neck - reaching down from higher up with all your fingers (so that your fingernails are facing more towards the bridge) not only helps with finger placement for low 1 and 2 it also makes your intonation more secure as it's more repeatable.

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@Katie L -
Maybe you can find an etude or tune that challenges you to use it more often. I take advantage of music that way. I try to keep my fingers pointed in the right direct as Jim says and I've been trying to use more of the pad on my finger, instead of the tip - but this is still an on-going process for me.
Here's an example I use - it's a Reel that has several challenging areas, but to get the end of this 6th measure (starting on C), thru the 7th measure, to sound good and even - has been a VERY helpful exercise for me on the D string, including F and Bb!
Bang Your Frog On The Sofa - Sheet Music & Audio at The Session
I'm sure you can find pieces you enjoy that give you a reason to play F on the D string more often. It helps to correct the F intonation by also playing the note before & after - each time you are off.
- Emily

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Regulars







Thanks Gordon I just can’t get the f to stay in place when I play the g. When I go back to the f it’s half way between the f and f# ! But I get on a bit better when I slide my finger back slightly when I go back to playing the f. I’m trying to stay as natural as possible with without stiffness or tension. Especially when playing the f and then g. If I’m playing something I’m finding difficult my fingers get tense and stiff. I think that’s part of the problem with my out of tune f.

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Katie M said
Thanks Gordon I just can’t get the f to stay in place when I play the g. When I go back to the f it’s half way between the f and f# ! But I get on a bit better when I slide my finger back slightly when I go back to playing the f. I’m trying to stay as natural as possible with without stiffness or tension. Especially when playing the f and then g. If I’m playing something I’m finding difficult my fingers get tense and stiff. I think that’s part of the problem with my out of tune f.
You play F with your 2nd finger then G with your 3rd but meanwhile the 2nd finger slides along the fingerboard?
I don't know. I can only guess it's to do with your thumb or your elbow. I assume you have no difficulty fanning your left hand out to stretch the fingers apart - on their own, not forcing them with your right hand - 1st and 2nd, then 2nd and 3rd, then 3rd and 4th, in a relaxed yoga-like way.
If the D string is worse than the A string, and the G string is worse than the D string, then it may be your elbow.
Andrew
Verified human - the ignominy!

Regulars







That’s it exactly Gordon. Ok I will look at my elbow. Do you think to swing more to the right ? My thumb likes to naturally go near the scroll and sort of to lower side of the neck. Finning my fingers like you just said , yes I can do that . Yes g string is worse e string easier. I’ll trying bringing my elbow more to the right 👍

Regulars







Yes, since the G string is farthest to the left, the elbow should come under more to assist you in reaching.
You may want to watch a thumb video.
Red Desert has it quite low, like Yehudi: -
ViolinDoctor and Zlata are slightly different (bit more thumb peeping over the top).
I can't talk, because I haven't got my thumb sorted out yet.
Andrew
Verified human - the ignominy!
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