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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
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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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Ahh thank you Jim ! I will try this ! 👍😁
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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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I remember your hand shape as being beautiful, Katie, but I can't remember if I've ever seen where you put your thumb. If it is too close to the violin, that may hinder your middle finger from reaching close enough to the scroll.
Andrew
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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
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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 👍
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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
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