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Regular advisor
Regulars

What tips do you all have at using 4th finger?
I'm having a few problems with it. Playing on a 16.5" viola, it's a bit of a stretch. I always hit the note, however, it's pretty flat when I compare it to the open string (the note is recognizable, as let's say a D, but it's a flat D when compared to the open D). I can stretch a little, to hit it spot on. I am able to hit 4th finger a little sharp as well.
The thing is, having to "stretch" does start to tire me out after a while. The two worse strings to do so is C and G. D and A, I usually get it spot-on. G-string requires some more practice, and C string is a harder stretch. I do use all 4 fingers to press down the string in regards to playing 4th-finger.
My teacher said that it was alright if I slide the third finger a little in order to help with the stretch. I do find it easier to press the 4th finger if my third finger is playing the high-3 fingering.
I can't apply pressure at the left side of my pinky, like I do the other fingers due to the stretch.
My pinky is able to push the C-string down while remaining curved, for those who are wondering, however in the right position, it's a bit harder. In a low-4 position, it's easier.
Advice helps.
Thanks.

Regular advisor
Regulars

Fiddlerman said
Yes, you can slide, you can stretch it a bit to hit the right pitch and also bring your elbow under the instrument a bit more to bring your fingers closer.
Good that you use more fingers at one time for added strength.
Yeah, it's rare that I have to slide. I find, however, that 4th finger is easier to get in-tune if my thumb is behind my second finger.

Member

Hello!
What I do since I have short fingers and a 15" viola felt a bit too small for me, I felt more comfortable with a 15.5" and so the stretch was bigger. What I do is I kind of like rotate my wrist to stretch to hit that fourth note. I believe the more you practice the more your fingers stretch out and the easier it is to play. I've learned that I haven't been rotating my wrist as much and that my pinky can naturally reach that fourth note now. This is a suggestion though and it may not work for you.
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