Jim Hession/ Lecture 4 No.2 /Stride Tips/ More 3rds

[Morahman7vnNo2]

Lucky Me! (Or Lucky Us) Just When I Restarted Writhing.

[CBasie2856]

It seems as though the 3rds develop technique faster than doing single notes. I'm really good at thirds in my right hand, but my left hand needs a lot of work. I guess I'll have to start using thirds more often in the left hand.

[jazznbear]

Why would you want to use thirds in the left hand in stride?

[CBasie2856]

You don't use thirds in left hand in stride. The only purpose of practicing thirds in the left hand is to develop technique. Remember, as stride pianists, we are required to have dexterity with the outer fingers in both hands.

[jazznbear]

Indeed. Dexterity in the outer fingers does not make Jack a dull boy. More power to you for developing your own exercises! Just so the viewers know, we are not talking about using the interval of the third in the left hand too deeply into the bass register- do not needlessly create muddy water!

For years I have been developing the left hand to play lead melodies in many forms; my right hand refuses to let it catch up! Advantage to the left hand: it dares the right hand to play stride bass!

[CBasie2856]

Actually, piano technique is only aquired through practicing scales, arpeggios, and repetoire.

I really lacked in my left hand a few days ago, but I have been playing scales(especially the black key scales) for hours, and it has helped my technique a lot. Before that, I didn't practice scales with my left hand and had to leave it up to exercises to solve the problem - but I didn't get anywhere with it.

[CBasie2856]

Scales and arpeggios teach the hand how to use the thumb and the wrist with the other fingers.

Here's what I have been doing for the last three days. I have been taking the stuff I do in my right hand and playing it in my left hand. Sometimes, a good hand can teach a bad hand technique.

[scooterpiepiano]

Thank-you for taking your valuable time to share your knowledge with all of us!