Violin Lesson - Curved Pinky Trick

[rewrew09876543]

I have a bent pinky, it is bent towards the ring finger, my pinky cant hit the strings in the x mark because of the said problem, do you have any suggestion?

[bobkith]

hi!

very good technique

for changes positions what you suggest?method, book, or exercise?

thanks a lot!

[tweepy123]

hey, this video was really helpful! do you know any tips on how to do vibrato with the pinky?

[up5ive]

Oh and can you please do a vibrato pinky video??? I think many of us would benefit from that!

[up5ive]

Thanks for the tip! After playing for 9 years I still have that terrible collapsed pinky. I'll try to develop that arch.

[WaterLikey]

oh I have to thank you again, I am not worried anymore with my pinky! =) love u 

[WaterLikey]

Jesus, God let me found your video! I love u

[pogmofoil]

Ahh, one of my biggest problems! I'm going straight to my violin now to practice this new technique! Thanks!

[TeeTamohawk]

@amandasklim I know I'm not Prov V but it does sound like you violin is a bit big for you . I had to get a 3/4 because I'm a bit smaller than the average adult which helped alot :)

[amandasklim]

hi Prof V, I am currently using a 4/4 size violin and found that my pinky is too short to reach the alternative A in the D string. I've to shift my hand a little lower to reach it. This of course giving me trouble to readjust the right tune when playing song.

I'd like to know, is the size of this violin to big for me?

Hope that you'll answer me cause the shop seller allow me to change.

[lbqjenny]

I'm a beginner but i still have some problems with my pinky. I did what you showed us in the video but i found the first knuckle is less curved compared with the first kunckle, although it's not locked. Also, I found it's really hard to have the contact point on the inner part of the pinky. My pinky always curve towards the bridge,aka I use the outer part of the finge tip to press the string, so my pinky cant be stretched or reach to a "high" position with keeping curved. Any suggestions? Thanx!

[duorei]

@lbqjenny I have exactly the same problem! My pinky is very short and curves inward toward the 3rd finger, so it'll naturally form a "V" with ring finger (fingertips touching) unless I strain the hand and force it to go parallel to the 3rd finger. It's extremely difficult to touch the string on the inner corner of the pad. Also, when I'm doing vibrato on my ring finger, my pinky would "stick" to the ring finger (because it's curved inward), making it harder to vibrate.... any ideas? thanks!!

[professorV]

Hi duorei, In your case, try bringing the left thumb under the violin. This should make it easier to each the pinky. Good luck!

[duorei]

@professorV Thank you so much for the quick reply!! I tend to keep my left thumb at a relatively low position already but guess will try and move it even lower and see what happens =D

[lbqjenny]

@duorei

Hey I've fixed mine last year. The trick part is you cant fixed it perfectly until you do some practice. It takes a few months to let your pinky get "strong", and after that, you can do vibrato better with your pinky. This happens just because you're in a sort of "transitional state". Good luck!!!!

Jenny.

[lbqjenny]

@duorei

Hey I've fixed mine last year. The trick part is you cant fixed it perfectly until you do some practice. It takes a few months to let your pinky get "strong", and after that, you can do vibrato better with your pinky. This happens just because you're in a sort of "transitional state". Good luck!!!!

Jenny.

[koreanano]

Hi Todd, I don't know if you still are updating and answering questions, but hey I thought I might ask you one since I've just started violin a few days ago with ur videos as a guide. My 4th finger just isnt the right SHAPE! it's curved inwards towards the palm and so the 1 full step beyween my 3rd and 4th is like, 1/2 or 1/4 if there's a way to put it, they just can't be separated when they are curved. Is there any tricks or tips to go around this or do I have to move my hand everytime?

[Ligeia090]

oh thank you so much! i've been looking for help about my weak pinky for ages. i've just started playing violin again, after a break of 8 years (played as a child for 6 years) and your videos are really a great help! thanks again :)

[bowholdbuddies]

Wonderful !

In my studio, students learn the bow hold very quickly using the Bow Hold Buddies[tm] bow accessory. The accessory keeps the hand relaxed and fingers in place while we learn more music.

Thanks!

[kinox44]

great. tnx.

[DORAMARIE]

You make me learn so much! Thank you for doing this for the community!

[IrritatedWriter]

Oh! I think this will help my pinkie. Excellent video.

[Kavemaster]

Excellent. I love your vids. I just started taking lessons about 4/5 months ago, was one the best decisions I ever made.

Ill be making tunnels from now on.

[DaBestFilmsEva]

Lol on the G-String, sorry for my imaturity, good video

[tehmockingbird]

Hi professorv! I have a question about the pinky on the E string. Should the pinky still be curved on the E string as much as the curvature on the G string? For me, my pinky on the E string is significantly less curved than the G string pinky

Thanks for any insight

[minhthitran88]

thanks you so much for these videos. i find them very helpful for my students and myself too - especially you vibrato videos, they are amazing!

you are so clear and patient in your explanation. cheers professor!

[craffmoz]

Professor, Thank you for this video! However....I am still experiencing some trouble with my pinky finger! I haven't purchased a Suzuki book yet...but I've been working with the "ABC's of String". On the G string, there are supposed to be whole step between my 1st &2nd, half step between 2nd & 3rd, and whole step between 3rd & 4th. I'm having trouble holding all my fingers down and maintaing that whole step between 3rd&4th. Any Suggestions??

[professorV]

Hi craffmoz, Try starting with the 4th finger then adding 3, 2 and 1 as it's easier to reach back than stretch up. Then, note the position of the fingers, the contact point of the thumb, etc., remove your hand, and then try to duplicate it, but this time start with the 1. Also, make sure your elbow is pulled far enough under the neck. The elbow position changes slightly for each string, and G requires the most rotation. Good luck!

[craffmoz]

Thank You, ProfessorV!!!

[Sortilegio1000]

C'est vraiment tres sympa de votre part, tout les cours que vous fait par YouTube, sur tout quand on apprend autodidacte. Je fait beaucoup de progrés avec votre méthode et Je commencé hier!! Bon continuation et bonjour de la Frànce

[balsamon]

ahhh it advanced pretty rapidly in this one... just what string am i supposed 2 tap with my pinky guys?

[sovicxiaed]

Hi,professorV

I'am a university student from TAIWAN. l started to learn the violin since 4 monthes ago,and I saw these videos just few minutes before now.For me ,it's really helpful!!Next time I'll try to ask some questions in my "poor english",hope you'll give me some suggestions !!

than you ! I enjoy the videos a lot !

[cesarigg]

yeah! you da man!!!...thanks (^ - ^)

[violmaster19]

you got a haircut

[shanararocha]

Thank you for all the great videos. They are extremely helpful and definitely appreciated.

[ViolaPandaPie11]

that was really helpful

as well as all of your videos.

:)

this one was tough for me though.

my pinky muscles arent that built

lol

[closetviolinist]

Or, for an advanced student, try Kreutzer 11, 16, Rode 2, Fiorillo 6,30 Sevcik part 3 #10, #11, part 1 #8 --not really a comprehensive list, but some I thought of that challenge the fourth finger. A major workout for the pinky! Also, Pag Caprice #2 (but you probably won't be curving your pinky to get those crazy stretches). Good luck everyone. Learning to love and use the fourth finger is one of the great joys of playing the violin.

[tortygalore]

Hi,

Just found your lessons, what a treasure trove! I'm just seriously picking up my Violin again after about 7 years and having big problems with my little finger! I can isolate the strings without difficulty, but I'm very hypermobile so the middle knuckle locks in hyperextension when I put pressure throught the finger. Then when I bend it it remains locked before suddenly pinging back! It never used to be this bad, any ideas for strengthening excercises?

Many thanks, great videos! Elly

[professorV]

Hi Elly, I've seen that with a few students, but it usually goes away as the 4th finger strengthens. I once knew a teacher that recommended 4th fingers exercises by placing the hand on the edge of a table and then lightly pressing down with the 4th (while keeping the finger curved). Don't press too hard, or do too many of these. A few minutes a day might help. I never did them myself, so I can't promise results, but it's worth a try.  Just be careful not to do too much! Good luck.

[tortygalore]

Thanks, hopefully it'll toughen up! :)

[Kattousso]

that's great...it's very helpful, Thank you for the work you did for all the planet!

[dragknuckle]

Bluegrass and Texas style players will know that it is common to hold a note in unison with the string above it while playing the melody on the higher string ie, holding an "A" note on the "D" string. "Sally Goodin" as performed by Johnny Gimble or Mark O'Connor is a great example.

It is great practice for your pinkie technique, because if you aren't doing it cleanly you will not be able to play the melody on the higher string, and if your pitch wavers it sticks out like a sore thumb.

[cocosanti69]

I am not a beginner and have tried many times to fix my pinky. The problem is I have a small hand with a very short pinky. The only way I could ever keep my pinky curved is by keeping my left wrist bent in (cupped) and pivoting my left elbow as far right as possible (all this while keeping a very low thumb). Needless to say, all that manipulation and adjustment was very unnatural and painful, so I had to pick the lesser of 2 evils. I know its not ideal, but for some its impossible.

[professorV]

Hi cocosanti69, I agree, for some it IS impossible to have a beautifully arched 4th finger. If you watch Isaac Stern and even Milstein, you'll notice they do not have a perfectly curved 4th all the time. It is something to work towards, but not to get hung up on. Thanks for your reminder and thoughts on the subject.

[cocosanti69]

I first want to thank you for the numerous videos. You are VERY methodical and really know how to break concepts down by explaining them thoroughly.

These videos have helped me organize my thoughts and given me some alternatives I never thought about, thanks

[sherax]

great info ,thanks

[dragknuckle]

I did not even realize that I had this problem. I have been playing fiddle for 15 years, and just resigned myself to having sloppy pinkie-finger technique. This exercise should help my playing a ton.

Thanks.

[02x9]

Great Lessons, and ProfessorV,could you give a visual demonstration of playing tenuto vs legato? Thanks

[jmbrunson34]

Todd,

I just spent what seemed like an hour trying to get my fingers to cooperate. My ear can "hear" the D on the G.... my fingers are longer than my teachers fingers... but i cannot make my fingers bend like they need to! I came back to this video after having trouble even reaching an E on the A coming form an F on the E... (first finger half step up the E) Any suggestions on stretching exercises for us older folks???

[professorV]

Hey jmbrunson34, how have you been? Try placing the 4th finger down first (on the A string), relax the hand, then reach back for the F (on E string). It's much easier on the hand to reach back than up. As for reaching 4th finger D on the G string; make sure your elbow is pulled under (to the right). You should pivot the left elbow as you move to the lower strings or higher strings. This should make is much easier. Good luck!

[jmbrunson34]

So to play first finger F followed by fourth finger E, place the pinky first on the A string then back up and place first finger on the E string, then bow the F then cross to the A and play the E?

Gonna try to be more aware of moving my left elbow when i cross strings.

I have been good but my teacher went to Switzerland for a month- kinda on my own for about 5 weeks here; I want to be able to play this Kayser Op 40 Etude when he gets back- it is loaded with 4th finger stuff & arpeggios.

[professorV]

Placing the 4 first is just an exercize. You want to reach back for a low first finger without pulling the hand back also (keeping the 4 down will help you keep the hand still, while reaching back). Hope that makes sense.

Good luck with the Kayser!

[jmbrunson34]

Continuing to reach back with first finger. Beginning to realize it is easier if all fingers stay "Low" to fingerboard. It works like it needs to about 60% of the time now. It seems like this nut might begin to crack soon! Thanks Todd, without small victories like this, I could not continue.

[merrowband]

I have that exact problem!

I'll be sure to give it a shot!

Thank you (also from Brazil xD)

[bluetche]

Hi professor!! it´s me again!

your lessons have been helping me SO much that i just don´t know how to thank you! i´am very happy!!! and i´m sure that i will never forget you!!

thanks from Brazil

[erciasico]

you look younger, prof, with a new haircut and no glasses. much better...

[omega770]

This was helpful when I first played the half-noted double stops in Guido Papini's Themes and Variations. One of the notes included 2 D's, a 4th fingered G string, and open D. Great video!

[juliaCSL]

professor, I try not to let my fourth finger be locked, but it curves toward the bridge and I find it hard to press the string with the left hand corner for the 4th finger only. any reasons for it?

and after I play the violin I feel some pain in the middle chest. has it got to do with posture and the shoulder rest pressing against my chest?

Thanks in advance and for all the videos!

[professorV]

Julia, Some people never have a beautiful pinky but still play well. The pain in your chest sounds like muscle tension. Try to feel like your head is floating to the sky, not pressed into the chinrest. Look at your posture in a mirror to see if you have rolled shoulders. Try to keep them "open". Stretch before and after you play and do your best to relax while playing. Also, keep your teeth open and lips closed! Good luck.

[juliaCSL]

sounds like muscle tension. thank you once again, for giving free and professional advice. God Bless.

[iami2007]

so many have problem with this 4th finger ! So do I but why? Does it have anything to do with length of fingers? Another problem : i find it hard to put ALL fingers at the same time on string such as position B(1st finger), C(2nd), D(3rd), E(4th finger) on A string.

Anyway, thank you ProfessorV

[jdstorms]

oh this is great instruction! thanks for helping me out with this problem that is now becoming just a minor inconvenience! this will take a little practice but will greatly improve play! Thanks!

[OriginalMoonbeam]

I am going to try this as I have had a real problem with chords involving my little finger (trying to play Bach Chaconne and pinky touches the D string) Thanks for the idea!

[Twigget]

Thank you so much! I always have trouble with my fourth. I'm going to try this today. :]

[Linuxica]

Your video is great and very helpful, you're a great professor

and a very kind soul. I admire you a lot!

Unfortunately my pinky is short and bent to the left, I'll never get it to do it, but thank you very much! :)

[professorV]

Hi Linuxica, Thank you for the kind words! Don't worry if you can't do it. Find this video: Isaac Stern: Mendelssohn - in it you'll see right away that Stern lets the pinky buckle at the middle knuckle, and he was Isaac Stern!

[Linuxica]

You have made my day!

Thanks!! :))))

[MaceCro]

I always have problem with the forth finger, especially when i play faster, i hope this will help me, thank you prof., i see you have removed glasses :)

[xXShippuudenXx]

This helped a lot, Thanks