Violin Lesson #5; The Hold, Finger Placement pt. 2

Visit www.toddehle.com - 2nd in the series.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• violin
• technique
• Todd
• Ehle
• hold
• left
• hand

[gabqcm]

would you recommend to use the shoulder rest thingy? or do you think anyone can learn to hold the violin whitout that? because i can hold the violin just with the neck only with the shoulder rest :(

i feel like i cant hold it right without it, am i doing sometihng wrong?

[professorV]

@gabqcm - You need to be comfortable and relaxed, and maintain good posture. Use a shoulder rest if you need one and don't worry about anything else. Good luck.

[Faltaz]

I'm having a really hard time, trying to break that bad habit of bending back my pinky. If I stop focusing on my pinky for one second, it curles back into that horrible little knot. Do you have any suggestions on what would be a good way to attack the problem? Brute willpower? or forcing my pinky into a position where I can't bend it, using duct tape?

PS. Thank you for being so generous and sharing your knowledge with all of us. I love your videos.

[professorV]

Hi Faltaz, Try placing your pinky down before placing the other fingers, aim for the inside left corner of the finger tip. Then add the other fingers. This should set your hand up so you can reach all fingers easily. Now, practince silent trills with the pinky by only lifting the finger from the base knuckle. Stay relaxed and try to memorize what it feels like. After that, lift the 4th and trill with the 3rd, keeping the 4th loose and open. Re-program your hand and mind. Good luck!

[pinkstahh]

Hey I was wondering, what is the suzuki music book called? I was about to order it, but .. there are two, and I'm not sure which one.

One is called, I Can Read Music, Volume 1

Another is called, Note Reading for Violin

[professorV]

Hi, What you want is Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1. The other books you mention are supplemental materials.

[RyuMi2515]

Thankyouverymuch!I am 14 and I can play violin know.I reallywant to play violin but mom told me that I will just play piano.And I just ended in part4 because I don't have any passionof playing on it.I told to my mom that I will buy my own violin and find a teacher(but I don't have any amount of many for the tutor).he!One time,I will buy violin but she close my bank account.;Cbut my friend allowed me to barrow his violin and I very thankful to him.He show me this video and,Thank you verymuch!

[mailmanforyou]

Your a good teacher. You have learned well from suzuki

[animecatgirlroxs]

When you start playing the violin is it painful? Like i know i tried to play the guitar and i was like...what? 0_0 Is it easier to play piano or violin and how difficult is it to play the violin (im a noob...never held one before ^^')

[Kfreeks]

Good to know that it is better to put down the middle two fingers first. Thank you :-)

[bostonmin3]

Hello. I have a question related to the violin. I have a bad habit with my left hand. My pinky always falls back when I'm playing, and it's hard to place it when I'm playing. When I focus on the pinky, my pinky always gets tense, and everything else gets messed up. Please reply, and thank you.

[MadmanPanda]

@parsprincess I know you were asking the professor, but I couldn't help wanting to let you know: you should try pinky exercises. I don't know if you still need help, but take a clothes pin between your pinky and thumb and close. Hold it for five seconds. Hopefully it helps.

[MadmanPanda]

@darkj3am Well, he did say, for those with shorter pinkies. You really shouldn't give up just because you think you're hands are too big. I'm self-teaching violin - which I know everyone says is a terrible idea - but I'm doing it anyway. Just try and steer clear of bad habits.

[wrathofcell]

I really hope he has more videos...ive been watching these and they help ALOT....

[darkj3am]

do that V shape thing and the thumb really that important?? i play guitar for 6 years now.. so i kinda used to hold the violin like a guitar. i can play piece without vibrato.. i can use my pinky even though my thumb is on the top.. but doing exactly what you said, i feel the violin is TOOO SMALL... i think i have a big hands.. i think i'm giving up.. and i think i can never learn anything without MONEY i need a teacher for my questions.. i hate the world so fucking depressing.... GOD!!!

[C0tt0nP0is0n65]

This is really helpful but i don't understand my violin teacher!! She told me to keep my index finger and thumb straight so the image resembles a box (??) and then the side of my first finger's knuckle bone cannot touch the instrument and when i fix it she says the side of my first finger's should not touch at all and i clearly see your fingers touching the instrument. I can't correct her because shes so stubborn