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Finger exercises
building on some basics
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Ripton
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October 10, 2021 - 11:32 am
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Hej @Violaman I could use some help with my fingering and left-hand position. I tend to flatten out my fingers a lot and that seems to be hampering my ability to get crisp notes and certainly restricts any hope of vibratos. Can you upload any helpful videos on fingering exercises and tips for better mechanics? Thanks. 

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Mouse
October 10, 2021 - 5:42 pm
Member Since: July 8, 2021
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@Ripton I am not sure what kind of finger exercises you are looking for, but on this page there are some open string exercises. 

https://violaman.com/sheet-music/

The top three, before the music, are exercises. There similar ones for violin. I have been using the violin open string etudes for my violin and they are great. I have not attempted the second and third exercises yet.  

The Bumble Bee Flies

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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Ripton
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October 22, 2021 - 6:39 pm
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See attached, I have a bit of a flat fingered approach, remnant of the death grip.  When I watch others, fingers tend to drop down from above.  When I try that I lose all control of my instrument1022211833b.jpgImage Enlarger

1022211833a.jpgImage Enlarger
1022211833.jpgImage Enlarger
1022211832_HDR.jpgImage Enlarger

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Ripton
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October 23, 2021 - 5:05 pm
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sorry fuzzy and not sure how to edit and flip the photos. 

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wtw
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October 30, 2021 - 2:22 pm
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@Ripton the photos are quite close-up, so it's hard to be sure, but I think the problem may be not that much related to your fingers but rather the global hand/wrist position.

--> Are you supporting the viola with your wrist ? how much ?

--> Are you able to hold the instrument without your left hand at all ? When you are, you get a lot more freedom in finger placement. Then the fingers can fall more or less vertically on the strings (well, not the C string). If not, I think that should be your goal.

--> Do you have an adequate shoulder rest (it helps a lot) ?

Maybe look at the hand/wrist of the player in a few videos and compare with how you're holding your instrument.

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Ripton
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October 30, 2021 - 6:52 pm
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I'll work on a better photo. Doing it myself with my right hand while trying to keep my finger position true. 

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Ripton
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October 30, 2021 - 7:01 pm
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Ripton
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October 30, 2021 - 7:02 pm
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I tried playing then pausing without moving my left hand and used the computer for a snap shot. I did notice a bit more of the death grip but...

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wtw
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November 3, 2021 - 4:19 pm
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Thank you for the photos. Not easy to do that while playing !

So your wrist is not touching the neck below, which is a good thing :-).

Now there's not one single right way to hold the viola, but maybe you could try having the wrist it straighter still ? I mean there's still an angle between your arm and palm:
*argh I don't know how to attach a picture*
*or I just don't yet have enough posts - it still asks me to do stupid things, like put the scissors into the circle…*

Anyway, the reasons I can see for difficult finger placement, apart from gripping the instrument in fear that it should fall off, would be elbow placement. The more the elbow goes forward, under the instrument, the easier it gets to reach the strings from above.

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wtw
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November 3, 2021 - 4:20 pm
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Ok let's say the sufficient post count is 5. Trying...

EDIT : pity, it's not :-( . Means I'll have to find clever things to say on a few topics here...

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Mouse
November 8, 2021 - 11:12 pm
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@wtw 

I am hoping my knee will behave or progress enough so I can sit at the comluter long enough to take care of a few things. I think you are trying to post a photo? I do believe, from looking at the beginning posts, there is a specific number of posts required. I will add that to my list to check on. 

The Bumble Bee Flies

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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wtw
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November 28, 2021 - 3:27 am
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I was, but it's not important. And I'll soon get to the required post count anyway. Don't bother yourself with that ! When you can sit, better use the time to play your cello (or anything else you feel like doing :) )

P.S. Glad the smileys work here (typing ":)" yields " :) " , doesn't work anymore on the FM forum, at least for me)

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Mouse
November 28, 2021 - 8:34 am
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@wtw 

I am still hoping to check with Violaman about this post requirement after the holidays. I know he is busy with the group project and holiday business at the store(hopefully ?). I really want to freshen this forum up and get it working.

The Bumble Bee Flies

Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.

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