Hand Frame

All of the fingers work together. When the second finger is down on the string, so is the first. When fourth finger is down, ALL the fingers are down. This is a very important principle of left hand technique. I like to play a game with my beginning string students to develop this principle and develop their left hand technique. Start with all four fingers down on the same string. Starting with fourth finger (pinkie) lift off one finger at a time, then place them back down, one at a time. How far do you need to lift the finger off the string so it isn't touching the string? About one millimeter or so is the usual answer. That becomes the challenge. Barely lifting off the string. Always keeping the fingers curved, always above the fingerboard, always working together - these are the foundations that will lead to correct intonation - and the ability to play fast.

Notice in the image at left, how the fingers are relaxed and over the fingerboard, even when not in use.

POSTURE • INSTRUMENT SIZING • INSTRUMENT POSITION

BOW HOLD • BOW STROKE • INTERMEDIATE RIGHT HAND SKILLS • ADVANCED RIGHT HAND SKILLS

LEFT HAND POSITION • SHIFTING • VIBRATO • ADVANCED LEFT HAND SKILLS