Finger Shape

An important principle for all the string instruments is that the finger shape remain consistent. Many young string students develop "approximate" intonation because they are inconsistent with the shape of their fingers as they press down on the string. One game you can play with young string students to help strengthen fingers and make them aware of their finger shape is called "finger push-ups." Start with first finger down on the string. Lift off and place back down on the string five times. Place second finger down while keeping first finger down. Lift second finger off and replace five times without lifting first finger. Then lift and replace first and second fingers together five times. Remind students to keep their finger shape consistent and always press down the string with the same part of the pad of their finger. Continue this exercise with third and fourth fingers.

Some students will have problems with their fingers hyperextending as they press down - especially with the weaker fingers. They must train their fingers to bend the correct direction.

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

• Introduction to Left Hand Position
• Preliminary Exercises for Violin and Viola
• Developing the Shape of the Left Hand
• Developing Hand Shape Exercise No. 2
• Preliminary Finger Exercises Cello and Bass
• Placement of Fingers Violin and Viola
• Thumb Placement for Violin and Viola
• Common problems Violin and Viola
• Common problems - Collapsed wrist
• Common problems - Hyperextended Wrist
• Common problems - Poor Thumb Placement
• Worm Hole
• Three Points of Contact
• Cello Left Hand Position
• Bass Left Hand Position
• Elbow and Shoulder Cello and Bass
• Common LH Problems Cello and Bass
• Cello/Bass Problems -- The Sagging Elbow
• Cello/Bass Problems --Thumb hugging the neck of the instrument
• Cello/Bass Problems -- Collapsed Wrist
• Cello/Bass Problems --Sloped Fingers
• Hand Frame
• Finger Shape
• Finger Placement Markers
• General Left Hand Position Principles for All the Strings