Bend your thumb!

December 12, 2006 at 11:32 PM

Next time if I complain that my legato bowing is bouncing, remind me to bend my thumb!

This was taught so early in my violin learning years and after a while I total forgot about it, or abandoned it because I didn't trust that it serves any purpose. My teacher pointed me to do this again last week and yesterday when I practice, I made sure my thumb is always bent no matter what. The bow stopped bouncing instantly! I believe its function is to counter-pressure the other 4 fingers on top of the bow.

Another thing I gain by bending the thumb is the volume and tone quality. Suddenly the problem of lossing tone using a lighter bow is no longer an issue.

In addition, my bowing is more straighter for some reasons (parallel to the bridge). I have yet discover why. My sautille is so much better now, relaxed but in control.

Now I have to re-learn the functions of the other fingers and adjust them accordingly, particularly 1st finger (being aware how much pressure I'm using) and 4th finger (balance the bow when I'm at the lower part of the bow).

The "new" contact point in the thumb hurts a lot, probably not used to the bow and finger weight. Tips on how I can avoid this pain is much appreciated.

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 2:48 AM

Greetings,
>In addition, my bowing is more straighter for some reasons (parallel to the bridge). I have yet discover why.

I think part of the reasson is as follows. The fingers control the degree of slant of the bow. They are inextricably bound up with the action of the thumb. In particlar their is a special relationship between the thumb and litlte finger. That is why much of what people think is a weak left hand little finger is actually tension in the base joint of the left hand thumb.
Now you have rediscovered your thumb it is worth keeping in mind that it has to move frerely right form the base which is, differently to the fingers, right down where the wrist is. Also the degre eof bend varies considerably (a syou know) playing near the pint the thumb may be substantially straighter than at the heel,
Cheers,
Buri

From William Yap
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 4:33 AM

What about being double-jointed? I've been told I'm double-jointed, I'm not even sure what that is.

Also the nuckle of my thumb is so huge it is so inflexible, which was probably the main reason why I was reluctant to bend it in the first place. I'll see if I can upload a picture of my horrible tumb's nuckle just to show you what I'm talking about.

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 6:26 AM

nothing too gross please...

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 8:13 AM

In playing violin, a change in finger or hand position which seems very small can have enormous effects. Re pain: Are you clutching with your thumb? It should be as relaxed as possible.

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Bend your thumb!

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