Fingers on the violin strings

August 16, 2009 at 08:52 PM ·

 What size fingers would you say you have?  If you have larger fingers, it will be more difficult say to make half steps and not touch other strings...

August 17, 2009 at 03:04 AM ·

Oh ok..so the size of the fingers may really affect playing the violin..

I cant really say whats the size of my fingers..but even I trim my nails, its just the same..

Thanks to the response.

August 17, 2009 at 10:29 AM ·

I'm inclined to say that regardless of the size of your fingers, a competent teacher can show you how to make it work.

However, if you're still struggling then, perhaps a switch to viola might be helpful, and going up to cello or bass might make things approachable if you have a unique situation.

Beyond that, there are numerous brass instruments that do not demand a specific size...if you truly love music you'll play whatever it takes to experience it, right? :) Good luck!

August 17, 2009 at 01:16 PM ·

My fingers are large, my hands are large; I wear XL size gloves and cannot even get my  hands inside a size L. But Itzak Perlman has very large hands and listen to him - watch him too, it will be instructive if you too have large hands.

The size of your hands and fingers will have a major effect on how you manage to play a violin.

With large hands you learn to play and angle your fingers appropriately and get them out of each others way when and where necessary. It takes years of practice. The advantage, if you start when you are a little kid, is that then your hands are not too large, your violin is the appropriate size for you, and you gradually grow into becoming a player who can conform to the challenge. With large hands and thick fingers there is a lot of finger shaking almost like jelly to keep them out each other's way - watch Perlman!

Be sure you are holding the violin pointed far enough to your left. It will be impossible if it is pointed straight in front of you.

Be aware that viola or cello may be a better match for you.

Andy

August 17, 2009 at 02:33 PM ·

If a player has thick fingers there is a much simpler solution then switching to viola or cello..

Go to a good violin store/restorer/repairer and get the grooves in the nut widened.

If you can't play certain chords such as open D, D above(3rd finger on A) and F above(1st finger  on E) without hand contortions or buzzing though catching other string then save years of suffering and get the nut changed.

August 18, 2009 at 05:29 AM ·

Oh, yes, Izthak Perlman..

I never really thought he has large hands and fingers up until now..thanks.. :)

And yeah, that's also what I was thinking: the great difference between the playing of violin since childhood and the playing for only since now..

Really? So I can widened the nut..that'll be a great help then..thanks ;)

I would still insist on playing this one, but if still there's no changes, I might get my hands to viola or cello..thanks to all.. :) appreciate it very big..

August 18, 2009 at 02:23 PM ·

I agree that all humans of all shapes and size can play (this is sure. Look on youtube).   From my point of view and my teacher's (which is controversial because it is not right to say some are luckier than others in an artistic thing) I find bigger fingers are luckier "overall" (maybe just not in chromatic scales lol).  At first they work much harder to learn how to place them without making a mess this is true. But after, they can do double stops where you have to press two strings at the same time with much less trouble than those with toothpick like fingers. Also wide vibratos are easier for them. (They usually have more flesh on their finger tips and this helps for vibratos) Also big fingers owners often have a wide hand. Quite an advantage for an overall wide stretch of the hand in some pieces.  String instruments require much hand strengh (even if we press the lightest possible on the finger board.)

I struggle with all the points mentionned higer because my fingers are not bigger than toothpicks and always cold. My teacher often looks at me when I stuggle in studies saying "look, I know you do your best and that your fingers make you struggle so much.  This is not your fault. What can I say, work each chord very slowly and be even more careful to the angle of fingers etc.  I cannot give you the "solution".   She admits unfront of me that it is ... kind of unfair. (not meanly though!  I guess I just start with an extra load...

But I'm optimistic and sure soloists of all sizes have succeded in making a very descent playing (maybe some had to work harder than others for the same resault but who cares in the end)!!! 

Anne-Marie

August 19, 2009 at 06:26 AM ·

Thanks, Anne..

Actually I'm already practicing may left hand just to make my fingers get used on playing some chords..

And I really appreciate even a little tiny bit of change in my practicing, and I hope I can do more to the next following days..

Again, thanks to all the responses.. :)