Playing the violin is something that is often associated with a kind of style and elegance. It is an instrument that can take time to learn and a long time to master. Aside from reading music and learning the correct way to play a big part of playing the instrument is the correct violin hand posture.
One of the reasons this takes time is that it is not always easy to position your hands properly. Sometimes people can try to develop their skills themselves. This results in them practising the wrong position. Over time this becomes a muscle memory and it can be very hard to correct bad habits.
The following instructions apply to playing your violin at any time and are equally applicable when standing up or sitting down. When positioning your hand there ought to be open space between the lower part of your thumb and the base of your index finger. The theory goes that you ought to be able to place a pencil in that empty space. Furthermore you should be able to move the pencil back and forth!
As you play your thumb and first finger need to be aligned. While playing your fingers need to be curved. You also need to ensure that your fingernails are trimmed short. The reason this is important is because you hit the fingerboard of the violin with your fingertips.
Another thing to be aware of is that your thumb and first finger is aligned when playing a step above the nut. It is also important that you curve your fingers as you play the instrument. Remember to keep your fingernails trimmed because you strike the fingerboard with the tips and this is more effective with trimmed nails.
While you are playing you also need to be aware of your wrist position. It has to be positioned straight. A lot of people make the mistake of bending their wrists inward while playing. The reason this is important is that it prevents the base of your thumb or your palm touching the neck of the violin.
Once you have got to grips with your posture it is important to practise over and over again. As with an athlete this is like warming up. Getting in the right position will make you physically more comfortable before you play and this often works with performance as well. There is a lot to remember but over time it will become easier and you will be able to relax before you play.
There are various ways you can improve how you play. One of the simplest ways is to find a private tutor or teacher in your local area. The best ones will ensure that you improve your posture and give you exercises to improve it between teaching sessions. With the right approach you will be able to get the most from your instrument.
One of the reasons this takes time is that it is not always easy to position your hands properly. Sometimes people can try to develop their skills themselves. This results in them practising the wrong position. Over time this becomes a muscle memory and it can be very hard to correct bad habits.
The following instructions apply to playing your violin at any time and are equally applicable when standing up or sitting down. When positioning your hand there ought to be open space between the lower part of your thumb and the base of your index finger. The theory goes that you ought to be able to place a pencil in that empty space. Furthermore you should be able to move the pencil back and forth!
As you play your thumb and first finger need to be aligned. While playing your fingers need to be curved. You also need to ensure that your fingernails are trimmed short. The reason this is important is because you hit the fingerboard of the violin with your fingertips.
Another thing to be aware of is that your thumb and first finger is aligned when playing a step above the nut. It is also important that you curve your fingers as you play the instrument. Remember to keep your fingernails trimmed because you strike the fingerboard with the tips and this is more effective with trimmed nails.
While you are playing you also need to be aware of your wrist position. It has to be positioned straight. A lot of people make the mistake of bending their wrists inward while playing. The reason this is important is that it prevents the base of your thumb or your palm touching the neck of the violin.
Once you have got to grips with your posture it is important to practise over and over again. As with an athlete this is like warming up. Getting in the right position will make you physically more comfortable before you play and this often works with performance as well. There is a lot to remember but over time it will become easier and you will be able to relax before you play.
There are various ways you can improve how you play. One of the simplest ways is to find a private tutor or teacher in your local area. The best ones will ensure that you improve your posture and give you exercises to improve it between teaching sessions. With the right approach you will be able to get the most from your instrument.
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