MandShef Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Hey all, just want to pick your brains again! I am getting frustrated with how my fingers (particularly 1st & 2nd) collapse when I'm playing in thumb position (i.e. [size=4][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][color=#000000]they kind of buckle at the first joint just above the finger nail). I can keep them curved for only a short time before they collapse. I also struggle to get a decent vibrato going. Is this just a strength issue? Does it even matter?! I notice my fingers also do this a bit when I'm playing the piano, so I'm wondering whether I've just got slightly hyper-mobile joints or something. The person I'm learning with seems to think it's not a major issue, but I'd like to make sure my technique is as good as it can be. Ta for any tips/info you can offer.[/color][/font][/size] Quote
FLoydElgar Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Collapsed fingers are not a massive issue! However, if it is bugging you... then practice what ever you're practticing slowly and think about every motion you are doing. build up strength. Don't vib until you've sorted one of the issues. Are you bowing? or pizz? Tarlton book will give you SOLID technique... I rant and rave about the book... because its the best imho... goodluck! Quote
MandShef Posted October 23, 2012 Author Posted October 23, 2012 Thanks for taking the time to answer. It's good to know it's not a major problem if I can't resolve it, it just bugs me in case it's bad for my finger joints. I guess with every other problem I've encountered I find slow practice helps, so I'll give it a go with this too. In answer to your question I'm using a bow (classical player). What's the full title of the book you recommend - I can't find anything under double bass & tarlton on amazon? Quote
jakenewmanbass Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 I believe it's the position of your arm that needs to be right to avoid buckling, check out Rufus Reid's evolving upwards fo some great advice on a relaxed and strong thumb position hand. Quote
Schnozzalee Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 I don't play upright personally although i've tried a few for fun. I once watched this guy who'd taped his fingers up, I didn't know why, but maybe it was because of what you mentioned?? It was over that area too. Quote
FLoydElgar Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 (edited) the price is small but a life times worth of work.... - [url="http://www.neiltarlton.com/"]http://www.neiltarlton.com/[/url] Enjoy Edited October 23, 2012 by FLoydElgar Quote
FLoydElgar Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Jake is right, by lifting your arm will allow your fingers to naturally become "un collapsed". Also pick up Duncan McTier's Daily exercises (spartan press)... These are rigorously demanding but highly desired from a technical point... with your tutors help - you'll see drastic changes in your playing! they are amazing... imo... I do love these books alot! and they all are inexpensive! = ) all under £30... Another vid - enjoy... http://youtu.be/5x-_EiW2BZs?t=3m59s Quote
oggiesnr Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 (edited) My problem with thumb position is that I use the side of my thumb for my job so it's always a bit on the tender side and I can't apply pressure without pain. My bass tutor and I are trying to evolve a hybrid position using less of the side. Steve PS I have both of the Tarlton books and they are superb Edited October 23, 2012 by oggiesnr Quote
MandShef Posted October 24, 2012 Author Posted October 24, 2012 What a helpful bunch - thank you! I will take your tips on board & check out those recommended books Quote
rikodriko Posted November 8, 2012 Posted November 8, 2012 tender sides of thumbs go hard after a few days of thumb position ... give it time and itll all come together. Will be pain free once the callousses start growing over.. My ring finger still collapses after 7 years of playing. Books sound great - i also might buy them! Quote
FLoydElgar Posted November 10, 2012 Posted November 10, 2012 (edited) Glad people are buying the Tarlton books... they probably are my favourite technique books. ever. =D Edited November 10, 2012 by FLoydElgar Quote
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