finger spread

[Stephen47]

When trying to do the "all aboard" exercise I am having trouble spreading my ring finger from my middle finger. Even if I spread them with the other hand they slide back so they are touching. Is there a cure for this?

[Jamie]

Yes there is, but can you post a video in the workshop forum?

[Stephen47]

So I am supposed to spent $200 or so on a camcorder to post a picture of my fingers close together?

[GAA43]

Dude . . .

[Bill]

Hi Stepen47,

Why don't you try to a webcam with your computer as that might be more convenient for practice and uploading videos. I have a Logitech 9000 which I have had for a few years now. You can find it at Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-720p-Web ... 24&sr=8-15 and it is going for about $50.

You may also want to see if there are newer webcams (wireless???) that have even more features first, but I have been very happy with mine.

Whatever you purchase make sure it is compatible with Skype and takes sufficient quality of images for video and sound recording.

All the best.

Bill

[jules]

There could be many factors to explain your finger spread issues. A video is an excellent way of illustrating this.

My mobile phone does videos, also my point and shoot still camera.

If you still have no luck just post still photos to the forum.

jules.

[Stephen47]

Here are some still pictures

[Jamie]

The cure is to use the touching technique with deep no tempo practice. Touch 3 lightly to the same or adjacent string BEFORE activating 2. Keep it away from 2, lightly. Then, either lifting slightly or continuing a light touch with 2, place 3 down as a string push down. This will free 2 and 3 up.

But, if there are other systemic problems, such as a flaw in the sitting itself, there could still be a problem. Systemic problems create constant tension during every playing moment. From only hand pictures I cannot tell about that.

I just started a student on webcam who has 10 years of this problem. He has started unraveling it already with this technique. If you have a problem still, consider a webcam.

[guitar66]

I have the same problem, I discovered it gets better over time if I continue to work at it. I sometimes use a bottleneck to increase spread, and I can practice with it easy enough - it teaches the fingers that it is ok to be apart

[Stephen47]

Thanks for the tip. I tried it and it is easy to practice this way.