Third finger reach issue when playing low 2

[Ginny]

Hi everyone, I’m on lesson 1.7 where we learn the low 2. I can get my 3rd finger reach accurately on the E string. But on the other strings I have to slide my fingers up slightly in order to reach the note for the 3rd finger after playing a low 2. I don’t want to create a bad habit. Is it okay to do that? Any ideas on how to correct this? Does it just happen with time, that your 3 rd finger reaches without sliding your fingers up? I’m kinda worried about when I start to use the 4th finger. Thanks for any ideas. Ginny

[Ginny]

Addendum to above question. I can’t reach my third finger while my second finger is on low 2. But if I raise 2nd finger off the string, my third finger reaches. Is that a problem? It seems like it would slow me down. When I get to a level that I can play fast, that is.

[Kvmceff]

Hi, I was trying to recreate your dilemma, I would check the wrist to see that you are pretty straight and relaxed. And if your hand is just small you might have to relax the 2nd finger so much it does raise off the string as you stretch. Or consider a 7/8 size fiddle? Does any of this help?

[Ginny]

Hi, and thanks. That does make sense. I think practice has made the stretch easier, and I could certainly focus on relaxing more. I appreciate your response! Ginny

[jason kleinberg]

Hey @roserock123yahoo-com, this is a common challenge. I would say that you could alternate between lifting the low second when you play the third, and then trying to make that stretch with the low second down. Your fingers will become more flexible soon enough if you keep practicing. Also, you can practice the stretch without even playing. Hold down the low second finger and practiced reaching the third without making sound.

[Author]

Posts