Something I've noticed on many occasions is the fact that so many students tend to use awkward fingering when they play the piano. Of course I don't for a minute doubt that this is something which interests many beginners as well as those in the intermediate range.
Contrary to what you may believe, this is actually quite a controversial subject.
There are people who strongly believe in proper fingering for piano pieces. There are also those who are firm believers in free-style fingering.
So, let me go ahead and discuss how I feel about this issue.
Though the length of fingers differ from person to person, we all have thumbs that are shorter than the rest of our fingers.
Also, the thumb is usually the most powerful finger we have, followed by the index finger and middle finger, and it's these three figures which are the most used when it comes to playing piano.
Here are some tips concerning fingering which you should certainly consider:
1. The thumb should never be used for playing a black key. The only exception to this rule is when you: a) Play a musical piece which only has black notes. b) When you play a piece where they are black and white keys.
Thumbs are not meant to be used for black key because of its length.The most used fingers for black notes are the 2nd and the 3rd fingers. If you are playing certain scales that start with a black key such as Bb major, Eb major, Ab major, etc. You will use 2nd or 3rd finger to play the first scale note instead of the thumb.
2. If you're playing a melody with your right hand and there are certain keys which are out of reach, then by all means, you can go ahead and move your hand to play the note. In fact, if the key is only a few steps down from the thumb, then you can use the thumb as an anchor well you cross the second finger over in order to reach the note on the left hand side of your thumb. Rather than moving your hand, you simply move the second finger over.
As soon as the second finger has played the key, you'll notice that your thumb will immediately follow across in order to play the other note situated on the left of the key.
3. This same rule applies to the left hand.
4. Whenever you have an opportunity you should watch experienced players, and you should pay particular attention to their fingering. Ideally, you should try to watch those who have plenty of experience in playing classical music; because you can be rest assured that they've spent several years going through the necessary repertoires. Of course, you should also try to imitate their finger movements.
Important note: The purpose of good fingering is to guarantee "smoothness" in musical passages.
This is especially important in the piano work of Bach (prelude, fugues, and others) and many Classical composers. Very often, a slight change in piano fingering could cause a disruption of the whole phrasing. For improvisational and accompaniment pieces, strict piano fingering becomes less critical. In fact, every time I improvise I use different fingering combination. This is because my mood and rhythm change when I improvise, this also affects the combination of fingers I use.
You'll also notice a change of fingering if you look at musical pieces which have been edited by different editors. For example, you'll notice that fingering suggestions for the "Sonatina" piece composed by Clementi, can vary quite dramatically depending on the different editors.
To end off: you can pay less attention to which finger you are using if you're improvising, providing you apply the rules which have been discussed above.
Remember, if you become too radical with regards to fingering, there's a strong possibility that it will distract you enough to interfere with the flow of your music. After all, playing piano is all about conveying music, and your aim should always be to maintain a steady, smooth flow. Lastly, always make sure that the pedals are being pressed at the right time. - 32526
Contrary to what you may believe, this is actually quite a controversial subject.
There are people who strongly believe in proper fingering for piano pieces. There are also those who are firm believers in free-style fingering.
So, let me go ahead and discuss how I feel about this issue.
Though the length of fingers differ from person to person, we all have thumbs that are shorter than the rest of our fingers.
Also, the thumb is usually the most powerful finger we have, followed by the index finger and middle finger, and it's these three figures which are the most used when it comes to playing piano.
Here are some tips concerning fingering which you should certainly consider:
1. The thumb should never be used for playing a black key. The only exception to this rule is when you: a) Play a musical piece which only has black notes. b) When you play a piece where they are black and white keys.
Thumbs are not meant to be used for black key because of its length.The most used fingers for black notes are the 2nd and the 3rd fingers. If you are playing certain scales that start with a black key such as Bb major, Eb major, Ab major, etc. You will use 2nd or 3rd finger to play the first scale note instead of the thumb.
2. If you're playing a melody with your right hand and there are certain keys which are out of reach, then by all means, you can go ahead and move your hand to play the note. In fact, if the key is only a few steps down from the thumb, then you can use the thumb as an anchor well you cross the second finger over in order to reach the note on the left hand side of your thumb. Rather than moving your hand, you simply move the second finger over.
As soon as the second finger has played the key, you'll notice that your thumb will immediately follow across in order to play the other note situated on the left of the key.
3. This same rule applies to the left hand.
4. Whenever you have an opportunity you should watch experienced players, and you should pay particular attention to their fingering. Ideally, you should try to watch those who have plenty of experience in playing classical music; because you can be rest assured that they've spent several years going through the necessary repertoires. Of course, you should also try to imitate their finger movements.
Important note: The purpose of good fingering is to guarantee "smoothness" in musical passages.
This is especially important in the piano work of Bach (prelude, fugues, and others) and many Classical composers. Very often, a slight change in piano fingering could cause a disruption of the whole phrasing. For improvisational and accompaniment pieces, strict piano fingering becomes less critical. In fact, every time I improvise I use different fingering combination. This is because my mood and rhythm change when I improvise, this also affects the combination of fingers I use.
You'll also notice a change of fingering if you look at musical pieces which have been edited by different editors. For example, you'll notice that fingering suggestions for the "Sonatina" piece composed by Clementi, can vary quite dramatically depending on the different editors.
To end off: you can pay less attention to which finger you are using if you're improvising, providing you apply the rules which have been discussed above.
Remember, if you become too radical with regards to fingering, there's a strong possibility that it will distract you enough to interfere with the flow of your music. After all, playing piano is all about conveying music, and your aim should always be to maintain a steady, smooth flow. Lastly, always make sure that the pedals are being pressed at the right time. - 32526
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