LEFTHAND FLEXIBILITY

by Robert Bekkers

Following are exercises that really help building a flexible left hand. Using them will improve the control of independent movement between the left hand fingers. Although it may seem tricky to understand the notes and movements at first, it should be easier after you understand the basic idea. Listen to MP3 (120k) for a better understanding.

The first two fingers are used to play alternating triplets on the first string (fifth position in the example). The third and fourth finger are both used to play tuplets on strings two to six. In order to get a more fluid and pleasant sound, you might want to start practising single combinations first before moving the tuplet to different strings. Exercise on several different positions.

Now use the first and the third finger for playing triplets on string one and use finger two and four for the tuplets on the other strings

The third figure, using first and fourth finger on string one.

Also reverse these fingerings to find three more patterns:

2nd and 3rd finger on string one, 1 and 4 playing the tuplets

2nd and 4th finger on string one, 1 and 3 playing the tuplets

3rd and 4th finger on string one, 1 and 2playing the tuplets

Once you have mastered these patterns, try lifting up all the fingers when they are not used. So finger one is lifted when finger two is placed on the string, etc. In doing so, you will train the back of your hand. This will dramatically improve your technique and increase you ability to play fast!

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