How to strengthen your fourth finger
Struggle with a weak fourth finger? In this post, discover 11 ways to strengthen your fourth finger. The 11 tips for the fourth finger are divided into three categories.
- Posture
- Intonation
- Strength
Proper Posture is the fundamental technique for all of violin playing. Never underestimate the importance of posture.
Looking for an excellent method book devoted specifically to the fourth finger in different positions? Be sure to check out Fourth Finger Studies, Strengthening exercises designed specifically for the fourth finger. These books WILL revolutionize your fourth finger, with practice of course.
Now available in first, second, third and fifth positions. Save $$$ with the bundle.
A discerning ear is imperative for intonation practice and if your fourth finger is not guided by a discerning ear than no amount of practice will help it to be reliable. How to develop a discerning ear? Read “Every Pitch a Pearl” blog post here.
Strength is key for a fourth finger to be reliable. Think about it, when did you learn to use your fourth finger? It was most likely the last finger you learned to use and it was neglected…not used very much right? Perhaps you even avoid it. No longer. You will find fourth finger strengthening exercises in the tips below.
PROPER POSTURE
INTONATION PRACTICE
Strengthening Practice
Please share in the comments which above tips you will be implementing into your daily practices sessions.
Happy Magical Practices,
Heather Kaye
Violinist
Heather is a classically trained concert violinist performing with the Yambol Chamber Orchestra, Bulgaria. She received her BM violin performance degree from CU-Boulder, studied with top teachers including Rachel Barton Pine. Heather has held leadership positions with multiple orchestras in the Greater Chicago-Milwaukee area. She has instructed millions of violinists globally via Youtube videos, online academies, group coaching and one on one sessions. Heather’s students have won multiple awards, concerto competitions, held concertmaster positions in orchestras and even performed in Carnegie Hall. Heather is an advocate of a holistic violin lifestyle – putting one’s mind, body and spirit as a violin journey priority.
This information is so very useful. However, I do have one question as I have students with rather short 4th fingers or the 4th finger is awkwardly curved inward at the crease (joint) near the tip of the pinky. They have their left elbow tucked way under the violin but this causes the middle and ring finger(which are long) to not be able to keep their spot. Most of the time, they have to release their first finger in order to help the 4th finger reach its correct pitch. I have them move their thumb a little forward but it’s a hit and miss situation.
Any ideas on how to overcome this.
Hi Vasi! Thanks for your question. I made a video to demonstrate one way to help your students with shorter fourth fingers. You can find it added to the blog post.
Hi Heather, thank you so much for this video. I have the same issue as in the first question. I am new and have very stiff fingers (arthritis) and this adventure of learning the violin is fantastic for flexibility. I will try starting with setting the fourth finger first, however as in the question I am not able to leave the other fingers in their proper place i.e. especially first finger. I am only doing first position at this time and sometimes use a tuner to make sure intonation is correct. I purchased your fourth finger e-book for first position, and printed it out, it is absolutely fantastic. I am just starting so 5 min is my max at this time. Would a good stretching exercise be to start with fourth finger in place then work on placing the first finger (leaving the second and third out), then keep fourth finger down and go to second finger (leaving the first and third out)? I tend to clamp my first finger in place and try to stretch the others which stiffens the hand even though I try to have a relaxed hold. Thank you so much for all you do.
Hi Gail! Thank you for taking the time to comment, your purchase of Fourth Finger Fitness ebook and your kind words. Very glad to hear it is working out for you. To answer your question of how to study, Yes absolutely. You are completely on the right track and bravo to you for the 5 minutes a day. You will find it will get quite a bit easier. Check in weekly for personal progression. Perhaps start a journal and record your findings after each practice session or once a week to help track your progress. The first finger likes to be in charge and over dominant because it is the stronger finger. You are most welcome Gail and keep in touch with your progress. You may find putting your left hand in warm water before your five minute session will help with the stiffness. When I had stiffness or tightness “issues,” I would wash my dishes in the morning in very warm to hot water and then go practice. Made quite a bit of difference. Also fresh pineapple juice is a natural anti-inflammatory. I would drink juice from 1 pineapple a day. Wishing you happy magical practices.
Patience, practice and persistence will always pay off. With a great tutorial like this, students have a superb advantage in developing better technique – thank you! I have heard complaints from so many students: “My fingers are too big” or too small, or “they won’t work that way”. These are just excuses. Those precious individuals who really love the violin will always find a way around their perceived shortcomings.
I agree Amanda. Thank you so much for your comment. Glad to have you here.