Posted by Andah1andah2 on Friday, November 6, 2009
Well, I'm working on my lessons and making steady progress. It is tough to remember all the things that you have to keep just so. Left hand, right hand, chin, feet, etc. Practice has been welcoming. With family guests visiting through this weekend, its been nice to take trips to the cellar to practice. A little peace.
Some things I've noticed:
1. My right hand is starting to feel more comfortable holding the bow. It's been easier keeping the thumb bent and more difficult remembering keeping the wrist loose and bent on the up-bow. I read the recent post on the loose wrist and I guess my teacher is in the belief that lots of wrist movement is a good thing, which makes sense to me also. There is a fine line between having a soft grip and loosing your grip on the bow.
2. My left hand is doing pretty good at remembering to not palm the fiddle. What is difficult is not bowing while the left hand is switching from one note to another and getting that annoying slur sound. I've been pausing briefly at times to ensure the switch is made before bowing. So tricky!
3. Finding that perfect spot with the left fingers to get just the right intonation...ellusive! My ear has difficulty finding the best sound. I guess my e-tuner can help with that.
4. Tension...tension...tension. I feel it in the very center and middle of my back. It's like a knot that develops. I try stretching, keeping my knees bent, walking a bit, thinking about staying relaxed, but still it happens. Sitting for a while helps. I think it's new muscle use that just has to run its course.
5. Boil dem cabbage down down down down
More later
Stew
Today my favorite fiddle tune is Cajun Fiddle
5 comments on “How today went”
autumnstrings Says:
Friday, November 6, 2009 @10:11:17 PM
Sounds like great progress Stew. A shot of whiskey can help with that tension pre practice though. ;
Andah1andah2 Says:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 @5:16:09 AM
Thanks, I'm all into that. Do you think my teacher would find it strange when I put a few back before starting my lesson?
mudbug Says:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 @9:17:53 AM
Ya never know, Stew, she might join ya! :-)
BC Says:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 @10:38:02 AM
Hi Stew
Sounds like you are doing well. I'm sure you have a hard time putting your fiddle down. I know I also appreciate basements at times. I've been working on Whiskey Before Breakfast and I think autumnstrings is really on too something! I'm sure your teacher understands the medicinal qualities of good whiskey.
bj Says:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 @10:51:48 AM
Once you start to be able to coordinate all those different skills, the tension (as long as you're aware of it and fighting against that tendency) will eventually go away, for the most part, though I still have to be aware of it after 2 years, especially when learning a new skill or difficult new tune.
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