Sixths

[franzliszt2]

I was recently practicing 6ths, and i can achieve a smooth fast scale, but theonly problem is an c major, ascending, i use the fingering 1-3, 1-4 2-5, then cross the 1-3 over. However this achieves a smoth sound,my wrist makes an awful crack,and the position ofmy hand is not to pleasant to look at and looks all deformed and awkward.

Any ideas on how to achieve a more smooth appearence, and a cause for the crack, which iis not painful, but i don;tl like the sound of it.

Thanks

[pianistimo]

i have a book entitled 'mastering the scales and arpeggios' by james francis cooke.  it is helpful. 

your fingering is exactly what they have for sixths until your 3-1 fingering and the 'crack.'  try 4-1, 5-2, 4-1, 5-2 to finish the scale...then repeat 5-2, 3-1, 4-1, 5-2 ...

so the whole thing:  5-2, 3-1, 4-1, 5-2, 4-1, 5-2, 4-1...

[cloches_de_geneve]

In his extensive comments to Chopin's study in sixths (op. 25/8), Cortot describes up to a dozen possibilities on how to play sixths-scales. Actually, for the last chromatic run, he provides exactly 12 options (labeled A to L). I worked through the first 11 until I realized that option 12 (L) is the best  for my hand!!