Problems with my little finger

[carbe]

Hi everybody!
I have some problems with my little fingers, both with the right and the left hand, but mostly the right hand.
When I play fast stuff and do not use my little finger, it drives around wildly and uncontrolled. It bothers me not so much in my pianoplaying, technically, but it looks extremely ugly and ridiculous.
I don't know what to do, the little finger is relaxed and I can't get it to be still. I have tried some technique training but that doesn't help.
Does anyone know what to do about this kind of thing? Please help.

[stevebob]

People ask about this so frequently that it must be more common than they imagine.

In my opinion, it should be considered a "problem" only if it has a negative impact on the finger's function (i.e., it hampers or hinders you technically or musically in any way).  Otherwise, it seems like a cosmetic issue.  Unless you are (or plan to become) a performer and think it would be a serious distraction, I would try to forget about it.

[carbe]

It hasn't any negative effect on my playing or my technique, but what I didn't know was if it can be a problem in the future, or if I do something wrong to make the little finger live it's own life.
But partly I'm a performer, and I plan to perform more and more in the future and it doesn't look very professional, so that's why I ask if there's something I can do to control the little finger. Or isn't it anything I can do? Did you say that this problem was common, or am I a unusual example?
Thank you for your answers.

And sorry if my grammar isn't correct, I'm from Sweden.

[stevebob]

I hope others will weigh in, as I'm no expert.  I do know that I've read many queries from people whose pinky fingers either stick out or curl under (in both cases involuntarily), though they acknowledge that it doesn't interfere with their playing.

I have no idea how this could be remedied, though I would be seriously concerned that attempting to "correct" it might induce tension into playing that is otherwise relaxed and natural.  You definitely don't want that!

If you haven't done so already, I recommend asking your teacher(s) and your peers about this and what they recommend (if anything).  A doctor or physical therapist familiar with the concerns of athletes and performers might be able to explain the physiology of what's going on, too (and perhaps put your mind at ease about it).

p.s.  Your English is fine.

[thalbergmad]

It hasn't any negative effect on my playing or my technique, but what I didn't know was if it can be a problem in the future, or if I do something wrong to make the little finger live it's own life.

You are more likely to have a problem if you try to rectify a naturally occurring action.

If it does not have a negative effect on your playing, then forget it.

Would you rather your playing looked beautiful but sounded crap??

Thal

[carbe]

Thank you for your answers!
Well, my fingers are relaxed when I play, and of course I don't want to make them not. So I think it's like you both says, that I just shall forget it. But I don't think it's completely naturally, because it is quite often the little finger live of its own life. But of course the most important thing is how the pianoplayer is playing the piano, not how it looks.

I already have asked my teacher but he doesn't know, and he also thinks that isn't something I need to care about.

But now I have asked many people and I've found out that the best is to ignore the little finger, to continue having a relaxed piano playing.

Thank you very much for your answers!

/David

[birba]

Can't you post a video?  I'm really curious to see a pinky driving around wildly and out of control!  I mean I've seen pinkies stick up in the air, and pinkies curled under (preferable),  but wild and out of control?!  I think that's neat! 

[thalbergmad]

But of course the most important thing is how the pianoplayer is playing the piano, not how it looks.

Indeed, and if this pinkie of yours does not cause technical problems then it is not a problem at all. Mine too lives a reasonable independant life, but has not stopped me from playing anything.

Playing the piano requires a relaxed and natural mechanism and anything that simply must be changed, needs to be done so under EXPERT supervision. In this respect, pianists are the same as fast bowlers, javelin throwers and golfers and any other athlete.

Thal

[carbe]

Can't you post a video?  I'm really curious to see a pinky driving around wildly and out of control!  I mean I've seen pinkies stick up in the air, and pinkies curled under (preferable),  but wild and out of control?!  I think that's neat!  

Haha, well it looks pretty fun when I think about it and when I play pieces where the little finger often is out of control. But I would say that it sticks up in the air mostly, but it also flying around a little. But I'm not sure I want to post a video just because of my little finger, but I think you will see it when I post new videos in the audition room soon.

Indeed, and if this pinkie of yours does not cause technical problems then it is not a problem at all. Mine too lives a reasonable independant life, but has not stopped me from playing anything.

Playing the piano requires a relaxed and natural mechanism and anything that simply must be changed, needs to be done so under EXPERT supervision. In this respect, pianists are the same as fast bowlers, javelin throwers and golfers and any other athlete.

Thal

I have actually noticed a little bit that it has become more difficult to play certain parts of a piece after trying to change the little finger. So I definitely understand what you mean. I will not try to change it more in the future, because I really want to continue having relaxed fingers. Thank you!