Finger relaxation help

[silverowl]

New member here. First post.

I started learning a few months ago. I haven't found a teacher yet, but I do plan on it very soon, so it is all just self taught lessons right now. What I've noticed, and hate is my bad hand posture. My left and right 5th fingers curl up when not in use, and I know this is only going to hurt me in the long run. I am looking for some tips to help.

Right now, I'm playing major scales repetitously, and they are helping, so I am looking for additional exercises.

* note, I am noticing the same thing when I type, So I am guessing this is where it started. Please help me exorcise these pinky demons!

[j_menz]

I wouldn't sweat it too much unless it is affecting your playing (now, not your anticipated playing). It will probably correct itself as you use those fingers more in what you play. If not, Horowitz did the same thing and it hardly interefered with his ability to play.

[mozart_to_go]

Slow down - do it right.

[silverowl]

Thanks!

I am well familiar with Harowitz, and I didn't even notice this about him until now. Obviously, I am no where near his skill level, but I have noticed quite a few similarities in my technique to his, especially in the right hand.

Thus far, it is more of a aesthetical nuisance than a hinderance, but I am only playing very simple pieces right now. I found a few threads about this topic while browsing around the forums, and the views are conflicting.

I will say this though. After hours of practice tonight, my fifth finger feels so much weaker  and strained trying to get it to relax than it has since I started just letting it behave naturally.

[outin]

Mine has always been that way, but much less now than in the beginning. Trying to relax it only made my hand tense so I stopped paying attention to it. Intead I focused on properly using my 5th fingers instead on pressing with hand and they have really gained strenght. Now that they are stronger they seem to curl up less.