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Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

Poll

What fingering do you use to play LH octave Major/minor chords?

5 3 2 1: 0 (0%)
5 4 2 1: 5 (100%)

Total Members Voted: 5

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Topic: Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords (Read 4832 times)

perfect_pitch

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Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

on: January 18, 2013, 02:11:23 PM

Greetings all...

I think this is the first time I've ever posted a poll, but there's something I've been dying to know that's got me a little concerned. In the last two weeks, I've been doing some serious practice and discovered that when I play octave Major or minor chords (e.g. C E G C'/Eb G Bb Eb' or A C E A'), the way I unintentionally played them in the left hand was with fingers 5 3 2 1.

Recently I've been trying to begin using 5 4 2 1, because it allows better spacing of the fingers and if seems more logical now. I wanted to know what your preference is for all major and minor chords in every single key (which one do you use the most). I only ask because before University I was mostly taught by amateur teachers who let me get away with the most appalling technique. It's only because of my current teacher that I'm really starting to train my hands to play properly.

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ronde_des_sylphes

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Re: Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

Reply #1 on: January 18, 2013, 02:23:56 PM

Might seem like a stupid comment, but whilst I would use 5321 more were I playing the chord in isolation, it probably depends where the previous chord was, or where you're going to. I think 5421 is probably better if you're seeking to bring out a melodic line in the thumb. Also I suspect the answer will vary according to hand size.

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perfect_pitch

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Sr. Member
Posts: 8540

Re: Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

Reply #2 on: January 18, 2013, 03:15:25 PM

Quote from: ronde_des_sylphes on January 18, 2013, 02:23:56 PM

Might seem like a stupid comment, but whilst I would use 5321 more were I playing the chord in isolation, it probably depends where the previous chord was

I can just half reach a tenth. For a guy, that's rather bloody small. I doubt I will EVER reach an 11th in either hand as long as I live... and yes, I meant in isolation. The piece that prompted me to question this, was the Bartok Roumanian Dance No. 1, Op 8. There are plenty of Major octave chords, and minor octave chords.

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Bob

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Re: Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

Reply #3 on: January 30, 2013, 01:10:30 AM

54. My hand is fine with it. Long ago my piano teacher told me to use that. It feels right now.

54 for root.
54 for inversion, with octave.
53 for second inversion, with octave.

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perfect_pitch

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Posts: 8540

Re: Fingering for Octave Major and minor chords

Reply #4 on: January 30, 2013, 05:12:40 AM

Quote from: Bob on January 30, 2013, 01:10:30 AM

54. My hand is fine with it. Long ago my piano teacher told me to use that. It feels right now.

54 for root.
54 for inversion, with octave.
53 for second inversion, with octave.

Cool... That's what I'm trying to use now. I used to use 53 for root position chords, but frankly 54 seems to have less tension I think.

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