Piano Forum

Topic: Stiff fingers  (Read 1735 times)

Offline seymourtom

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 6
Stiff fingers
on: September 03, 2013, 04:07:30 PM
I am by nature a very tense person and this comes across when I play as my teacher comments I have stiff fingers.  I have tried various relaxation techniques but have not been able to make much progress.  Any ideas about specific exercises?

Offline awesom_o

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 2630
Re: Stiff fingers
Reply #1 on: September 03, 2013, 04:30:03 PM
Have you considered that perhaps it is not your fingers but your understanding of how to use them that is stiff?

I think it's important to mention that we play the piano mainly with our mind, and hands (which are connected via the arms).  The fingers have an important role to play, but I'm very curious as to what your teacher means precisely.

Could you post a video of yourself playing something?

Offline gregh

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 190
Re: Stiff fingers
Reply #2 on: September 03, 2013, 07:13:16 PM
It's easy to stiffen up when you feel awkward, like if you're desperately trying to figure out which note to hit next while you're playing. How are you at playing something old, easy, and comfortable?

Offline drazh

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 279
Re: Stiff fingers
Reply #3 on: September 05, 2013, 01:00:58 PM
play easy pieces and very slowly

Offline nyiregyhazi

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 4267
Re: Stiff fingers
Reply #4 on: September 05, 2013, 02:12:06 PM
I am by nature a very tense person and this comes across when I play as my teacher comments I have stiff fingers.  I have tried various relaxation techniques but have not been able to make much progress.  Any ideas about specific exercises?

You're probably overrelaxing useful actions as much as stiffening.

https://pianoscience.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/achieving-effortless-balance-within.html

Offline hardy_practice

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1587
Re: Stiff fingers
Reply #5 on: September 05, 2013, 04:20:44 PM
Yeah, definitely overrelaxing (is that even a word!?).  What you need is a long, long read.
B Mus, PGCE, DipABRSM
For more information about this topic, click search below!

Piano Street Magazine:
“Piano Dreams” - Exploring the Chinese Piano Explosion

The motivations for learning the piano are diverse, ranging from personal enjoyment to cultural appreciation and professional aspirations. While some see it as a way to connect with cultural heritage, others pursue it as a path to fame and fortune. In the movie “Piano Dreams” director Gary Lennon documents the struggles and sacrifices of three wannabe piano stars in modern China. Read more
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert