Trills using thumb and middle finger

[mozart404]

I've gotten decent at trills using fingers 2 and 3 (RH), but with my thumb and middle or index it feels very strange.

I don't have a teacher currently so I can't really get feedback on my technique. Anyway, should the motion come mainly from mainly depressing the fingers into the keys or with a combination of rotating the wrist slightly? Neither way really feels comfortable.

Also, I'm keeping my fingers touching the keys at all times. But raising them slightly after each note actually makes it easier to get more power and a little more speed, I assume it's best to keep them touching though for economy of motion?

[1piano4joe]

Hi mozart404,

I rotate the wrist slightly. The pivot point varies with the fingers I use. It may not be correct but it works for me. Personally, I find this almost essential when the thumb is involved as it is anatomical different.

I hope I have been helpful, Joe.

P.S. Welcome to Pianostreet!

[quantum]

Using more wrist will give faster repetition.  Using more fingers gives you more note articulation.  Employ a mix of both to get the musical result you desire. 

When doing a 1-3 trill you can use 4 and 5 as a weight counterbalance for the hand. 

[ted]

Using more wrist will give faster repetition.  Using more fingers gives you more note articulation.  Employ a mix of both to get the musical result you desire.  

I have always found this particular dichotomy a damned nuisance. A trill is just the simplest possible type of rapid note cycle, and for the non-legato rhythmic effects I like in improvisation, pure finger striking wins hands down. The trouble is that it is much harder, especially with double notes or the outside fingers. If I were more of a pianist per se I would have developed both, but as I find smooth legato musically boring and useless for rhythm, I have just gone for the pure finger option with the help of the Virgil Practice Clavier over many years. That's why I am a big dud at Chopin studies I suppose, but I accept the deficiency. As you say, in the end it's all about making the sounds you like.