A solution to heavy thumbs please.

[hotchpotch]

Please can anyone recommend a solution to heavy thumbs!  Endless practice and exercises and I still cannot achieve the lightness I'm seeking - especially in the left hand.

[nyiregyhazi]

Please can anyone recommend a solution to heavy thumbs!  Endless practice and exercises and I still cannot achieve the lightness I'm seeking - especially in the left hand.

The short answer is that you need to move them more deliberately (not less so, as you'd think), but more slowly. Heavy thumbs are caused by falling on a thumb that doesn't separate out from the other fingers to move the key properly. When the thumb is inactive, you'll fall on it with too much energy.

To learn how to actually do that, see here for multiple exercises:

https://pianoscience.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/action-and-reaction-in-practise-part-i.html

[etogmajor]

Let go of the tension in the base joint of your thumbs at all times so you can move them freely and drop them with your desired speed into the keys at any given time. Don't rely just on the turning of your wrists and hands to press your thumb into the keys. Only turn wrists slightly for motion support.

That may or may not be your answer. I'm new at this whole "explaining" thing.

[dumkagal]

Practice incorporating off-beats--that is, purposely assign your thumb notes that would get played extra softly. Play a 4/4 piece in 3/4, breaking measures. Listen for the strong beats--they will eventually disappear from your thumb (when unwanted) if you practice, slowly being best.

[nick]

Please can anyone recommend a solution to heavy thumbs!  Endless practice and exercises and I still cannot achieve the lightness I'm seeking - especially in the left hand.

Lighten up. If you cannot, slow down until you can. Gradually increase speed listening and observing that you don't increase weight too much on it.

Nick