Is using the third finger in octaves a good idea?

[ranjit]

I've seen lots of pretty skilled pianists on Youtube with sufficiently large hands play octaves with fingering such as 1-3, 1-34, or 1-345, especially while playing bass octaves. Is this a good idea? I can reach a tenth.

[visitor]

if it allows for easier execution of said musical idea and makes playing w expression easier and doesn't risk injury based on size of hand, etc., then why not. there's not true definite right vs wrong at some level the musician figures out how they need to execute vs some fingering convention, if playing the 'right way' means it sounds junkier, why do that? it's moving int he wrong direction

[clouseau]

It is common practice in legato octaves to use 3rd on the top if hand-span allows it.  But its also interesting to note, that Taubman teachers advise against it, claiming that octaves should be played with 1-5.

[timothy42b]

It is a great idea! because it is a great idea to have hands big enough to do that.

Some of us are not that fortunate. 

[rosejaune177]

It is a great idea! because it is a great idea to have hands big enough to do that.

Some of us are not that fortunate. 

*small-handed pianists who can just reach an octave and can't fit many notes in-between begin to nod sadly in agreement*

[justpianoplayer]

I've seen lots of pretty skilled pianists on Youtube with sufficiently large hands play octaves with fingering such as 1-3, 1-34, or 1-345, especially while playing bass octaves. Is this a good idea? I can reach a tenth.

I always use 1-3 in Ballade 1 mid section.it makes octave legato easier.

[chopinlover01]

Fingering, with very rare exception, is ONLY for the purpose of executing a musical idea more easily.

Do what feels comfortable and make sure you don't injure yourself.

/thread

[perfect_pitch]

I always use 1-3 in Ballade 1 mid section.it makes octave legato easier.

Maybe, and I do the same - but it's an absolute b@st@rd to do...

[mjames]

*small-handed pianists who can just reach an octave and can't fit many notes in-between begin to nod sadly in agreement*

My hands are pretty small for a guy's and I can still do it. Damn Timothy, you've got Hobbit hands or something?

[fftransform]

Same, can't legitimately play a 10th but can do 1-3 octave on the black keys without too much fuss.

In my sheets, the nasty RH ostinato in Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest has a fingering of 1-5-1-5-1-etc but 1-3-1-4-1-3-1-etc is what I am using, seems basically necessary in that piece.  My hands are a bit too small to play, say, chromatic octaves with the 3, though.