Ballade no 1 scales

[billybraga]

Hey, im currently learning Chopins Ballade no 1, and im trying to pass through the coda Gm melodic minor scales. How can i achieve the right speed without messing up with the notes? I can play it without mistakes until 120 bpm, but after that my mind keeps blowing up xD. I know that its just a minor scale going up, but for some reason i cant reach the real speed fluidly. Am i using the wrong fingerings or what?

[lelle]

When you want to go really fast you need to be really relaxed. At slower tempos you can get away with more tension, but the faster you go the more even minute tension in the hand will hinder your speed. Focus on relaxing your shoulders, arms, wrists and hands, breathing well and feeling calm and relaxed as you work. It may require some patience to discover and correct any tension that might be present. Ideally find a teacher to help you.

[liszt123]

I know this is probably really controversial but Hanon exercises + chopin etudes helped me relax my fingers when I was facing similar difficulties with the dreaded coda.

[lelle]

I know this is probably really controversial but Hanon exercises + chopin etudes helped me relax my fingers when I was facing similar difficulties with the dreaded coda.

I think the controversy around Hanon is overblown. They are harmful if you practise them with bad technique and can be useful if you practise them with good technique. So it's mostly when people tell you to practise them, lifting your fingers high and hitting the keys and lots of tension and so on that they get problematic. Mindlessly drilling them while your arms burn is not good and I doubt it'll give you good technique.