2 adjacent white keys and 1 finger

[stormx]

Hi !!

let suppose you have to simultaneously play (among other notes), TWO WHITE ADJACENT KEYS. Is it a fairly common practice to use a SINGLE FINGER, or just a last resource rarely needed?

[Torp]

You see this all the time in jazz.

I don't think it really matters (in classical) as long as you're getting the sound and expression that you want for those notes.  In my opinion the "right" technique is the technique that allows you to get the sound you want with the least stress on yourself.

Jef

[xvimbi]

In my opinion the "right" technique is the technique that allows you to get the sound you want with the least stress on yourself.

Good attitude! If you need to use your nose, so be it!

Concerning the "two notes with one finger" issue. This sometimes arises when playing large chords and applies to the thumb (any exceptions?). Other than that, one should probably no do it when all you have to play is a chord made up of, say, C and D, because this way, the chord cannot be voiced (accurately).

The reverse is also true: one can play one key with more than one finger! I like to do this a lot with black keys, particularly using fingers 4 and 5 or sometimes even 3, 4, and 5 or even 2, 3, 4, and 5. The fingers are practically flat when I do this, and the hand is of course slanted. It gives me more accuracy, control and is often more relaxed than playing with just one finger.

[anda]

i can remember only one passage requiring the use of each finger on 2 white keys: prokofiev 3rd, 3rd part, in the coda.

[Torp]

Good attitude! If you need to use your nose, so be it!

Funny you should say that.  One of my favorite progressive rock bands was Dream Theater.  Their current keyboard player is Jordan Rudess (a Julliard trained musician).  In one of the videos I saw of them recording an album he pulls of some fairly cool arpeggiated riff up the keyboard and then plays the final low note on the bottom of the keyboard with his nose.  Quite humorous now when I listen to the cd and I picture him playing with his nose.

Anyway, sorry Stormx for the minor sidetrack of the thread.

jef

[maxy]

Hi !!

let suppose you have to simultaneously play (among other notes), TWO WHITE ADJACENT KEYS. Is it a fairly common practice to use a SINGLE FINGER, or just a last resource rarely needed?

yes it is common practice.  In some cases it is even required to play one white and one black key with one finger (thumb).