Crossing Over & Under Exercises: 3rd Finger

[@margaretlooney2174]

Very informative and helpful. U never cease to amaze me with how much information you put up for free. I hope many Harpers that enjoy your free tutorial s will consider becoming a patron...NO ONE DESERVES IT MORE..👏💛

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aw you’re so sweet Margaret. I’m really glad you’re a part of our Patreon community ❤️

[@elizabethdekalb]

I agree with you, Margaret. Joining Patreon for Christy-Lyn is a nominal cost for such high quality instruction and hearing wonderfully performed harp music. Inspirational! She makes playing the harp seem possible to me!

[@sleepbootbianca]

I totally agree!! Thanks!!!

[@smworswick]

Great information!! Thanks so much!!!!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure, Suzanne! 💕

[@felicitasmeyer2015]

This Video was very helpful. You are a very good teacher. I can Follower you very easily thanks a lot

[@LearningtheHarp]

I’m so glad it was easy to follow. Thanks Felicitas!

[@nancypastorok3219]

Just what I needed right now!

[@helenwright3711]

❤️ So this explains why, no matter how much I practiced, I couldn’t get my crossovers smooth- I wasn’t keeping that web space open and my second finger had that sneaky curl. Busted! Thank you Christy-Lyn for these exercises and the clear technique!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! Good timing 😁

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh that’s so great Helen, what a breakthrough! It’s such a relief when you find the sneaky problem that’s been causing problems... now you know what to work on! 🙌🏻😃

[@helenwright3711]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! 💕💕

[@pennymillspaugh4082]

You do such a great job teaching! I always learn soooo much from you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Penny! 😃 I’m really glad you’re finding it helpful. These exercises work so well.

[@helenwright3711]

Me too! Thanks Christy-Lyn!

[@Maris-W]

Wonderful detailed instructions. Especially for how to smoothly move the hand when crossing on the way down.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh yes that’s a sneaky trick I discovered I was doing... it really helps!!

[@helenwright3711]

I agree, that column-ward advance is pure genius!!

[@micheleedmondson4298]

I get really focused on learning individual songs via your video lessons and tend to neglect working on practicing proper technique. Thanks for these lessons. It really reminds me to do the work and not just the fun. You're the best!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aw thanks Michele! ❤️ I sneak in a lot of technique in the video lessons in between the fun, so maybe you don’t always realize that you’re having your vegetables mixed into the pudding 😜

[@micheleedmondson4298]

@@LearningtheHarp Now I can have my cake and eat it too!

[@laurychristie5016]

This is so helpful. Thank you Christy.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for the comment, Laury!

[@deedeedray5954]

Although my harp teacher mentioned this, and to pay attention when I was practising scales, we did not talk about specific exercises. This is so helpful, and I need it a lot.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh yay, I’m glad to help! 😃🙌🏻

[@nancypastorok3219]

My teacher did not stress exercises or scales. So helpful for me as well.

[@kathilisi3019]

My main instrument is the violin, and my violin teacher put quite a lot of emphasis on technique, so I'm quite used to playing scales and exercises like these - on the violin. My beginner's harp course book does have some scales and exercises in it, but the explanations are nowhere near as detailed as Christy-Lyn's instructions. I find it very comfortable to practice technique while someone is guiding me through the exercises. Thanks again :)

[@carolsnyder2005]

I'm thrilled to have some specific exercises to work on these skills! This is so helpful!

[@SoundscapingSource]

I really, really appreciate these exercises. Thank you!

[@p.h3813]

Me, too. Always so useful :)

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s so good to know! Thanks for the comment ❤️

[@bobbykritzer3335]

So helpful! For someone who has never hd an in-person harp lesson, this is perfect for correcting all those tiny errors in technique that add up over time. Thank you!

[@p.h3813]

Very inspiring Bobby

[@LearningtheHarp]

Wonderful! Keep up the great work, Christy. And thanks for the comments 💕

[@lovetoplayharp]

I agree, Bobby. I even had lessons from a great teacher, and it is still easy to get into bad habits, because you don't practice with your teacher right there to catch you. ;) A video is so great, @Christy-Lyn

[@gspijk7657]

MAke sure you do this one and check out also the great GROSSI book with tons of helpfull hints

[@p.h3813]

Great tip!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Gerard! ❤️

[@abigailsotelo]

just got my first harp yesterday! I was actually practicing with one of your videos as you uploaded right now. thank you so much for everything you do.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh that’s amazing!! Haha, good timing 😁

[@nancypastorok3219]

Congratulations, Abigail!

[@gspijk7657]

I hope u will enjoy playing it, do simple tunes u like, progrees comes in time You even learn while u sleep as muscle memory needs sleep.

[@p.h3813]

Congratulations

[@reneehalm7439]

Welcome to the harping world, Abigail! You will find that it becomes quite addictive! Christy-lyn has a whole new beginners' series you might want to check out!

[@helenwright3711]

These crossing videos are gold!! I’ve been wondering about this for a while and now I see the mistakes I’ve been making- but most golden of all here are clear instructions on how to cross smoothly and efficiently through the whole process. THANK YOU!!

[@bobbykritzer3335]

Yes!

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s so great! Let me know how it goes after you’ve worked on these for a while. I’d love to hear if you have any further questions, Helen 💕

[@helenwright3711]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! Thanks Christy-Lyn! ❤️❤️❤️

[@litamurphy4422]

Wow, at first I was really lost but you very patiently explained and showed it over & over which helped the light clicked on in my brain and I was able to understand how to do it. Now, I need to practice the exercises over & over. thanks, Christy-Lyn.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! These ones feel a bit strange and difficult at first but once you get it, it feels really good! 😃

[@reneehalm7439]

Really helpful video, Christy-lyn! With practice the crossing over and under makes playing so much more fun!

[@LearningtheHarp]

True! 😃

[@barbaragittings5523]

Great video Christy-Lyn, my teacher has me doing this with scales which I was struggling to keep doing smoothly this video has really helped thank you so much 👏x

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh that’s great! It can really help to know what to focus on, and to find an exercise that helps you practice effectively 👌🏻

[@sumi6202]

As always, I love how Christy-Lyn so thoroughly explains what she is doing and she lets us hear what it's supposed to sound like.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for the comment, Su! 💕

[@user-yf1wl9dm4x]

Christie Lyn, blind Goran here. In this exercise you mention the fingerings, just what I needed. so much helpful for me. Thanks again for excellent teaching All the best Goran

[@suetalley5574]

These are indeed some of the most valuable material you have offered, Christy-Lyn. How very rare it is to find step-by-step directions such as you have to offer. Thank you so much for such wonderful advice!!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure, Sue! I hope you find it easy to follow and apply 😊❤️

[@rosiewatson6570]

Thank you Christy-Lyn for sharing these exercises with us. I am one who is struggling and I now have more hope that with improved technique I will improve. I love your positivity, it really helps me stay motivated.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aw you’re so sweet, thanks for your heartfelt message. There is definitely hope! Try doing one or two of these exercises every day for a week and let me know how it feels 😃

[@kathilisi3019]

I'm still quite new to the harp and none of the pieces I'm practising right now call for crossing over our under, but with your detailed explanations I was able to eventually do it quite smoothly! Thanks especially for pointing out the "web space" between fingers and thumb, this has been so helpful to find the right position. Also, my right thumb might be strong enough to coax a sound from the strings even with bad technique, but my left thumb certainly isn't. If I forget about the web space, I can forget about the sound. ;)

[@LearningtheHarp]

You’re going to be so ready for those pieces with crossing over and under when they come! 😃🙌🏻

[@lynda2250]

Love having these specific exercises....THANKS for always reminding us about techniques!!!

[@LearningtheHarp]

I’m so glad I can help! Thanks Lynda for the comment ❤️

[@carolsnyder2005]

As someone who was learning to play the harp myself, without a teacher, for so many years, the tunes just weren't "flowing" properly. Thank you, Christy-Lyn, for providing the basics -- the building blocks for success! I'm so grateful to have specific exercises and instruction so I can start back at the beginning and correct all the little things that have impeded my progress! Thank you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s wonderful, Carol. It’s never too late to fix the things that are holding you back ❤️

[@harpnhound]

The Grossi book is fantastic. Nice to hear that is now offered in English, as well.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes!! When I first started recommending it, I couldn’t find an English version but it’s wonderful that they are easily available now!

[@harpnhound]

Ordered the English version today! :)

[@sleepbootbianca]

As always: clear and excellent instruction!!! Thanks again for your ongoing effort to teach us to play the harp with fun and pleasure!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure, Chantal! Thanks for the comment 😃❤️

[@Omnipeach45]

Thank you so much for all you teach!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure! I really hope it helps 😃

[@ingridgabriel7721]

Excellent...so helpful, Christy-Lyn! You are a miracle.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Awww that’s so sweet, Ingrid! I’m just passing on the miracle that I’ve been given 🤗

[@maureenwelsh7322]

Very helpful Christy-Lyn! Thank you so much.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Maureen!

[@RamblingsfromCanada]

Very helpful, thank you so much!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure! Thanks for the comment 😊

[@annettekelly1592]

This is sooooooo excellent and VERY clear! Every detail and naming the notes. As I watched I thought a blind person (think O’Carolan) could learn to play with your instructions. Thank you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s always the goal for me! In fact there are a few blind harpists who use my video lessons regularly 😃

[@annettekelly1592]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! I actually wondered! Ya Yayay. What a blessing you are to sooooooo many! Thank you.

[@eleanorhadden4645]

I have had a few early lessons with an instructor via Zoom and I have her instruction book so I've spent time on these exercises. Now I'm working on learning my first melody and placing both hands together. I appreciate your detailed instruction and the video. Thank you so much. My goal is to learn a couple of melodies to reinforce the techniques I've learned to date.

[@martharobards9134]

Great Tutorial! I love your very detailed and patient demonstrations regarding fingering. These exercises will be a great help!

[@suetalley5574]

May I add that moving your thumb gradually under is also the secret to playing smooth piano scales. If you don't move smoothly and "in advance," the scales are absolutely NOT smooth. Oh for 26 hours a day to practice everything!!!

[@kaquinn8971]

Thanks for the tip from someone who is also a novice at piano.

[@phillenorehoward2849]

So much helpful information! Thank you

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for your kind words, Phillenore! 💕

[@ruthpoirier7389]

So very thankful for your help. I have purchased my own Gorssi Method for harp book and am looking forward to doing these exercises. Thank you again for your great explications. it really helps.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Wonderful! Perhaps I will do more videos on the exercises in this book. It really works! ❤️

[@ruthpoirier7389]

I would really like that you did more on this book. I need all the help I can get

[@ruthpoirier7389]

Opps sorry for the misspell on “Grossi”

[@Livefunful]

Great refresher!

[@celticjanet]

Very helpful.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Janet! ❤️

[@gwenwestern970]

Great to have some English explanations to go along with my Italian Grossi. Thanks!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe yes my version is Italian so I know how it feels to look at those mysterious words and wonder what they mean 😆

[@kurthotelling6606]

Delightful! I was struggling with this until your lesson here. Thank you, Christy-Lyn!

[@p.h3813]

Always great to be reminded of this :) Great video, as always :)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks! 😃

[@lorikirkwood5414]

Thank you Christy-Lin! I haven't seen this explained before. I turned the speed down to 75% so I could follow you better.

[@SusanCarolHarpSinger]

Thank you for another excellent tutorial with great "conditioning" exercises for these cross-overs & -unders! You're a wonderful teacher, Christy-Lyn!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Susan! 😃💕

[@jacomiententeije5417]

So helpful, thanks Christy-Lyn 🎶😀🎶

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s so good to hear. I hope your wrist has been healing nicely? ❤️

[@jacomiententeije5417]

@@LearningtheHarp I tried playing yesterday, but it gave too much pain afterwards. So rest and patience is the message still. Hopefully the plaster can get off on the 14th september. In the meantime I am going to like and comment on all your KZbin video's 😂🎶

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for all your comments, you’re the sweetest thing!!! I hope you wrist gets some extra quick and proper healing in payment for your kindness. Thank-you so much!

[@elizabethdekalb]

Very, very helpful. I really appreciate the time and attention that you give to specific techniques. I can see how being careful with this technique will even out my playing and help create a good tone. I am a beginner with the harp.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes indeed! And it will also help with speed and agility later 😃

[@inthedaysstillleft1257]

Thank you! As always, this is a great help to me!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Wonderful! 💕

[@adagiosixquartet596]

Extremely helpful video!well done!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! Thanks for the comment, Adagio! 😃

[@adagiosixquartet596]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! Thank YOU Christy-Lyn (it’s Alessandra from Italy).

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aww hi Alessandra! 😃👋🏻

[@adagiosixquartet596]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! 😘

[@lizbrown9036]

Thank you Christy-Lyn. So many things to learn- so glad you are willing to teach:)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! Im glad you’re willing to learn... good teamwork! 😃🙌🏻

[@petergoh6528]

Thank you Christy for that clear teaching. I always look forward to your teaching video. Keep up the good work with your labour of love. i have learned a lot from your good teaching. Keep it up. Every time I watch your video, i learn something new. Learning to cross over and under with the 3rd finger is new to me.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for the encouragement Peter. All the best with the crossing over and under! It’s a fun challenge to get it right with good technique 😃

[@jeanninevermette933]

Really helpful! Thanks!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Pleasure! 😃

[@jondoes8222]

These exercises are great. I was self taught and for a long time I could i had trouble getting to where i needed to go on the strings. As I played a lot, it all came into place. If I had the exercises then, I would have been more advanced by now. I stuck with it and learned a great deal.

[@cruisindjs]

Thanks for free leason

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure! Hope it helps! 🤗

[@coleenbrogan9473]

Amazing how clear your instructions are. I just received my Grossi book. Thank you for using a book that we can reference with your excellent lessons.

[@LearningtheHarp]

I’m glad you found it helpful, Coleen!

[@rebecca5914]

Excellent tutorial, Christy-Lyn! These are really helpful. You explain everything so well. Keep them coming, please! ❤️🎶😊

[@denisedietz4310]

Thank you! Great instructions!

[@annettebailey3680]

Thanks Christy-Lyn, very helpful video.

[@kcf4557]

Many thanks for this very helpful explanation!

[@popoli555]

thank you for breaking down the technique. very helpful

[@LearningtheHarp]

No problem! So glad it helps! 😃

[@qltygrl3187]

Great video! I purchased the book. Now just waiting on delivery later this month! I love your videos!

[@kpunkt.klaviermusik]

I wondered what could be the difference between crossing 1-2 vs crossing 1-3. Very good detailed explanation, it will help me a lot! Keeping the 2nd finger down instead of pushing it up/back is my next goal :-)

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s a great goal!

[@sharonbrownell3784]

Great lesson. Love this❤

[@rosiearnold1047]

This is SO helpful, thank you so much Christy-Lyn!! 😻😻

[@LearningtheHarp]

Such a pleasure, Rosie!

[@nancyherington9407]

Great information. Thank you.

[@daniellebernard4770]

Thank you very helpful !

[@williamheyworth5329]

Very helpful!

[@plumplumi]

you are such a life saver in learning how to do those techniques perfectly and correcting mistakes. I was wondering if you had any stretching recommendation to warm up and relax hands and fingers before/after playing ?

[@marlaspellenberg5132]

This is a wonderful video! I was trying to learn crossing on my own (my music school closed due to Covid-19). I've been re-writing (taking piano fingering, etc) out of a score, and in the middle of the score (part 2) is a "run" of 7 notes. I've been frustrated at not getting this series of notes smooth at the cross-over and not making the first note after the X sound the same as the previous 4. I'll be running this video a couple more times, to get the concept solid in my brain! Thank You!

[@kaquinn8971]

Wow, it's really exciting to try some advanced techniques. I felt like a real harpist. Switching directions in the last exercise is still a little tricky, but I'll stick with it. Do you think you'll create some practice pieces with crossing?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! It’s a wonderful feeling when you feel like a “real” harpist 😁 That’s a good idea, I should create some beginner pieces with cross-overs. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Luna73565]

Very useful ! Thank you ♥

[@LearningtheHarp]

Pleasure!

[@Riverfaile1]

What a great video, it was a great help. Does anyone know which harp she plays? I love the tone, it’s so pretty.

[@LearningtheHarp]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! My harp is an Ogden by Lyon and Healy 😊

[@janedoe4988]

You mean there is more???? Oh oh. 😉 Still getting the fingers untied on scales but more fluid in my movements when I avoid a snafu. Getting there. Thanks Christy Lyn.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe yes there’s more! But once you’ve got the concept it starts to become easier to apply 😃 Keep at it, Jane! You’ll get it, I’m sure 💕

[@wuzzomusic]

Thank you for all your help. I'm really enjoying this process. I'm struggling to make the top transition fga - agf smooth as I mute the G when I prep for the 3rd descending bracket. I watched your video like 30 times where you do the switch and I don't get how you don't mute the strings.

[@michaelrains3675]

Where is the sheet music for crossing over

[@LearningtheHarp]

You can find a link to the Grossi book in the description below the video, just click “see more”. Or you can just use this video and learn the exercises by heart 😊

[@bribohnstedt5058]

Thank you for this lesson! I find myself learning quickly and able to pick up the skills well but I don't know why but it is very hard for my 4th and 5th fingers to stay with my 3rd finger, especially on the left hand! I'm thinking about taping them together.. would that be a bad idea?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Give it a try, some people have found it helpful!

[@donnamckinnon4927]

I find it almost impossible moving with left had through exercises higher than the middle range on a small 28 string harp. I end up with my elbow sticking out to try and keep the scale going. It would be good to see how you move through the higher octaves re the left hand. The right hand doesn't have the same restrictions.( I'm using a small plastic milk crate to get the low stool height,) ' What else can I do?

[@JavierMontesParedes]

Thank you for such a great lesson!! See you around in Patreon ;-)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh yay!!😃

[@learningthelyreharp]

Thank you. Love this lesson.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Sharon! 😃💕