Eliminate Left Hand Tension (Part 1)

How to eliminate fatigue and increase agility and ease.
CelloWisdom:
Playing several hours a day makes your hand strong enough - focus on releasing tension, rather than strengthening the hand.
-Paul Katz
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[@johnny_eth]

Also a hint (from a violinist), don't think about shoving the whole finger against the fingerboard. Just think of putting pressure in the tip as if you were trying to touch the pinky with the thumb. That will naturally force you to arc the finger a bit more and keep the hand more round and relaxed. If you notice, that's also something the teacher is showing.

[@CelloBello]

Thank you for your insight Johnny!

[@zaraak323i]

Yes, I always struggle with tension and you just gave me an "A-ha!" moment. Thank you so much.

[@AlamoCityCello]

This is pure gold.. THANKS PAUL KATZ!!

[@XxTchuxX]

Thank you, Mr. Katz! I'm from Brazil and I'm learning so much with the Cello Bello.

[@thomasduy426]

I have tension because I try to hold the shape of my left hand in order to hit the accurate note. But this shows me that I need to know exactly where to press on the fretboard without depending on the stiffness of my hand.

[@CelloBello]

We are glad our video helped!

[@Pacifictaichi]

thank you

[@TheBereangirl]

Seems like the "claw" hand is what produces the tension. Georg Mertens has a video about getting rid of the "harmful orange" and he explains the ergonomics of what you are communicating here, so I'm gratified that he's not the only one doing so! His and your approach of a relaxed slanting hand has helped me immensely!-- no more aching left hand!

[@tzahim441]

Man this is gold!! Thank you!!!

[@nadjelesa1293]

A sabedoria de um veterano. 💛

[@lazycat724]

wow they play so beautifully

[@alondradiaz9577]

Fantastic

[@julietaazabache7290]

Thank you so much for this!

[@avdotyaraskolnikov4876]

your videos are pure gold

[@CelloBello]

Thank you Avdotya!

[@gyaradosparty2565]

Wow this is so helpful to watch! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@CelloBello]

Glad it was helpful Gemini Femmebot!

[@CholaConCello]

I love you!

[@romanasimbera1325]

Thank you very much for sharing this halpful video 🙏

[@CelloBello]

Glad it was helpful Romana!

[@barriereid9244]

J'arrive!

[@suepratt1046]

Great video. Can you tell me what stool the tutor is seated on?

[@esauponce9759]

That last piece of advice was awesome! (I’m a pianist)

[@CelloBello]

Thank you for watching Esaú Ponce, we are glad you enjoyed it!

[@NilfNilf1972]

A lot of great advice here - but I could not agree more with the last statement: Do practice hand strength! Use a rubber ball or a finger trainer. If your hands are STRONGER than they need to be, you’ll be able to play faster, more precise, more in tune, with better sound. To me this has been a breakthrough. I was taught “fingers need to be nimble and soft, not strong” - and I disagree. Your hands need to be so strong that they can play with precision, speed and verve while staying relaxed.

[@jencl3863]

This was SO helpful!! May I ask what this exercise is called, or what book I could find it in?

[@william2everse3loew7]

Klengel exercises

[@irbomusic]

This whole time I thought it was just about practicing and building muscle lol, I had no idea I was playing wrong

[@deniseeleuterio5990]

Valeime

[@potatoaru12]

shes pretty

[@MsBossio]

Que estudio es ? El q esta tocando.

[@gorindio]

Cossman? no estoy muy seguro

[@profpf]

What is the name of the student?

[@hosheahimawan3779]

Please tell me who is that girl

[@gabrielroberts1720]

Why

[@hosheahimawan3779]

She is beautiful

[@hosheahimawan3779]

And a great cellist also

[@azorailke6057]

What the hell....

[@hubertscharding4003]

Cossmann kills left Hand, Warnung up is necessary.

[@snootzie78]

I hate Cossman.

[@EcoleFleurdelis]

N'importe quoi !! Tout ce qu'il ne faut pas faire !!!!!!!!!

[@Violedegambe]

Sebastien Giacomi? Pourquoi?

[@amycollins2429]

Cossman sucks!!!! There are much better warm ups than this.