How much pressure to use on the violin with your left hand?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Ask your questions and get the full-text transcription of this video at: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/exp/pressure/ Automatic, accurate, and fast transcriptions by AI-based dadascribe.com: www.dadascribe.com/

[@shafwananis3991]

He did not just teach us, he make us to think in different perspective. Thank you sir

[@virtualsheetmusic]

My pleasure

[@Waqulah]

I so love a teacher who tells stories. I miss this sort of teaching. And what a wonderful teacher!

[@joselevicanasenjo2171]

Thakas very much for your lesson. I had this bad habit of applying so much force with the left hand and i didn't like the tone I produce. Today I was experimenting diference ways to improve my tone and I discover that if I don't press all the way to the fingerboard the tone is much sweeter, and my vibrato gest better! So I decided to see if someone has to say anything about that and I came across your video!

[@pgibbs]

This guy is a great teacher. Just discovered him and have been binge-watching his videos for the last hour.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you liked Prof. Fitzpatrick! Be sure to checkout his dedicated page with more videos on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@maryaahmad5494]

i loved the way the concept is explained in order to apply pressure by fingers on strings....Great Job!

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@elektrathebombardier509]

That was an incredible insight. I love your teaching style a lot . Thanks so much for sharing.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Elektra The Bombardier So Glad you enjoy! You can direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@gaborkorthy8355]

I started to study the violin at age 55. After many years i just discoverd that i dont need to mash the string to the finger board 😅😅😅. I now just gently touch it just hard enough so i can still feel the string virbrate on my finger tip. My vibrato, tone and intonation has greatly improved. Seems the intonation if you are close will now be more "forgiving" and sound good.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I’ve never heard anyone say this. You can bet I’ll try it!

[@nancyduncan8285]

What an eye opener! As a beginner, this is the question I've had for weeks (no teacher).

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad this video helped!

[@Scottysaan]

Great job, you answered my question exactly how I needed. I play guitar and thought the transition to a Violin might be simple. To my surprise and pleasure it is not and so I am happily teaching myself a new instrument. I'll be watching more of your videos.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Scott Marshall Hi Scott - You can direct your questions or comments to our expert here www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/pressure/ Best of luck!

[@csmihaly]

I noticed this accidentally, and to my greatest awe, as I accidentally completely missed E string and my finger landed beside it on the keyboard, but obviously from laterally, as my finger relatively wide, it pushed on the E string from the side, while my bow still playing, quickly corrected, but stopped, because the sound came out unfettered, as if I would pushed down on the string the "correct" way. Just a thought. So he is right, you don't need to press hard, and definitely keep light but still effective to be able to move on. Nathan Cole talks about it also in his "how to find your MPV"

[@violinconnections6502]

Hi and Thanks! I would like to invite you to have a look at my new "Violin Connections" videos subtitled in English, Spanish and French at violinconnections.selz.com … Stay tuned!

[@jerrydavis1475]

That was an eye opener Prof. William ! Thanks you so much .

[@alexcarter8807]

This video is a revelation!! I probably could have taken lessons for YEARS w/o learning this. And it all makes sense, look at players of the "Erhu" a wonderful Chinese instrument, the neck is far away from the fingers and it works great.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Great to know that! Be sure to check out all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@uhoh007]

With this and a number of other videos you have released my left hand to a great degree from a prison of tension on violin and guitar. I'm going to try bouncing on my piano, where the "Russian School" and Dorothy Taubman have guided my thinking about movement. You are the Barry Harris of violin for me. Outstanding teaching, simple yet deep. I would love to hear more about your earliest days with music.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Please, post your questions to Prof Fitzpatrick on VSM, otherwise you won't get an answer here on KZbin: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@g0nz0313]

Thank you! Your lesson has just totally changed my approach to the left hand. Didn’t really think it would work without pressing to the fingerboard. Tried it and yup, it does… tone is somehow better too, I suppose I’m not adding tension to the string but still effectively shortening the vibrating length.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad it helped!

[@49riddickful]

I love your tutorials and talks. Also you look like THE cutest panda man I've ever seen

[@virtualsheetmusic]

+riddick49 Thank you for your input on this video - Please direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Also, please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@christhomas4739]

White people🙄

[@dragomirbalota750]

and you're the cutest ram

[@pianodudeler]

I found this very useful, I had noticed that the violin some times 'corrects' the intonation if the position is near a resonance point and the pressure is right.

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

I noticed that too - I do the same "ping" thing (I thought I was the only one who knew about it after I discovered it for myself while doing the Schradieck exercises - the intonation just becomes automatic and very beautiful and seemingly self-correcting!).

[@simonwilson1686]

@@shawnchristopherwhite3271 Bingo! - Yes I agree - doing it last night and using Intonia software my pitches were all exact, and it is much easier to get better tone out of the instrument. The problem I have now is this diconnect between left hand very light, and bow weight - as Natham Cole points out in his MPV video. To start with I am bowing nearer the fingerboard with light bow weight - just enough left hand pressure to get past the harmonics, and the intonation is SO much better !

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

@@simonwilson1686 Right on! Just enough to get past the harmonics! I do that too!

[@amandas5553]

thank you so much for this excellent way of explaining pressure. I have had so much tension in my left hand from trying to press down so hard. since watching your video my playing is so much more relaxed. my music teacher will be very pleased x

[@ValyTraveler]

I began learning on my own - and I could never find out how much pressure to put on the strings - thank you for making this easy and understandable. Now I can go back and re-learn what I forgot. Thank you.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Great to know you liked it! Be sure to check out all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@marianmatei1138]

Very insightful teaching, indeed. I’m a self-taught beginner and all of my sounds were too screechy because I used to press the chords too hard, down to the fingerboard. I knew something must be wrong and you dear sir just confirmed that to me. I am so grateful for your useful advices.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Wonderful!

[@shirvan799]

BIG HELP i was really stuck on fingers and u saved me THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Shirvan1 Gaming Thank you for your input on this video - Glad you enjoy! You can direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@mattsimcox4649]

I notice in irish fiddle they do this on rolls all the time. I was surprised

[@tullochgorum6323]

Good stuff. For more detail, you could check out Simon Fischer's string pressure exercises - you'll find them in Basics, The Violin Lesson and his warmup book. Very helpful. Also Nathan Cole's finger pressure video on KZbin. Something I've carried over from cello - try contacting the string more on the side than the top - approaching from the lower (G string) side. Stops the string with even less pressure.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Great tip, thank you!

[@TrustNoShadows]

This guy is amazing.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

TrustNoShadows So Glad you enjoy! We post new videos all the time! Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted!

[@TModel15]

Thank you for all these videos, they put into perspective the mechanics of how we actually function while playing. Great subjects to stimulate meaningful conversations between violin/fiddle players.your stories draw me into focusing on the subject and leaving me looking forward to the next program.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you like it! Be sure to check out all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@AJAcevedo]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

+AJ Acevedo Thank you for your input on this video - You can also direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@Michael50Saints]

When I was younger, Im 70 now, I attempted to play the violin. My left hands finger tips, turned red and hurt so bad I quit. I love the sound a violin makes, but is it necessary to gouge your fingers to produce a quality sound!

[@keepopenminds]

Perfect explanation father.. thank you so much.

[@ILOVEEW0111]

OMG! Thank you sensei make it so easy to understand, love this video 🥰

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you liked it! Be sure to check out all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@happyhomelesshomesteaders158]

Thanks brother I'll try to work that right in to learning the next me instrument

[@CarlosSantiago-td9eh]

Prof. Fitzpatrick. Thank You so much for your lesson. My Left hand feels so liberated. Too much pressure can turn into squeezing. I always though you had to "Press" the string down, to the 1st floor! In 7:00 minutes I've leveled up my playing! Wish you were here in Philadelphia. I would love a lesson! Will you ever do a video about your experiences with Ms. Delay?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Carlos Santiago Thank you for your input on this video - Glad you enjoy! You can direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@bejaises1]

a revelation, thank you ever so much :)

[@irisponcedeleon2239]

Thank you so much! I can only hope to be half as awesome of a violinist as you :-) Happy holidays to you & your family!!!

[@miguelalt4236]

Thank you for the explanation, it was great!!!

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@serkanbertan984]

thank you so much. this was exactly what i was looking for and it helped immediately.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Great to hear!

[@EudoraPrice]

Great!!! I really enjoy these Videos Great Info! My childhood Dream of learning the Violin coming true!!better later than never Thank you for your wonderful Videos Professor Fitzpatrick🌷🎶

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you like them! Keep it up!

[@fabrceelemba3160]

Thanks sir

[@wisewise7396]

big thanks to you.. you r wright and it changed my view entirely to the better

[@virtualsheetmusic]

+wise wise Thank you for your input on this video - If you have any questions, please direct your them to our expert with the link in the description - Also, please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@edwardward5481]

Many thanks for this video. It has helped a lot!

[@virtualsheetmusic]

+emwardjr Thank you for your input on this video - You can also direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@gregsanford3848]

I enjoy so much from Australia than,k you

[@virtualsheetmusic]

You are most welcome! Be sure to checkout all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/

[@heavenlyvoice4527]

Thanks a lot for the video sir.. it was an answer to my question

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad it helped!

[@theojunming]

How about when you are pushig the sound , playing near bridge . Do u increase the pressure or the pressure remain the same ?

[@natejixinzhang9361]

My god you are fantastic!!

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Thank you for your nice comment! Be sure to check out all other videos by Prof. Fitzpatrick on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/

[@shadowblue746]

Thank You very much Professor, my finger tips have been hurting me so much.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

shadowblue746 So Glad you enjoy! You can direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@hariprakash7873]

Awesome... Thanks for sharing

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Glad you like it, thanks for watching!

[@bchristianful]

This seems so important to intonation. I think I kinda of understand. More pressure on fingers than anywhere and I know not to squeeze the neck but naturally wrongly do. I feel I can never get the fingers far enough around it seems like that may be needed? Almost fingernail? But then I see some people who seem to just play with pad fingers clearly

[@virtualsheetmusic]

bchristianful So Glad you enjoy! You can direct your questions or comments to our expert with the link in the description - Please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@stuntdouble777]

Amazing lesson. However on the e string I get harmonics or squeals sometimes. Am I not pressing enough?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Good question... please, post it on this video's dedicated page on VSM so Prof. Fitzpatrick can answer you: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/pressure/

[@gregsanford3848]

Thank you

[@virtualsheetmusic]

You're welcome!

[@robertyu7341]

professor, I have just started learning the violin. your comment about not pressing all the way down the fingerboard is very interesting. I have heard that when you develop callous on your fingertip, the sweeter is the sound. is that why as a beginner I am not getting good sound and also how does not having callous change how hard I should press down.

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Hi Robert, Thank you for your input on this video - If you have any questions, please direct them to our expert with the link in the description - Also, please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@newstyle81]

Sir ,, all time should i use same pressure ?? In every kinds of song ?

[@shinobi1014]

my problem is that when i gently press the strings, my sound is somewhat muted. to get a cleaner sound i feel i have to press down to the fretboard. it doesnt feel natural at all. the strings feel so hard and dig into my fingertips (according to my tuner, they’re in the right octave). any idea what im doing wrong?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Please, post your questions on VSM, otherwise Prof. Fitzpatrick won't be able to answer you here: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/pressure/

[@shinobi1014]

@@virtualsheetmusic ty but everyone here was commenting “you” and “your” as though speaking to him so i figured he’d see the comments. or did you post without his knowledge? -shrugs- well, i guess ppl here might know what i’m asking and leave a suggestion

[@virtualsheetmusic]

No, absolutely, Prof. Fitzpatrick collaborates with us and he's part of our Music Experts: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/

[@anjinsanx44]

What's name of piece in intro? Thx

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Meditation from Thais: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/Meditation.html

[@randykolodziej.4891]

Thank you- to what extent does the sound change when freeing the string from contact with the fingerboard?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Good question... it can change a lot. Please, post your questions to Prof. Fitzpatrick on this video's dedicated page on VSM: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/pressure/

[@AmyKurylo]

I seem to produce an octave overtone when I play a C on the A string (various other areas too but that’s my worst one). Is it because I’m pressing too hard or another reason.?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Yes, that might be. Have you tried to move the location of your bow closer or farther from the bridge? That might also be the reason. The closer to the bridge, the more harmonics the sound gets.

[@1cleandude]

Prof I think you're pulling a Hillary mind screw on me with this video!! I am squeezing maple syrup out of my violin neck when I finger a note! Amazing information I will apply it immediately; my left hand says bless you!!! WOW!!

[@sheilamallari101]

sir I tried this technique but I only created small and mushy sounds? unlike if it is pressed down the sound is louder and clearer but if I press it my thumb is squeezed, oh what am I to do?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Thank you for your input on this video - If you have any questions, please direct your them to our expert with the link in the description - Also, please feel free to check out the other videos that we have posted! Best of luck!

[@sharbanibasu6478]

So sir please tell me that exactly how many floors should I go if suppose I'm on the rooftop

[@T-Slider]

After 68 years on trombone, I’m beginning study of the violin. Starting as an adult, I’m finding it nearly impossible to press one string without touching adjacent strings. Are there any exercises designed to overcome this problem? I found almost nothing addressing this issue on KZbin. I suspect that most of today’s violin experts started when they were around five with little fingers, and so they didn’t have this problem as they grew they unconsciously adjusted for changes in their finger sizes. While I am willing to return to age 5, I haven’t found any way to actually accomplish that. Help. Old, but not dead……Yet!

[@virtualsheetmusic]

That's a good point, and I am sure Prof. Fitzpatrick will be happy to answer you. Please, post your question on this video's dedicated page on VSM, so Prof. Fitzpatrick can see your question: www.virtualsheetmusic.com/experts/william/pressure/

[@T-Slider]

@@virtualsheetmusic After 68 years on trombone, I’m beginning study of the violin. Starting as an adult, I’m finding it nearly impossible to press one string without touching adjacent strings. Are there any exercises designed to overcome this problem? I found almost nothing addressing this issue on KZbin. I suspect that most of today’s violin experts started when they were around five with little fingers, and so they didn’t have this problem as they grew they unconsciously adjusted for changes in their finger sizes. While I am willing to return to age 5, I haven’t found any way to actually accomplish that. Help. Old, but not dead……Yet!

[@ThatEgyptianGuyy]

Wow, wow, wow....

[@cigarnationwarriors3981]

MVP: Minimal Viable Pressure🎻👍

[@allen764]

Who is playing Meditation?

[@virtualsheetmusic]

Prof. Fitzpatrick. Isn't he wonderful?

[@robertbrawley5048]

Waite a minute . You can be more than 60 years old that means you are ten years younger than me . I was born in modern times so was you . You mean to tell me aluminum wound gut strings was state of the art in modern times .

[@chuan-kangshih78]

The cadence of his talk is unbearable. The anecdote about Dorothy DeLay is interesting, though.