How To Strengthen Your Pinky (6 Ways You Can Improve Your Fourth Finger) | Violin Pinky Exercises

[@supermaren]

So helpful! I have always had issues with my fourth finger...nobody has ever explained it like this. :-)

[@violynnkuo]

Maren Montalbano, mezzo-soprano Maren! I didn’t know you are a violinist as well! Thanks for watching! 😘

[@sqkoi]

LING LINGGGGG i also love ur tuts they help me so much and theyre so entertaining💓

[@violynnkuo]

Woohoo! 😀 Yay, that makes me so happy! Thank you for watching my tutorials! I have a chin rest unboxing video coming as well as ‘5 Tips for String Crossings’ tutorial coming! (And yup! Ling Ling here! 玲玲 🙋‍♀️!) 😅

[@sqkoi]

@@violynnkuo oooh yay!! looking forward to it :D

[@dhanyapandey8830]

1. have an arc shape for the pinky instead of stretching it flat for that, you need to practice the supination of the ulna bone. This comes with practice as your body doesn’t naturally take that position or is comfortable with it 2. try tapping the pinky finger. Play slow trills on every string with the 3rd and fourth finger 3. do pinky biceps for building that strength and making that arc more natural 4. try practicing more etudes that involve using the pinky finger. this builds the strength that the first 1st and 2nd finger enjoy due to frequent use.

[@violynnkuo]

Love your summary, Dhanya! “Pinky bicep” curls”👌. Don’t forget the rotation (supination) of the ulna bone (not “curve”, because the forearm doesn’t really “curve”.) 🙂 If you were in my Bootcamp class, I’d give you an A! 🏅 👏😀

[@dhanyapandey8830]

@@violynnkuo Thank you Dr. Lynn! will note the edit! I love playing the violin and learning how to get better at it. I'm only a beginner and your videos help a lot. Thank you so much

[@violynnkuo]

@@dhanyapandey8830 Keep doing what you love, Dhanya! Great things always follow when you do so! :)

[@luvkayakn]

KZbin showed me your video at the perfect time. I've played violin for 15 years and neglected the G string. My 3rd and 4th finger are consistently not in tune. Just this morning I'm working on these issues. Your instructions are greatly appreciated.

[@violynnkuo]

I’m so glad, Tate! Good luck! I’m always working on my fourth finger technique as well. 😅 And I’ve been playing for decades!

[@luvkayakn]

@@violynnkuo I tried an exercise, I've seen many times and never paid attention to, where I release the thumb completely and play each note with very little pressure. What I noticed was my free and relaxed thumb moved to support the playing finger. I applied this awareness to my regular playing position, keeping a relaxed thumb, and allowing the thumb to rotate naturally as I placed 3rd and 4th finger. It absolutely worked.

[@violynnkuo]

@@luvkayakn Yay! That sounds like a great discovery, Tate!

[@violynnkuo]

@@luvkayakn Hi Tate, you might be interested in my discussion of how to address thumb tension, which is in my one of my vibrato tutorials: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqCzepuEmLNgjc0 I talk about what I call the ‘Golden Horseshoe’.

[@armoredWOG]

wow. Thank you! targets the specific difficulty every violinist encounters! thank youuuuuu 🥰💕

[@violynnkuo]

My pleasure, Lindsay! I’m still working on it myself! Just keep going! 😀

[@alizzia04]

This video is so amazing!! Oh and you’re demonstrations are very great! I decided to start playing last year at the age of 17, and it’s been one of the greatest things in my life!! Buuuut with a lot of 4th finger problems…😅💗

[@violynnkuo]

Good for you for starting the violin, Alicia! I know, right? Fourth finger is still the bane of my existence even after all this time. 😅 But just keep at it and the body (and mind) will follow!

[@hiswinnie]

Thank you Dr. Lynn! My teacher just told me to try utilizing the pinky more. As I tried, I wondered if I got on the wrong boat. But after your video, I felt I just need to practice more as you broke it down into achievable goals. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks for watching, Winnie! I hope you unlock an easier fourth finger technique! I've been working on mine for so long and it's always a work in progress. :)

[@123mst456]

Thank you, Dr. Lynn. I recently took to learning the violin. And the 4th finger always been my weak spot. I am watching msny videos to understand how o strengthen and stretch it. Your video is on the spot. I will try these tips, and more than anything else, i will appreciate the violin and learn it slowly ❤

[@violynnkuo]

Best of luck in your fourth finger journey! Be careful, take breaks, listen to your body, and trust that you are making incremental progress!

[@123mst456]

@violynnkuo Thanks Dr. Your wishes matter a lot.

[@thesunshiner]

Great video. What I've often seen is that even for beginners, if they follow the good instructions with the proper practice, they will learn and develop the correct curved pinky relatively easily; It is extremely challenging for those who already have "established" (so used to) playing violin with the first 2 knuckles all collapsed (flat straight) on the finger-4. I appreciate your work

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks for watching! ❤😊

[@annymcneil9581]

Thank you. 😊 I really loved this video and have developed a complex about the 4th notes, so I am going to tackle this now and keep watching your video at the same time. Thanks again. Your playing bit at the end was also amazing . 😁

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting, Anny! 🙏 Let me know goes your your fourth finger goes!

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Haha, so in the end you’ve found the title 😃🤗 I’m not a violin player, but it’s great that there are tutorials on it! I’m going to share your video with a string colleague of mine.

[@violynnkuo]

Lobke Sprenkeling Thank you for watching, Lobke! And yes, I finally decided on a winner. 😃

[@violynnkuo]

Hi friends! What video tutorial would you like me to film next?? Right-hand technique: ❇️Spiccato ❇️String crossings ❇️Detache Left hand technique: ❇️Fourth finger ❇️Trills ❇️Shifting ❇️Left-hand dexterity ❇️How to Improve Your Intonation (Melodic/Expressive vs. Just) ❇️How to Practice Like a Ninja ❇️13 Ways to Deepen Your Musical Interpretation - Series ❇️Etude Intensive (e.g., Kreutzer studies) ❇️Scales and Arpeggios ❇️Double Stops 💜Let me know in the comments! 💜

[@natesviolin]

Awesome Lynn! Great ideas and really detailed.

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks, Nathan!! Thanks for helping me!

[@laviolist]

Excellent tips - I also started working with a clothes pin - I use both my pinky and ring finger together to close the pin.

[@violynnkuo]

Oh, great tip! Thanks for sharing it! I'll have to remember that one. There's also a lot of etudes and double stop-like drills that really strengthen the fourth finger.

[@ritabanerjee9103]

Thank you Dr. Lynn.That was very helpful.

[@violynnkuo]

Glad you found it helpful, Rita!

[@lisasignorelli3965]

Very helpful, I will definitely work on this!

[@violynnkuo]

I'm so glad you find it helpful, Lisa! Good luck and be careful not to strain the fourth finger (like I did!)

[@symfoniatragic]

This was much more than helpful, you are so lovely , thanks so much Dr. Lynn

[@violynnkuo]

Glad that it was helpful, Hamidreza! Feel free to share with friends. Have a great weekend!

[@sijouayurvediccentre]

The techniques of strengthening pinky is very helpful for me as a learner. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ I am watching your tutorials step by step .Lot of thanks madam.

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much, Hareswar! With the fourth finger, just be careful to not overdo it. Make sure to stop and rest when it feels tired or strained. 🙂

[@SF-ru3lp]

Thank you Dr. Lynn! Delighted to get this

[@violynnkuo]

I’m glad! Hope you enjoy the rest of my tutorials on my channel!

[@SF-ru3lp]

@@violynnkuo Oh thank you Dr Lynn for the tip. Will look them up. Am an adult learner. I'm hoovering up all the help I can!! G Ire

[@violynnkuo]

@@SF-ru3lp good luck!

[@sandirynerson5308]

Great video, Lynn!

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much, Sandi! Hope you’re doing well! 🤗

[@gaurim9731]

Your skills are as beautiful as you are mam thank you so much for helping us☺

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much for watching, Gauri! It makes me happy to know I can help! Stay tuned because I have lots of new videos coming! 🎻

[@KathleenLamb1226]

Great video! I’ve been meaning to watch this video and finally got around to it. I’m definitely going to use these tips to help my students who struggle with fourth finger strength. Thanks!

[@violynnkuo]

Glad it is helpful, Kathleen! And Happy Halloween! See you later at your lesson!

[@NickwelKadiyo-x1i]

So helpful and interesting ❤🌹

[@violynnkuo]

Glad you think so! Thanks for leaving a comment! 🙏 🎻

[@gohryu2004]

You put a lot of great information into this video. The discussion of the forearm bones was great. You gave me great idea for my next video and I will definitely be sharing this video to my students in need of fourth finger understanding. I've subscribed. Cheers and best wishes!

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks for watching, Chia-Chien! I’m looking forward to seeing your next video!

[@slvclw]

Thank you Ling Ling subscribed!

[@violynnkuo]

Yay! Ha, you’re the first to call me by Chinese name! 😅 玲玲❤ Thanks for subscribing! Let me know what videos you’d like you see!

[@OfTheSidhe]

It makes me feel better that you have a short pinky so will stop making excuses about how this is impossible and just practice ! Thank you.

[@violynnkuo]

Yes! Sometimes it is more of a matter of changing the mindset: How can I make this work with the hand/finger/body that I have? Good luck! 🎻 you can do it!

[@Hhfdsssh8]

I loved it.. thanks a lot.

[@violynnkuo]

So happy to hear you like the tutorial! 🙏

[@xhotdog100]

Love this video. All the suggestions make perfect sense. Thanks so much! Did you have any tips and advices on how to relax the thumb?

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much, Lora! I don’t actually have a specific thumb-tension video however I do address thumb tension in my one of my vibrato tutorials: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqCzepuEmLNgjc0

[@profhoneycat]

Wonderful stuff. Looking forward to more. 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much for watching, Jonathan! I will get back to posting more tutorials at some point soon! In the meantime, I have other videos on vibrato, spiccato, and sound production on my channel! Cheers!

[@jaimymetts]

Thank you so much!!💕💕 my pinky is burning 🤣🤣 this is really helpful I’ll practice everyday!! Yes, I do love classical music I love playing it on the piano so beautiful, fun, and calming 💕💕

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks for watching, Jaimy! Just be careful not to strain your fourth finger in the process of strengthening it! :)

[@jaimymetts]

@@violynnkuo yes, thank you so much!

[@K.L.Phillips]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@violynnkuo]

I’m so happy my video was helpful for you!

[@nnoronha]

Very helpful! Thank you soo much miss Lynn! My pinky keeps going flat down.. ❤

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Niah! So glad it's helpful for your fourth finger! And congrats on your #ChaconneChallenge award! (Promising Young Talent!)

[@violinimpulse]

Love it, thanks for making this!

[@violynnkuo]

josephviolin Thanks so much for watching, Joseph! 🎻 #violinsolidarity

[@soumiksinharoy2571]

I subscribed. Thank you so much for this video! This definitely will help me to improve my fourth finger technique. :-)

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks so much for watching and I’m glad it was helpful! 👍

[@lolamas3042]

Muchas gracias! Es usted una gran maestra! Seguiré practicando con mi cuarto dedo!👏👏👏👏👏💜🎶💜🎻

[@violynnkuo]

Gracias por ver y buena suerte!

[@bruceedington2645]

very helpful 😀

[@violynnkuo]

I'm glad it's helpful, Bruce! I also go deeper into Left Hand Secrets (tricks to work around smaller hands and strategies for the fourth finger, etc.) in www.paganinichallenge.com . Hope you've had a chance to watch it!

[@julieta2846]

thank youuu!!!

[@violynnkuo]

You’re very welcome, Julieta!

[@peggyanncontosharvey1461]

Hello...I actually have a problem with my pinky. My teacher insists that if I strengthen my pinky this problem will go away. 100%. He is a fan of the straight pinky extension. It looks like you have to keep it straight on the lower strings, but you talk about having a slight bend in the pinky. I am happy to see that because when I extend my pinky by keeping it straight it locks and won't bend at the middle joint unless it "snaps". The snapping is painful. My teacher says their is nothing wrong with my finger...it is just weak. I believe that it is getting stuck because the tendon is not gliding smoothly rather than it being week. I can play with it straight, but it will stay straight, which makes it impossible to play because I cant get a slight bend in it without it snapping. Do you or your other experts have any advice for me? Thank you in advance.

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Peggy Ann, I would trust your teacher as he knows what is going on with your playing, your finger, and the context of your experience. It does sound like your finger does need to develop the conditioning required for it to maintain its arch shape. That will take time as you continue to train your fourth finger. It’s kind of like doing Pilates for your finger. In my experience studying Pilates, I had to learn to do exercises with my body that I wasn’t able to do at the time. My instructors guided me through them week after week, gradually getting me to see that certain muscles weren’t used to working or certain joints weren’t use accustomed to mobilizing. Gradually, with continued training, the intended movements started to develop and I could see progress. I suspect it’s similar with your fourth finger. In any case, yes, I sometimes actually do play with a ‘straight’ fourth finger (only on select occasions however), but I do make sure I use an arched fourth finger when needed. I make sure I’m able to go back and forth, knowing that being able to keep the fourth finger arch is ideal. Good luck!

[@peggyanncontosharvey1461]

@@violynnkuo Hi Lynn..Thank you for getting back to me..and I love your videos. I actually found an orthopedic Dr. who specializes in issues with musicians. The lateral band ( small tendon) on my pinky is getting caught on the joint during full extension. Although there is a surgery, he said it doesn't always work and scar tissue build up can make it worse. He fitted me with a tiny splint that prevents the finger from fully straightening, so the tendon doesn't get stuck So far it seems to be working. He said if it didn't work He could have a custom one made for me. Good to know if you hear of anyone else with that problem. Thanks again for your helpful videos. You are a very good player..

[@violynnkuo]

@@peggyanncontosharvey1461 fantastic! You’re so fortunate to work with an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in musicians! 👏 good luck!

[@darlenerivest148]

Thank you for sharing this video! It's an excellent resource for working on a stronger fourth finger. I have one question regarding thumb placement-would you advocate for a thumb placement across from the low 2nd finger for violinists with small hands as opposed to placing it across from the first finger?

[@violynnkuo]

Darlene Rivest Hi Darlene! Thanks for watching! I specifically asked that question to Jennifer Johnson about thumb placement and she said that the thumb should not really be fixed in any one position but needs to be movable depending on what you are playing. Sometimes when I play chords, the thumb is ‘higher’ up the fingerboard, other times, like when I’m playing tenths, the thumb is very far back. But specifically for small hands like mine, I think the key is to find where the balance of the hand gives you the most comfortable ‘drop’ for all four fingers. When I worked on this with Nathan Cole, he had suggested a hand position that was slightly higher than first position, sort of like ‘1.5’ position. At the time, I did not understand what that really meant until I had a lesson with Jennifer Johnson and understood the movable role of the thumb. Hope that answers your question!

[@darlenerivest148]

@@violynnkuo Thank you so much for this information, Lynn!! This helps a lot!

[@davedonnie6425]

My left wrist has been kinda tense what can I do to work on that

[@violynnkuo]

It’s a good thing that you notice what’s going on. That’s an important first step. The next step I recommend is to practice slowly enough that you can relax the muscles that you notice are straining or tightening. This might even originate in other parts of your body: larger muscles in the arm, shoulder area, even the back. Hard to say without seeing you play. But I do this ‘body/tension scan first in my own playing wherever I notice I’m getting tight. Good luck!

[@gdae444]

Thank you, great demo and advice. When you rebalance the hand for the 3rd and 4th fingers, do you find this puts the fingers more on the tips, and is this a problem compared to them being more on the pads? Thanks.

[@violynnkuo]

gdae444 Thanks for the comment! It’s true that the fourth finger is more on the tip when it’s in a ‘strong’ arch shape. Personally, I have found that the sound and vibrato sounds better (warmer) when the fourth finger is more on the pad (flesh) so I think it’s not a bad idea to experiment with the the degree of “arch” of the pinky depending on what exactly you are playing. I don’t think it’s necessarily a “problem” to be more on the tips of the fingers. As long as you are able to drop all fingers comfortably with the least amount of effort or strain and still enjoy a bit of ‘strength’ in the fourth finger, you should be fine. All hands are built very differently and I have observed a wider variety of strength, stretch, flexibility, and agility in many different people. I think experiment with what works with your hand. This tutorial was made with the small-handed person in mind and was based on the information taught to me by Jennifer Johnson, who also has a small hand like mine. Hope that is helpful!

[@jennycliftcoachingEFT]

What a great video - my pinkie is even shorter than yours LOL so it's always been a challenge. Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@violynnkuo]

Jenny Clift Coaching Thanks so much for watching, Jenny! I guess we all complain about our pinkies, don’t we? 😅

[@devinshepherd6966]

I’m calling this series “Good Old Country Fiddlynn, with Dr. Lynn.” If that’s cool.

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks, Devin! Haha, that's great!

[@Helz777]

Yeah. The mellow D on the G string when it is supposed to be strident. Even have a 7/8 violin, so what's my excuse. Sigh. So thank you so luch for this.

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks for watching! Take it slow with fourth finger strengthening and be patient. It’s easy to injure yourself if you push too hard. Good luck!

[@Intelcoll]

Hi Lynn, thanks for the video! Possible to take a look at my 3rd finger and pinky combo configuration when they are played 4343 a lot? The pinky is slightly crooked towards 3rd finger when I show my hand in its natural up position, is this adding one more challenge to pinky strength? I feel my pinky is easily injured when it’s stretching for 43434 such as in fiocco (posting the link reply to myself)

[@Intelcoll]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6myaaSdppxriMk

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Audrey, thanks for watching my video. I’m afraid I only have time to help those who are studying with me. If you were my student, I’d absolutely take a look at your video and provide feedback! Feel free to apply for a free call though. In the call, we can determine if it would be a good fit to work together: tidycal.com/lynnkuo/15-minute-call Good luck!

[@Intelcoll]

@@violynnkuo okkk np makes sense - I’ll first try to ask my teacher, if we don’t solve it I’ll give you a call for sure!:))

[@violynnkuo]

@@Intelcoll Good luck! And trust your teacher. 🙂

[@violynnkuo]

🚨WATCH THE TOP 5 SPICCATO MISTAKES (Spiccato Tutorial Parts 3 & 4)🚨: Bit.ly/spiccatofreebie

[@gopinathkarmakar8556]

Namaskar

[@菩提心妙宝]

Bowing technique please

[@violynnkuo]

I have lots of Bow Technique tutorials on my channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrHaKawgLxmac0 Lots of free tutorials on my website as well: Www.violinwithdrlynn.com/tutorials

[@菩提心妙宝]

@@violynnkuo thanks

[@wasfiahoque3251]

Your so cute I love your hair 😊 and nice teaching too!

[@violynnkuo]

Thanks, Wasfia! That was my pandemic haircut 💇‍♀️ that I did myself! 😂

[@wasfiahoque3251]

@@violynnkuo 😂 well looks like you have hair cutting skills too!

[@violynnkuo]

@@wasfiahoque3251 So funny. My sister helped me and I was stressed the entire time! Haha! Never again!

[@wasfiahoque3251]

Thank God your sister didn't take revenge on your hair 💀. You should do it again!

[@violynnkuo]

@@wasfiahoque3251Haha, maybe for the next time we have a pandemic! Thanks, Wasfia! What a pleasant surprise to have someone compliment you on your hair! 💇‍♀️😅

[@justinebaker6491]

Can i ask you plz how do you, once placing the curved pinkie down stop your third finger from screeching protest at bring stretched away from it. Do you have any tips on independent flexibility between thesetwo fingers? Thanks so much. Youve really helped me here in uk..

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Justine, thanks for the comment. It sounds like it may just be a matter of practice combined with time for the fingers to develop. I certainly have developed my hand/fingers just in the last year alone so I know it’s possible for an old dog to learn new tricks. 😅 One of the exercises I might suggest you look into to develop finger independence is Carl Flesch Urstüdien (Basics Studies). I show how I practice it here: instagram.com/p/CCC1o_3AIX1/?igshid=1nfgw44mzeok2 Please take your time with it as it is very easy to get injured when first starting this. I stopped whenever I felt muscle fatigue. Build up in small increments and have patience and trust in the process. I hope that helps!

[@justinebaker6491]

Thanks i will check that out.

[@violynnkuo]

@@justinebaker6491 Good luck!

[@DaveNatandSalem]

This was very helpful; I have a small pinkie as well so I’m glad I’m not alone in my misery! 😉

[@violynnkuo]

I’m so happy to hear it was helpful, David! And yes, you are so not alone. Arpeggios at the top of the E string are so much easier using my third finger. 😅

[@teachersparker]

I don’t get it because my pinky finger literally cannot reach the fourth finger note without it stretching out flat and then it locks into place. I cannot curve it no matter what I do

[@violynnkuo]

I hear you... my fourth finger is short and if I require my second finger to be down at the same time as my fourth (and in a ‘low 2’ in first position) then my pinky can look rather straightened out. Start with placing the pinky on the fingerboard first on your desired note. Then position the rest of the hand afterwards. Your hand should feel more comfortable and that it won’t need to strain so much to reach the fourth finger note.

[@enderless6055]

For some reason for me, it's way easier putting my pinky on the e string than any other sting lol

[@violynnkuo]

Oh, you’re one of the lucky ones then!

[@enderless6055]

@@violynnkuo I have long fingers lol but it's still hard putting it on other strings I just started 2 months ago so many that's why lol

[@violynnkuo]

@@enderless6055 Yes, I’m still training my fingers to do what I want them to do…after decades of playing! Keep at it, It will come! 👍

[@enderless6055]

@@violynnkuo Okay so I've been playing for 5 months now. I've been playing a little less because of school but I'm trying to play and practice now again. I can put my pinky finger on the E and A string but not the D and G string. Whenever I put it on D string my my pinky finger is flat and sometimes I stuggle with reaching the right part to play the right tune lol

[@violynnkuo]

@@enderless6055 You will get there for sure! Sounds like you’ve made progress! 👏

[@benko5833]

Ling ling!😊

[@violynnkuo]

I am indeed! My parents gave me that name when I was born: 玲玲 😊

[@benko5833]

@@violynnkuo Woahh, its an honor. Thanks for the tips btw

[@benko5833]

My pinky stopped hurting after i curved it

[@violynnkuo]

@@benko5833 So glad to hear it, Benko! Thanks for sharing!

[@violynnkuo]

@@benko5833 My pleasure, Benko! Feel free to share the video!

[@hugomenezes9122]

LING LING 24HOURS

[@zampiangel3871]

THANK YOU!

[@violynnkuo]

You're very welcome! 🎻

[@juanfranciscocampoycaballero]

Gracias.

[@violynnkuo]

De Nada!

[@ritabanerjee9103]

Thank you Dr. Lynn.That was very helpful.