I was recently taught an extremely useful technique to check finger, wrist, and arm relaxation while playing. This is very useful while practicing scales and arpeggios to develop the the permanent habit of relaxing at all times. However, this is also extremely useful to check for relaxation during troublesome or strenuous passages. Basically, IT’S AWESOME! Seriously, this is the best method yet (in my opinion) that I have ever used for helping with relaxation. And it’s simple! *Note* This works best for single-note-passages at a time as opposed to passages using chords.
The Steps
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- On each and every note that you play – stop. Press the note, and leave everything exactly as it is.
- Now, while keeping your arm weight down on the key and without moving the depressed finger, rock your wrist gently left and right (like a pendulum!). Make sure that all non-playing fingers are completely relaxed.
- If any non-playing fingers are sticking upwards or away from the hand, that is a sign of tension. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and not up high. Make sure the wrist isn’t strained.
- Once you see and feel all the tightness and tenseness gone, move on to the next note and repeat ^^
Hope this helps. Sorry for the extreme lack of updates.
Those are great points! Thank you.
One thing to check relaxation is to make sure shoulder is relax. Also the wrist should be flexible and not tense. Good article to remind us!