Left Hand & Intonation

Fourth finger

Building a rounded, stable fourth finger without collapsing the hand frame.

Common phrases: fourth finger · pinky

55 reviewed clips

Filtered results: 55

0:00–0:15 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Keep It Round

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is addressing a collapsing fourth finger by keeping it round
Teaching summary
The clue directly introduces keeping fourth finger round instead of letting it collapse. The segment should be framed as pinky curvature and joint support.
Open full video

0:22–1:08 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Finding a Clearer Core

Tutorial: How to Play Bleach Never Meant To Belong

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

0:23–0:55 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

0:27–1:06 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger Setup: A-flat Shape

TUTORIAL: How to play Sherlock's Theme on Violin! (Beginners + Challenge at the end)

Use when
the player is setting up a fourth-finger A-flat shape without losing hand organization
Teaching summary
The clue mentions fourth finger and A-flat. Prepare the hand shape for the lowered pitch so the pinky placement is accurate and not tense.
Open full video

1:01–1:52 · ai proposed

Elbow Under for Rounder Fingers

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is using elbow position to make the fingers rounder
Teaching summary
The clue says bringing the elbow under makes the fingers rounder and changes hand position. Use elbow placement to support the fourth finger and hand shape.
Open full video

1:26–1:46 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger Reach: Hand Angle Matters

Violin TUTORIAL: David Garrett "Zorba's Dance" by Ben Chan

Use when
the player needs the hand angle to make fourth finger reach the fingerboard quickly
Teaching summary
The clue says fourth finger must reach quickly, but a hand pointed outward makes that difficult. Adjust the hand angle before asking the pinky to move.
Open full video

1:32–2:13 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- false harmonics

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

1:52–2:47 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Free Wiggle Motion

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is finding a hand setup where the fourth finger can wiggle freely
Teaching summary
The clue says the goal is a motion where the finger can wiggle freely rather than fighting physical impediments. Find the hand position that lets pinky motion release.
Open full video

1:56–2:49 · ai proposed

Light Fourth Finger Extension to E

Get Lucky Violin Tutorial

Use when
the player is extending fourth finger lightly to E and then increasing speed
Teaching summary
The clue says to find the note lightly with fourth finger, speed it up, and extend fourth finger out on E. Keep the pinky light before adding tempo.
Open full video

2:24–2:53 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Elbow Awareness

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is using elbow placement under the violin to help fourth finger
Teaching summary
The clue says to be aware of where the elbow is underneath the violin when going for fourth finger. Make elbow location the setup variable.
Open full video

2:31–3:00 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger vs E String: Choosing the Easier Route

Bach Double TUTORIAL: Sheet Music, Fingerings, and Tips for 2nd Violin Part

Use when
the player is choosing between extending to fourth finger and moving to the E string
Teaching summary
The clue says the fourth-finger option is harder and that the E-string option may be easier. Choose the fingering that gives reliable sound and intonation for the passage.
Open full video

2:32–3:01 · ai proposed

Relaxed Hand: Pinky Can Come Off

Ben Chan- Intro & Tarantella - Spiccato (3/3)

Use when
the player is observing how a relaxed left hand lets the pinky release naturally
Teaching summary
The clue points to Perlman and says the hand is relaxed enough that the pinky can come right off. Treat the pinky as evidence of relaxation, not a forced fourth-finger action.
Open full video

2:58–3:00 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

3:00–3:19 · ai proposed

Pinky Landing: Small Forward Hand Gesture

Ben Chan- Fifths

Use when
the player is noting that the pinky is trickier and needs a small forward hand gesture
Teaching summary
The clue says the same idea applies to other fingers, but pinky is trickiest; the hand remembers a small forward gesture. Treat pinky as an extension of the landing motion.
Open full video

3:00–3:56 · ai proposed

Weak Pinky: Use the Octave Frame

Playing Octaves with Fast String Crossings

Use when
the player is using an octave relationship to support a weak fourth finger
Teaching summary
The clue names the pinky as the weakest finger and points to an octave between strings. Use the stronger lower finger and octave frame to locate the pinky.
Open full video

3:14–4:05 · ai proposed

Collapsed Knuckle Blocks Vibrato

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is preventing first-knuckle collapse so vibrato action can work
Teaching summary
The clue says if the first knuckle collapses, vibrato action cannot work. Keep the finger structure supported enough for vibrato to move.
Open full video

3:31–3:47 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Trills (including 4th Finger)

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

3:46–4:45 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Tutorial: How to Play Bleach Never Meant To Belong

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

3:50–4:48 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Trills (including 4th Finger)

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

4:02–4:31 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger Substitute: Moving Down to First Finger

TUTORIAL: How to play Sherlock's Theme on Violin! (Beginners + Challenge at the end)

Use when
the player is replacing or supporting fourth finger by moving down to first finger
Teaching summary
The clue says fourth finger and then going down to first finger. Use the move as a fingering substitution: decide whether fourth finger or first finger gives the cleaner result.
Open full video

4:02–4:46 · ai proposed

Pinky Shape: Avoid Inside-Out Collapse

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player is correcting the pinky shape when the first knuckle collapses but the second does not
Teaching summary
The clue describes the pinky looking collapsed inside out. Treat this as fourth-finger joint shape and setup, not generic shifting.
Open full video

4:24–4:54 · ai proposed

First-Position 1-3 to 2-4: Avoid the A String

Violin TUTORIAL: David Garrett "Zorba's Dance" by Ben Chan

Use when
the player is managing a difficult first-position 1-3 to 2-4 move without touching the A string
Teaching summary
The clue calls the passage brutal and says the pinky touching the A string causes trouble while trying to stay on the D string. Keep the left hand compact and string clearance clean.
Open full video

4:32–5:11 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Use It for Long Notes, Avoid It for Fast Ones

Bach Double TUTORIAL: Sheet Music, Fingerings, and Tips for 2nd Violin Part

Use when
the player is deciding when fourth finger sounds better than an open string
Teaching summary
The clue says fourth finger can sound less harsh on long notes, but fast sixteenth notes may call for a different choice. Match the fingering to note length and sound quality.
Open full video

5:00–5:33 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Finding a Clearer Core

Ben Chan- Rounding the Fourth Finger

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

5:03–5:40 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Red Violin Gypsy Theme: Violin Tutorial

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

5:09–5:24 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Trills (including 4th Finger)

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

5:09–6:00 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Introduction & Tarantella Etc.

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

6:00–6:45 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Violin Tutorial: He's a Pirate (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

6:24–6:41 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Using the Fingerboard Effect

Ben Chan plays Bach and self-critiques

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

6:47–7:15 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan plays Bach and self-critiques

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

7:18–7:54 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan plays Bach and self-critiques

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

7:30–7:54 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Introduction & Tarantella Etc.

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

8:48–8:59 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Avoiding the Squeak

Ben Chan- Mazurka by Mlynarski

Use when
the player needs the pinky to clear neighboring strings cleanly
Teaching summary
The clue directly names a squeak caused by the pinky hitting another string. Keep the fourth finger accurate and compact enough to avoid accidental contact.
Open full video

10:53–11:22 · ai proposed

Fourth Finger: Finding a Clearer Core

TUTORIAL: Danse Macabre Opening Solo

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

17:25–18:10 · ai proposed

Fingering Map: Popping Fourth Finger

Violin Tutorial: Shifting and Hand Frame - Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Pages 1-2

Use when
the player is following a specific fingering map that requires a quick fourth-finger placement
Teaching summary
The clue lists the fingering and says to pop the fourth finger. Use the written map to plan where fourth finger drops, then keep the rest of the hand quiet.
Open full video

0:32–1:19 · ai proposed

Harmonic Fingering: Use Third Finger Instead of Fourth

Ben Chan- Mendelssohn Concerto 3rd mvmt

Use when
the player is choosing third finger to hit a harmonic more easily than fourth finger
Teaching summary
The clue says the easiest way to hit the harmonic is to keep third finger and use it instead of fourth. Make the fingering choice around reliability of the harmonic.
Open full video

0:33–1:12 · ai proposed

Arm Weight: Isolating the Essential Variable

Ben Chan- Bow Grip

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

0:47–1:18 · ai proposed

Home String: D String to A String Crossing

Ben Chan- Bach Partita #3 in E Major, Preludio

Use when
the player is extending the pinky or bending the wrist while treating D as the home string
Teaching summary
The clue says the home base is the D string and the A string is the crossing target, with pinky extension or wrist bend as options. Organize the crossing around the home string.
Open full video

0:57–1:29 · ai proposed

Second Position: First and Fourth Before Shifting Down

Get Lucky Violin Tutorial

Use when
the player is setting first and fourth fingers in second position before shifting down
Teaching summary
The clue says to stick down first and fourth fingers in second position, then shift down. Make that two-finger frame the anchor before the downward move.
Open full video

1:07–1:55 · ai proposed

Bow Changes: Smoothing the Bow Change

Ben Chan- Bow Changes (smooth)

Use when
the player hears bumps, accents, or tension at direction changes
Teaching summary
Prepare the change before the bow reverses so the sound can continue through the turn. Keep the hand and arm coordinated rather than making a separate abrupt motion at the change.
Open full video

1:11–1:56 · ai proposed

Bow Hold: Finding a Flexible Hold

Response to violaplayer1995

Use when
the player’s bow hand feels tight, awkward, or unable to stay flexible
Teaching summary
Use a balanced hold that supports the bow without squeezing it. Let the fingers remain responsive so the hand can absorb motion rather than fight it.
Open full video

1:41–2:31 · ai proposed

Shifting: Fourth Finger Lands After the Position Change

Violin Tutorial: Shifting and Hand Frame - Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Pages 1-2

Use when
the player shifts to fourth position and drops fourth finger for a clean arrival
Teaching summary
The clue describes shifting to fourth position, then popping fourth finger down for a clean shift. Treat the fourth finger as the arrival after the larger hand move.
Open full video

1:46–2:42 · ai proposed

Third Finger Instead of Weak Pinky Vibrato

Ben Chan- Wieniawsi 2nd Violin Concerto 3rd Mvmt Opening

Use when
the player is choosing fingering based on vibrato strength at the end of the phrase
Teaching summary
The clue says a 3-4 option is possible but the pinky vibrato is weaker than third finger. Choose the fingering that gives better vibrato and sound.
Open full video

1:56–2:20 · ai proposed

False Harmonics: Finding a Clearer Core

Boulanger: ricochet and false harmonics

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

2:13–3:00 · ai proposed

Mini Shift: Finding E-flat for Fourth Finger

Ben Chan- Scherzo Tarantelle Opening

Use when
the player is using a small shift to make fourth finger find E-flat cleanly
Teaching summary
The clue names E-flat, fourth finger, and a mini shift with second finger. Move the hand just enough that fourth finger can land naturally instead of stretching for the pitch.
Open full video

2:36–3:03 · ai proposed

First Finger Guide Beside Fourth Finger

Playing Octaves with Fast String Crossings

Use when
the player is using first finger beside fourth finger as a guide during shifting
Teaching summary
The clue says to stick it against fourth finger so the shift does not rely only on the weak pinky. Let the stronger guide finger support the fourth-finger target.
Open full video

3:00–3:18 · ai proposed

Arm Weight: Isolating the Essential Variable

TUTORIAL: Danse Macabre Opening Solo

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

3:12–3:47 · ai proposed

Landing the Shift: Fourth Finger Check

Violin Tutorial: Shifting and Hand Frame - Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Pages 1-2

Use when
the player uses fourth finger to confirm that the shifted hand has landed correctly
Teaching summary
The clue connects correct landing, fourth finger, and the return down using the arm and hand. Treat fourth finger as a landing check after the shift rather than a reach.
Open full video

3:27–4:22 · ai proposed

Vibrato: Elbow Motion Lets the Finger Collapse Naturally

Ben Chan- How to Practice Vibrato

Use when
the player is using horizontal elbow motion so the finger and pinky collapse naturally without pushing
Teaching summary
The clue says not to push the finger or pinky down; bringing the elbow over makes the finger naturally collapse. Use elbow motion to create relaxed vibrato mechanics.
Open full video

4:20–5:11 · ai proposed

Double Stops: Balancing the Interval

Get Lucky Violin Tutorial

Use when
the player needs two-note balance, hand shape, or intonation to settle
Teaching summary
Build the interval as a balanced shape rather than chasing both notes independently. Let the bow reveal the interval clearly while the left hand stays organized and light.
Open full video

5:04–6:00 · ai proposed

Double Stops: Balancing the Interval

Get Lucky Violin Tutorial

Use when
the player needs two-note balance, hand shape, or intonation to settle
Teaching summary
Build the interval as a balanced shape rather than chasing both notes independently. Let the bow reveal the interval clearly while the left hand stays organized and light.
Open full video

7:51–8:38 · ai proposed

Shifting: Fourth Finger Helps the Move to Third Position

Bach Double TUTORIAL: Sheet Music, Fingerings, and Tips for 2nd Violin Part

Use when
the player uses fourth finger as part of a position change into third position
Teaching summary
The clue says the fourth finger helps get from G up to third position for the next note. Use the finger as a guide for the shift rather than treating it as an isolated note.
Open full video

9:00–9:56 · ai proposed

Bow Speed: Finding a Clearer Core

Ben Chan- Wieniawsi 2nd Violin Concerto 3rd Mvmt Opening

Use when
the player’s sound is choked, thin, or hard to control dynamically
Teaching summary
Let bow travel rate match the amount of sound needed. Change speed deliberately before adding pressure so the string can continue to vibrate freely.
Open full video

9:16–9:40 · ai proposed

Arm Weight: Isolating the Essential Variable

TUTORIAL: Danse Macabre Opening Solo

Use when
the player needs a clearer way to organize a technical practice task
Teaching summary
Narrow the task to one variable, slow it enough to observe, and repeat only long enough to learn something. The goal is not more repetition; it is clearer feedback.
Open full video

9:55–10:42 · ai proposed

Double Stops: Finding a Clearer Core

Ben Chan plays Bach and self-critiques

Use when
the player needs two-note balance, hand shape, or intonation to settle
Teaching summary
Build the interval as a balanced shape rather than chasing both notes independently. Let the bow reveal the interval clearly while the left hand stays organized and light.
Open full video