Hey everyone, Joel Kennedy here from Kennedy Violins! If you play a stringed instrument, you've likely found yourself wondering about fingerings: Should I use first, second, or third position? How do I even decide? While having a teacher or friends to guide you is fantastic, sometimes you're on your own, staring at a sheet of music without any hints.

Today, I’ll walk you through how professionals and experienced players think about fingerings. By the end of this, you'll hopefully have some insights to figure out the best fingerings for your playing.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE

The Two Primary Considerations for Choosing Fingerings

When it comes to deciding which fingerings to use, there are two main considerations:

1. Sound Quality and Phrase Consistency: This encompasses how the choice of fingerings affects the overall sound quality and the continuity of a musical phrase. When you play a phrase, you want it to sound seamless, without interruptions caused by changes in tonal color or awkward shifts. For example, moving from a bright sound on the E string to a warmer sound on the A string can interrupt the flow, so choosing fingerings that maintain consistency is crucial.

2. Ease and Consistency of Play: This is about how reliably you can play the selected fingerings, especially at faster tempos or under performance conditions. A fingering might work beautifully at a slow pace but become problematic when played quickly. Your choice should balance sound quality with technical reliability to perform accurately and confidently.

The Thought Process in Action: Using “Maria” from West Side Story

Let’s break down this concept using an excerpt from Leonard Bernstein’s “Maria” from West Side Story. This piece offers multiple fingering options due to its complexity. I’ll go over some examples to show you how to think through fingering choices.

Example 1: The Opening Phrase (Measures 1-4)

In the beginning of "Maria," measures 1 through 4, we encounter a phrase that, when played in first position, involves switching from the E string to the A string. This transition changes the sound quality from bright to warm, which might not suit the mood of the music. To maintain a consistent tonal quality, you could start in third position using the third finger on the A string:

• Third Position Option: This option keeps the phrase warm, avoiding the brighter sound of the E string. However, it requires shifting back and forth between third and first positions, which can be tricky, especially when playing fast or under pressure. You might find that this interrupts the phrase more than you’d like due to the audible shifts.

• Second Position Option: Alternatively, playing most of the phrase in second position (using second finger on the A string for the E note) avoids the tonal inconsistency and reduces the need for shifting. However, you might still have to briefly shift to third position for some notes to maintain intonation and phrasing.

Both options have their pros and cons. Third position offers a warmer, more cohesive sound but may sacrifice reliability. Second position is less dramatic in terms of sound but offers better stability.

Example 2: High Passage Shifts (Measures 9-12)

Further into the piece, measures 9 through 12, there’s a section that naturally fits within first position on the E string but can also be played entirely in higher positions:

• Fifth Position Option: Playing this section in fifth position keeps the tone consistent and warm, avoiding string crossings. However, it might not be reliable for every player due to the stretch and accuracy required in higher positions. The reliability of intonation and control over vibrato can be more challenging in this higher position.

• First Position Option: Sticking to first position makes it easier to play accurately and in tune but might not have the same warmth and seamless sound of the higher positions. The bright tonal quality of the E string could contrast sharply with the rest of the music.

Here, the decision largely depends on your comfort level with higher positions and the specific sound you’re aiming for. More advanced players might opt for the warmth of fifth position, while those seeking reliability could stick with first position.

Tips for Improving Fingering Choices

1. Practice Different Positions: The more comfortable you are in various positions, the more options you’ll have. If third position feels difficult, spend time practicing scales, arpeggios, and etudes in third position until it feels as natural as first position.

2. Use the Fourth Finger More: Often, players avoid using the fourth finger because it’s weaker and harder to control. However, regularly practicing with your fourth finger, including using vibrato, can make it much more reliable and prevent you from constantly shifting for easier notes.

3. Analyze Phrasing and Musicality: Always think about the musical phrase and what sound you want to achieve. If a certain fingering makes the phrase sound disconnected or less musical, it’s worth finding an alternative, even if it’s more technically challenging.

4. Record Yourself: Sometimes what feels comfortable doesn’t sound the best. Recording your practice can give you an objective view of how your fingerings are affecting the musical line.

Bringing It All Together

The art of choosing fingerings is both personal and situational. What works for one player might not work for another due to differences in hand size, technical proficiency, or interpretative choices. Remember, even professional musicians constantly experiment with fingerings to find the best solutions for their repertoire.

If you’re a teacher, you might challenge your students with more complex fingerings to help them grow, while still ensuring that they can play in tune and with confidence. If you’re a performer, your fingering choices might prioritize sound quality or reliability, depending on the context of the performance.

In conclusion, the key is to find the balance that works best for you. Spend time exploring different options, and don't be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone. The more fingerings you master, the richer your musical palette will become.

I hope these insights help you on your journey to becoming a more thoughtful and expressive musician. As always, if you have questions or need further advice, feel free to leave comments on our videos. We’re here to help you succeed in your musical endeavors. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell on our YouTube channel to stay updated on our latest videos. Happy practicing, and see you in the next one!