IN THIS LESSON
In measures 1-5 of this lesson, we'll cover the four most common finger patterns (hand frames) for viola:
1-2 Frame:
Description: 1st and 2nd fingers are nearly touching (half-step).
Example: E to F natural on the D string.
Whole Steps: Between 2-3 and 3-4 (F to G, G to A).
2-3 Frame:
Description: 2nd and 3rd fingers are nearly touching (half-step).
Example: F# to G on the D string.
Whole Steps: Between 1-2 and 3-4 (E to F#, G to A).
3-4 Frame:
Description: 3rd and 4th fingers are nearly touching (half-step).
Example: G# to A on the D string.
Whole Steps: Between 1-2 and 2-3 (E to F#, F# to G#).
Open Hand Frame:
Description: No half steps; all whole steps.
Example: E to F# to G# to A# on the D string in first position.
Practice Tip:
Use a tuner to help with intonation
Play with a whole bow on each note
Keep proud, relaxed posture
THERE MUST BE MORE THAN JUST 4 HAND FRAMES, RIGHT?
Yes indeed! We also have chromatics (all half steps) and extensions (reaching more than 1 step).
Additional Hand Frames:
Extensions
Description: Reaching more than one step.
1+1/2 Step: Minor third interval, commonly used in minor scales.
Practice:
Extending 1 back [measure 7]: Think about your 2nd finger anchoring you in the position you are in, and then reach your 1st finger back the extra half step
Example: F# as anchor, reach 1 back to Eb
Extending 2-3 [measure 8]: This hand frame has a reach from a “low” 2nd finger to a “high” third finger. 1 and 4 create the frame here, 1-2 are touching and 3-4 are touching
Example: E and A as 1-4 hand frame, extend from F to G#
Extending 4 [measure 9]: This extra stretch with your 4th finger adds a note to the position you are in, reaching beyond the normal 4.
Practice Tips:
Use a mirror to ensure proper posture in the neck, shoulders, arms.
Avoid tension in the hand, thumb and wrist.
Stretch and reach from the base knuckle.
Chromatics
Description: All half steps.
Exercise: Use chromatic scales to practice placing fingers a half step apart.
1st position - measure 11
2nd position - measure 15
3rd position - measure 21
Practice Tips:
Place / scoot fingers one half-step apart (nearly touching)
Use a tuner to help find these exact locations.
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Ivo Van der Werff’s Notebook for Viola Players is an awesome resource for more in depth practices of these hand frames - and more!