TMEA VIOLA 25-26
Technical Basics and Scales

Technique: Types of Hand Frames (Copy)

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IN THIS LESSON

In measures 1-5 of this lesson, we'll cover the four most common finger patterns (hand frames) for viola:

  1. 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. 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. 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#).

  4. 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.

  • Ivo Van der Werff’s Notebook for Viola Players is an awesome resource for more in depth practices of these hand frames - and more!