Practice Video - Volkstümliche Zitherschule p31 - Der erste Tanz

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kenbloom
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Location: Pilot Mountain, NC
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Re: Practice Video - Volkstümliche Zitherschule p31 - Der erste Tanz

Post by kenbloom »

Since we are all constructed differently, there is no "correct" position for the little finger. The mentioned groove on the bridge goes back to the A. Darr book that told you to rest the little finger there. That approach was discarded by the end of the 19th century. My journey in using the little finger began with studying the books on the right hand written by Willy Hintermeyer and I enthusiastically recommend these books to anyone who wants a more complete command of the instrument. Keeping your right hand mobile and relaxed is indeed the most important aspect on playing any instrument but especially the zither. Regardless of the style of instrument you have, making full use of all the fingers gives you a distinct advantage in playing. When playing runs using the basses and contra basses, I use alternating fingers wherever possible a la Hintermeyer. If you keep your wrist up it gives all the fingers better purchase. Above all STAY RELAXED!!!! Just my 2p.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.org
Evelyn
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:23 am
Location: Norfolk, UK

Re: Practice Video - Volkstümliche Zitherschule p31 - Der erste Tanz

Post by Evelyn »

kenbloom wrote: Tue May 14, 2019 8:49 am The mentioned groove on the bridge goes back to the A. Darr book that told you to rest the little finger there. That approach was discarded by the end of the 19th century.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.org
Where I come from (Munich), resting the little finger in the groove of one's (concert) zither was being taught well into the second half of the 20th century. I however wholeheartedly agree with you, Ken, in that there is no "correct" position for the little finger.
kenbloom
Posts: 212
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2014 11:50 am
Location: Pilot Mountain, NC
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Re: Practice Video - Volkstümliche Zitherschule p31 - Der erste Tanz

Post by kenbloom »

Thanks Evelyn,

I appreciate the update. My view is from afar. I first learned the zither basically on my own in California before I moved to Chicago and was able to meet Rudi Wacek and Ludwig Karlbrunner. It's always instructive to be able to hear from people who really know what's going on! thank you.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.org
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