Finger Tunnel for Violin and Viola | How To Put Fingers Down Without Touching Higher String

The finger tunnel is the basic skill of putting down a finger on one of the lower strings on the violin or viola and making sure that there is enough clearance to play the open string above it. This means that the finger cannot touch the adjacent string. This technique is important for playing smooth string crossings and double stops, developing good speed, dexterity, and setting up for good intonation through correct positioning of the fingers.

In this video, I go over 4 things that might be causing trouble in creating a successful finger tunnel and a few approaches/exercises to help you consistently clear that open string.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - What is the finger tunnel and why is it an important skill?
1:35 - Lift and drop fingers from base knuckles
2:06 - Finger angle in relation to strings
3:12 - Left elbow alignment
4:34 - Wrist alignment
4:58 - Left thumb position
5:38 - Bringing hand and knuckles closer to neck
6:11 - Almost like a vibrato exercise
7:02 - Different sides of the strings
8:10 - Left hand pizzicato
9:02 - Base of index finger problem
10:38 - Closing

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Inna Langerman
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