On the extended little finger

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Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

On the extended little finger

Once in awhile, you will get people pointing out that some of the great picado players, such as Vicente or Paco or John Williams, stick out their little finger in a somewhat tense manner. I have noted Juan Serrano, who has good picado even in his advanced years, do this. Normally this is thought of as a fault, something that they 'get away with', but I have heard it suggested that maybe it is a good thing. Maybe sticking the little finger out gets some tendons or what not "out of the way", letting the im alternation proceed more cleanly. Just a thought.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 22 2005 17:35:29

Ricardo

Posts: 14889
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: On the extended little finger (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

The real question would be, do any of the mentioned players consciously stick out their pinky, or did they when learning, or is something that happens w/out them thinking too hard about it.

I would guess the later, if the player has a very fast and natural sound. Any time person A criticizes a technique or way of holding the hand or whatever, (saying it can't be or should not be done this way...), along comes person B doing exactly what he should not, and playing circles around person A. So I personally would not focus too much time/energy on the right and wrong pinky position. But analyzing someone's technique is educational regardless.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 3:59:50