glissandow! Options

[Tortellini]

See what I did there? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I am studying 'S Wonderful (currently on the Grade 7 syllabus) but am really stuck at the glissando. It hurts. A lot. What am I doing wrong? Or am I a wimp? (I am doing it with the nail of the third finger).

[porilo]

I don't know the piece but I generally play right hand glissandi with the thumbnail and either the index or middle finger behind it to give support. Have you tried that? I don't think I would even dream of playing a glissando with the middle finger. That must hurt a lot! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[VH2]

See what I did there? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I am studying 'S Wonderful (currently on the Grade 7 syllabus) but am really stuck at the glissando. It hurts. A lot. What am I doing wrong? Or am I a wimp? (I am doing it with the nail of the third finger).

Nail of the 3rd finger (as indicated in the score) is the standard way to do it, as it is the longest finger, and using that finger the hand feels balanced as the finger is central. Are you catching the skin where it overlaps the nail, or just beyond? That would become painful after just a few repetitions. The idea is to play with the nail. That might hurt a little if you are not used to it, so you should not practice too many times, but it is nothing you can't stand and it soon toughens up and stops hurting. Perhaps you need to hold your finger at a steeper angle to the keyboard to avoid skinning it?

I don't know the piece but I generally play right hand glissandi with the thumbnail and either the index or middle finger behind it to give support. Have you tried that? I don't think I would even dream of playing a glissando with the middle finger. That must hurt a lot! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Thumbnail works for descending RH glissandi, but this is an ascending glissando. The thumb is possible, but it feels awkward and unnatural. Third finger is fine when done correctly.

[Tortellini]

Thanks! I am definitely only doing it with the nail but it is the nail that hurts. I think it is probably one of those things that you have to get used to.

[SkyT13]

I'm not sure if this is the proper way to do it, but I tend to do loud glissandos using the nails of all my fingers together (index/middle/ring/little) - I find this much easier to do and lets me put a lot more weight into the glissando to make it louder!

[corenfa]

I'm not sure if this is the proper way to do it, but I tend to do loud glissandos using the nails of all my fingers together (index/middle/ring/little) - I find this much easier to do and lets me put a lot more weight into the glissando to make it louder!

Me too. I'm also not sure if it's the proper way to do it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[VH2]

I'm not sure if this is the proper way to do it, but I tend to do loud glissandos using the nails of all my fingers together (index/middle/ring/little) - I find this much easier to do and lets me put a lot more weight into the glissando to make it louder!

Me too. I'm also not sure if it's the proper way to do it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

And who are the judge and jury that decide what is "proper" and what is not?

I think many of us have been damaged by a lifetime of taking exams and being judged by others rather than trusting our own jusgement.