Just been trying out my cello scales by playing them with my eyes closed, a technique I read about on another forum. Anyone else do this? I think you can hear the tone and intonation better without any visual distractions. However, the first time you try it you make an awful mess!

Views?

This is a brilliant technique and I use it all the time, particularly when I'm memorising something.

The first time is always hard, but it does get easier, then your playing is safer.

I've always played stuff with my eyes closed when I'm trying to concentrate on intonation - it does help.

Yes, I do that occasionally, it's quite useful!

Thinking about it, when we were doing jazz the other weekend I closed my eyes quite a lot, helped me to concentrate on just going with it rather than thinking too hard!

I'm going to try that today. Never thought to do it with scales, I do it when I'm playing pieces without realising (one of my friends sais I looked like a "real violinist" because I shut my eyes, I hadn't even realised I did before then).
Oh and I do it for some aural tests, because it helps me listen better when I'm not looking at anything, I can concentrate better on the notes I hear. Anyone else do this?

Yes as others have already said it helps the intonation, concentration. I'm always a little concerned that the bow is staying between the bridge ok and not drifting up the finger board somewhere and I have to keep checking this out which means opening my eyes tee hee .

I tried it today and managed all the D scales 3 octaves slurred first time (record) AND B flat 2 octaves in 3rds!
Clearly a great method.

Hmm! Then I should try this. Only Maxim doesn't need to close his eyes!

I tried it yeaterday at it worked quite well. It does seem to help with intonation.

And you know why?? Because you are all trusting the muscle memory in your left arm and hand, while using your ears as guidance. Trusting your instincts as opposed to your eyes isn't just for Jedi folk, it's for string players too.

Looking at the strings when you play scales is an extremely bad habit to form in the first place. You end up learning to play with your eyes to "see" the notes (rather than your ears to "hear" the notes), but if the strings were to go slightly out of tune the result is poor intonation and not being fully aware of it.

May the force be with you............

That's a groovy idea! I'm gonna try that tomorrow when I practise.

Apologies fro gatecrashing the strings forum but playing with your eyes closed works with piano scales & arpeggios as well - it seems to improve muscle memory & also helps you to "hear them" properly.

No problem introducing the piano, let's not forget the blind French pianist Bernard d'Ascoli who is very popular here in the UK. Imagine the obstacles he has had to overcome...