I'm really frustrated, I'm a very beginner, only took 4 lessons. I'm working on this piece that's quite slow. When I play F# on the D string, after I stop the string with my 2nd finger, I release my finger and it rings, rather loudly!!


It only happens on the D string, but I only have to play the G string (open string) once at the end, so I 'm not sure if it'll happen on other strings, but so far only D string is giving me this big headache.

Anyone know what's wrong?

Do you mean the F sharp is ringing on?

Don't worry about it - you have only had 4 lessons and violin playing is VERY hard.

It sounds as if you are slightly plucking the string as you release your finger. This may be due to the angle of the finger, angle of release, tension, sweaty finger.....a combination.

I still, after many years, occasionally do this in fast passage work across the strings, and it is always down to tension.

Your teacher will help you sort this out. There is more frustration for the adult learner because we know how it should sound, but on the other hand we are more motivated and can often make faster progress.

No kidding about the very hard part!! Every day I find new problems!!! Sometimes, some problems go away, and some days, they all appear on the same piece. It's very frustrating.

It must be my finger angle, because when I just stop the string an lift my finger, paying attention not to pluck it, it still rings... I'll show my teacher next week.

Papini's theme variation is driving me up the wall.

This sometimes happens when you're starting out as your fingers take on the little dents where you press the strings, even if you pay great attention to not plucking, the dent in your finger will pluck the string anyway. As you develop hard skin on your fingers, it will smooth out and it should stop happening. Chat to your teacher about it though, because it may be something else and they have the luxury of expertise and being able to see you!

Allan

I just tried this again, when my fingers has no dents, and it happened again!!! Are my fingers not borned to play violin?

I reckon your finger is just sticking to the string a bit because the skin is going through some changes on the finger tips. Try not putting so much pressure on the string - it often surprises people who are new to the fiddle to realise that you don't need to crush the string into the fingerboard - you can usually remove a good 50% of the pressure you're putting on and the note will sound out just fine. Check out www.violinmasterclass.com and look at left hand basics in the masterclasses - I think there's one on finger dropping and lifting - give it a try (but don't be put off by the sight of foetuses with violins playing weinawski!)

I wouldn't worry about it, when I started fiddle (about four years ago) it happened to me for a while. It never happens now.

When are you seeing your teacher - that's really the best person to put you at ease.

THank you for your kind words!! I thought i will not be able to play at all!!

Nah! Don't worry about it - in a few months you'll look back and think 'what was I so worried about!' - honestly!

Allan