Secret to Playing FAST Scales - RELAXATION

What is the Obstacle to Playing Fast?

Understanding the Core Issue

• The primary obstacle to speed in playing scales and melodic lines is not a lack of strength or speed; rather, it stems from excessive tension in the hands.

• Studies suggest that even non-professionals can move their fingers as quickly as professional pianists, indicating that physical capability isn't the issue.

Identifying Tension in Technique

• Many players, including those with years of experience, may have developed bad habits that contribute to unnecessary tension while playing.

• Observations show that students often struggle with finger placement and technique, which can lead to lifelong issues if not corrected early on.

The Five Finger Exercise: A Solution

Introduction to the Exercise

• The five-finger exercise aims to reduce tension by keeping all fingers in contact with the keys while playing.

• This exercise helps identify and eliminate tension by ensuring that only the fingers currently playing notes are active.

Steps for Effective Practice

• The first step involves gaining deliberate control over finger movements. Using a metronome can help maintain rhythm and focus on technique.

• Players should practice slowly at first, gradually increasing tempo as they gain control over their finger movements.

Key Techniques for Reducing Tension

Proper Finger Positioning

• It's essential to keep wrists level and avoid flattening fingers when they come up from the keys; maintaining a gentle curve is crucial.

• Each finger should be positioned correctly on its respective key without forcing any movement beyond what feels natural.

Advanced Considerations

Piano Technique and Finger Exercises

Importance of Hand Coordination

• The instructor suggests practicing finger exercises by rotating hands, emphasizing the need to cover various black and white key combinations.

• Certain combinations, like C and G or A and D, are deemed unnecessary due to their repetitive nature with all-white keys.

• The focus is on exploring different black-white combinations to enhance finger agility without overcomplicating the practice routine.

Structured Practice Routine

• A recommended workout involves using "dokhnayi patterns," which help in developing consistency through structured hand switching every major third.

• This method allows for a comprehensive approach by covering all 12 chromatic starting points while incorporating rest intervals between hand switches.

Speed and Repetition in Practice

• Speed in playing develops through repetition; however, caution is advised as familiarity can lead to uneven tempos across longer pieces.

• It's crucial to maintain awareness of tempo changes during practice, ensuring that parts played comfortably do not speed up uncontrollably.

Mastering Scales and Chords

• Understanding the core techniques will improve overall playing skills, including chord voicing and control over musical colors within chords.

• The key takeaway is that speed comes from eliminating tension rather than simply trying to play faster; consistent practice leads to improvement.

Additional Resources