Hi, I'm Ailbhe McDonagh. In this video, we are discussing left hand extensions.
In the left hand, we are used to playing in a "closed" hand position where there is no stretching. An extension is when you literally open that space to reach an extra note without shifting out of position. Because it is an unusual motion, it can feel awkward at first.
The golden rules of extensions
To avoid tension and pain, you must remember two key rules:
- Do not hold the stretch: an extension is only for a brief period of time. Almost immediately after you play the extended note, your hand must snap back into its normal, relaxed closed position.
- Only stretch between the 1st and 2nd finger: the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers always stay in their normal group. The physical opening only ever happens between the 1st and 2nd finger.
The mechanics: elbow and hand shape
When you extend the 1st finger, it will become quite straight, and you will actually play on the side of the finger rather than the normal fleshy pad.
The secret to making this comfortable doesn't come from the fingers at all, it comes from the arm. Moving your elbow forward makes it significantly easier to open that 1st finger outwards.
Backward vs. forward extensions
- Backward extensions: this is when you extend the 1st finger backwards (from a higher note to a lower note). By bringing the elbow forward and opening the 1st finger back, this usually feels quite natural.
- Forward extensions: this is when you move from a lower note up to a higher note. This is trickier because you have to pivot. You must lift your thumb slightly, pivot on the finger that is currently playing, bring the elbow forward, and place the new finger down.
The "low wall" analogy
When doing a forward extension, think of jumping over a low wall. You don't just reach a foot over; you physically throw your body weight onto the new foot.
On the cello, you must "throw" your arm weight from the lower finger onto the newly extended finger. To make sure you don't hear a gap or an open string during this jump, make sure both fingers are pressed down for a split second before releasing the old note.
Practice recommendation
To practice these movements in a musical context, I highly recommend my piece Shifting Sands from my book It's a Cello Thing, Book 1 (also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Music). You can get the sheet music here.