Finger Substitution
Found in: Musicality, Pedaling, Technique
Kerry V., Australia
I have noticed pianists do something I have never been shown nor taught.
They play a note and then change the fingers so that note is still being played but the hand is being set up for the next steps.
Is this something that is taught in trad lessons or is it something people just adapt themselves over the years of playing?
Here is a great example.
Robin T., Australia
That is a pretty common and most useful technique and very helpful playing anything with counterpoint where one is endeavouring to keep the integrity of voices. For me it kind of developed of it’s own accord when it became apparent it was needed.
Kerry V., Australia
And is this actually taught or is it something people just do?
Rebecca K., Australia
It develops with the needs of the fingering when learning a piece of music. You will find what is comfortable as you go unless it is specifically stated with suggested fingering.
Kerry V., Australia
so you don’t teach it until reading of music? Is it something to actually teach? Or have the student discover it?
Rebecca K., Australia
I think you will teach it when it comes into the playing. Whether that be when reading or just playing
Ian B., California
I’ve seen students do this with zero direction from me 😂
Brenda D., Colorado
Happens all the time in organ playing technique. It’s called substitution. Since there are no damper pedals, it is necessary to make legato musical lines.
Sam C., Australia
It is taught in AMEB. They have the finger numbers written above the notes and shows the swap e.g. 5-3
Marlene H., California
This can be learned on a synth as well as a piano. When you want the sound to stay without a pedal keep the fingers on the keys as long as possible.
Leisa B., Georgia
I actually teach a finger switch when moving from E to the FABE chord. I say “switch(f3 to f5) stretch (f1 to F) play ( bc f 2&3 automatically sit on A & B when hand is stretching from F to E. 😊
Original discussion started January 2, 2022