How to Fix 90% of Your Intonation Problems

Summary

In this informative video, Tobiah Morphy from Murphy Music Academy addresses the common misconception that intonation issues are solely an auditory problem. He emphasizes that most intonation problems are mechanical, stemming from poor hand frame. Morphy demonstrates how to develop a proper hand frame for consistent finger placement and accuracy. He provides targeted exercises and strategies for beginners, intermediate players, and those with advanced techniques, aiming to resolve approximately 90% of intonation issues through deliberate practice and refined finger action.

Takeaways

• 🎻 The script emphasizes that intonation is not just an 'ear' problem but largely a mechanical one, specifically related to hand frame.
• 👂 It suggests that even untrained ears can discern between in-tune and out-of-tune sounds, indicating that ear training is less of an issue for basic intonation problems.
• 📐 'Hand frame' refers to the default shape of a violinist's left hand, which is crucial for consistent finger action and accuracy.
• 🤞 The ideal hand frame should have the first and fourth fingers forming a rough perfect fourth, with the second and third fingers comfortably positioned over the strings.
• 👶 For child beginners, developing a proper hand frame should start from the first day of learning to play the violin.
• 👧 Teachers should guide young students to maintain a hand frame shape that allows for easy movement to first and fourth fingers without unnecessary pressure.
• 🎼 Intermediate or advanced players with poor hand frame habits may face technical difficulties when tackling more complex music.
• 🔄 To improve hand frame, practice scales slowly and focus on keeping fingers hovering above their spots, correcting any bad tendencies.
• 🎼 Use exercises from books like 'School of Violin Techniques' to refine finger action and pinpoint intonation accuracy.
• 🎯 When practicing, aim for consistency in finger placement, treating the finger movement like a spear that can be controlled until it reaches the target.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Pay close attention to the mechanics of finger movement, not just the sound outcome, to truly improve intonation over time.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Tobiah Morphy?

The main focus of the video is to address the issue of intonation in violin playing and to demonstrate how to improve it through proper hand frame and finger action.

Why does Tobiah Morphy suggest that intonation is not primarily a problem of the ear?

Tobiah Morphy suggests that intonation is not primarily a problem of the ear because most people, even those with untrained ears, can tell the difference between in-tune and out-of-tune sounds, and the majority of intonation issues are mechanical rather than auditory.

What is 'hand frame' in the context of violin playing?

In the context of violin playing, 'hand frame' refers to the default shape of the violinist's left hand which optimizes both consistency of finger action and accuracy.

What is the significance of the first and fourth fingers forming a perfect fourth in any position according to the video?

The significance of the first and fourth fingers forming a perfect fourth in any position is that it establishes a default hand shape that allows for consistent and accurate finger placement, which is crucial for good intonation.

What is the role of the second and third fingers in terms of hand frame?

The role of the second and third fingers in terms of hand frame is to sit comfortably, hovering over the given string they are playing on or going to play on, making it easy for them to reach their low or high positions as needed.

How does Tobiah Morphy define the term 'good hand frame' for a child beginner?

For a child beginner, 'good hand frame' is defined as a developing hand shape where the child's fingers are trained to hover over the strings and maintain a proper hand frame shape, even though they may initially press down with the tips of their fingers due to the size of their violins and fingers.

What is the purpose of practicing scales with a focus on hand frame for intermediate or advanced players?

The purpose of practicing scales with a focus on hand frame for intermediate or advanced players is to correct bad tendencies, such as the curling of the fourth finger, and to establish a more efficient and accurate hand shape that will improve intonation.

How can an intermediate player with a poor hand frame start improving their intonation?

An intermediate player with a poor hand frame can start improving their intonation by practicing scales and left-hand exercises with a focus on maintaining the proper hand shape and finger action, ensuring that all fingers hover above their spots and move with precision.

What is the 'pinpoint intonation' exercise and how does it help with intonation?

The 'pinpoint intonation' exercise involves practicing simple scales or etudes with a focus on the accuracy and consistency of finger placement on the strings. It helps with intonation by training the fingers to find the correct pathway to each note, refining the movement over time.

Why does Tobiah Morphy compare finger action to a spear rather than a bullet when discussing intonation practice?

Tobiah Morphy compares finger action to a spear rather than a bullet to emphasize the importance of controlling the entire pathway of the finger to the string. This analogy highlights the need for continuous aim and precision, rather than a quick, uncontrolled motion.

What is the final 10% of intonation problems that Tobiah Morphy mentions, and how are they addressed?

The final 10% of intonation problems that Tobiah Morphy mentions are those that occur in more complex or unusual playing situations, such as high positions across all four strings or when fingers need to stretch unusually. These are addressed by working specifically on these situations within the context of the music being played.