Sustainable Fingerings

In the same way that we  talk about “sustainable” agriculture,  “sustainable” economies etc we can talk about “sustainable” fingerings. Sustainable fingerings are those that don’t require us to practice 6 hours a day in order to be sure that we can do them successfully. Sustainable fingerings are defensive, safe, secure, reliable, low-risk fingerings.

A “sustainable” fingering often involves climbing up and down the fingerboard gradually – like a mountaineer taking a longer zig-zag path up (or down) a mountain to make it easier – rather than just taking the shortest most vertical route. “Sustainable” fingerings require a little more thinking as we have to plan our route in advance rather than just taking the shortest most direct path. We can go at it “like a bull” – just rushing up and down the “A” string blindly – or we can do some strategic planning to make the passage more ergonomically friendly. That way we will have more chance of being able to repeat the passage many times, under both favourable and unfavourable conditions, without stress, risk or exhaustion.

Of course, with fingerings, just like with financial investments and sports, taking high risks can give great rewards. “High-risk” fingerings give an adrenalin surge and can sound fantastic. But they require a huge self-confidence (or nerves of steel). And like many high-risk activities, the outcomes tend to be all or nothing situations: either absolutely fantastic  ……… or a total disaster.

In situations in which we prefer tranquility and reliability – for example if we’re not having the greatest day, and certainly for playing in an orchestral section – then we may want to choose “sustainable” fingerings.