The hand knuckle consists of the first phalanx and metacarpal bone.
The test for correct action in this respect is found in watching for mobility at the knuckle-joint.
You should use the
tapping finger to set the key in motion.
If you can freely sway the knuckle of the hand up-and-down while holding the notes down, this proves that you are using the right finger muscles the "small" ones; whereas, the slightest impediment in this floating, vertical movement at the Knuckle, is proof that you are using the wrong ones. Frequently test in this way, even during the actual performance of passages.
NOTE. But this does not mean that you must always sway the knuckles up and down while playing.
Such swaying merely serves as a visible test to ensure knuckle-mobility which in most cases is usually invisible.
To demonstrate the possibility of this two-fold action, experiment as follows:
- Clench your hand somewhat firmly, pressing your fingertips well into the palm of your hand.
- Notice, that while you continue doing this, there is a slight strain across the wrist, on its under-side.
- Now move the hand slightly and very carefully up-and-down, and you will notice this tension better.
- Now completely relax this straining across the wrist-joint, while still leaving the tips of your fingers gently in contact witli the palm of your hand.
It is solely this second form of quite light, gentle pressure that is required of your fingers, when you hold down the notes of your Pianoforte correctly.
You can also test for this correct holding of notes, by seeing whether the knuckles can float up-and-down while you hold the notes down.