Left Hand Efficiency Exercise

Download: Left Hand Efficiency Exercise

Download: Left Hand Efficiency Exercise with Rhythms

Efficiency in the left hand is an important skill not only for executing challenging passages but also for reducing the likelihood of injury over time. This exercise is a great reminder of efficient movement after time away from the instrument or as a tool to learn and teach efficient movement. As with all repetitive exercises, be mindful of your body and take frequent breaks or stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. To further avoid potential injury I highly recommend practicing this exercise at a comfortable soft dynamic.

The general principle of this exercise is to gently prepare the next finger before changing strings. For example in the first pattern you play F# (1st finger) then G (2nd finger) on the E string, while playing the G you gently and efficiently move your first finger to lightly touch B on the A string. Strive for a legato bow stroke with gentle articulations, especially when crossing multiple strings.

The basic string crossing pattern can be practiced separately in this open string warm up.

This exercise can also be used as purely left hand exercise if you have an injured right bow arm but want to maintain form in the left hand.