Thumb As Arch-maker

Alan's exercise to raise the metacarpal arch - imagining a string tied round the forefinger knuckle, pulling back to to shoulder gently - got me experimenting: I noticed i could get the same result with a different process : by pushing/sliding my thumb forward. Thus drops my wrist, raises my metacarpals, and brings the hand into a grasp-ready position, all without consciously thinking about it. My forefinger in particular is freed from excessive pressure. Alan, this seems like a really good stategy. But are there any inherent dangers that i may not be aware of? Perhaps stiff thumb or wrist? Because these are both now going thru a new organisation, i can't tell if their slightly weird feeling at the moment is just because of the novelty, or if it is because they are slightly tense. Your insights would be much appreciated. Thanks, tom

There was a big focus on exactly what you described in my recent lessons with Alan. Once you've got the thumb moving like that, get your fingers flexing so they move in opposition and you've got a very powerful movement that constantly regenerates the arch. Also, having the thumb move differently to the fingers allows it's differentiation of function to become readily apparent and thus allows greater differentiation of sound. You could experiment with different ways of moving your wrist to give your system some options: 1. Leave it passive, as you are currently doing 2. Move it slightly upwards, going against the passive movement. This may be difficult to do easily. Actually, I find when I'm playing larger chords this movement becomes a rolling over the top with the wrist (which appears to be prominent), but somehow the arch stays functional. 3. Move it slightly downwards, amplifying the passive movement that already happens. That way you enter the realm of choice. I'd recommend checking out the as it is exactly the movement you've described.

Very interesting, I look forward to trying those! Yes, as a poor student I haven't quite been willing to buy All Thumbs yet, tantalizing though it is - I think I still have a lot to squeeze out of the first two books

I can understand that. Alan's books are great, but food, running water and central heating do tend to be a priority. The thumb movement we're talking about is a large part of (and Alan's teaching), though, so I think you'll find it very beneficial.

Anyway Tom, just to reassure you that from what you describe it all sounds fine and you shouldn't have anything to worry about in experimenting further in this direction. Congratulations on figuring it out for yourself, that's what it's all about! Best wishes, AFF