Do I have fat fingers or is it a matter of technique?

Hi
I have a strange question.
I have been working on Bb major and the minor scales.
I am having problems with the broken triads on the minor scales because of having to bply up between the black keys. The spaces are so narrow that my fingers seem to be about the same size (I do not have big fingers) do other people find this? Do you have any tips to make this more comfortable for me?
Thanks

Would a needle help?

A needle?

I find I have a similar problem, I try to hit them a litte lower down. I have been working on using the lower part of the black keys, and then my fingers have more room. I'm finding my accuracy is better this way, and I don't have to strain my hands the same. I'm playing more relaxed.

I'm not in lessons, nor have I ever been, so i'm not sure if your teacher would apporve, but you have to do what works, if not, then you'll be frustrated and not find as much joy. Try it out, and let us know if it works. If you come up with another way, let us know that too, and maybe you'll give someone else an idea if they have a similar issue.

Happy playing!!

I just threw in some thought. Obviously I am not as gifted as you are Broccoli (and please don't take this the wrong way: I REALLY mean it) in sensing the problem (and thus knowing how to solve it best)

It wasn't a hostile take-over. LOL ( Yes, serious hyperbole) copper, regarding the needle, but rather a genuine question. I was wondering what it was (different that sewing?), and possibly an answer. I was kind of hoping to get a tip from it myself. ( I did say I was working on it.) LOL!!

Sorry - the whole needle thing went right over my head

Copper thought your keys might be stuck. He'd read it wrong. No worries Margery, he and I sorted it all out. LOL!! I was as lost as you were. LMAO!!!

The needle comment can be giggled at, but I hope the information I gave you helped any. We might have very different styles. I'm not into lessons and am self taught having inherited my abilities. A lot of my styles that work for me get scoffed at, and even worse, toffee-nosed. (Stuck up, snobbery etc.)

I know there are certain techniques that teachers and professionals like to use, and I've gotten into arguements with one fellow, a friend of my husband. He swears up and down to the point that he refuses to let me play for him, and he even discounted my singing ability, and refuses to hear it too. (I'm damned good, better than my piano playing.) He believes that no one without lessons can be worth anything, and that the russians do it all the best.

I digress, Margery. Take the techniques from your instructor, but if your fingers simply won't do it, you will have no choice but to alter your playing to get your fingers to get the scales right.

If your fingers won't play as taught and you work it out yourself, what's your teacher going to do? Smack you on your head? I doubt it. Even concert pianists will make their piano their own. As long as you get the sound right, and the timing, and whatever else you need, do what feels good, and what works.

I hope that was a good enough pep talk. Margery, I send you great commendation for trying to do your best, and for asking for help. It shows a great strength of character, a humble attitude, and we her at "My Piano Friends" really enjoy people like you on our site.

Why don't you join? We'd love to have you aboard.

Hopefully TTY Soon,
Broccoli

Thanks broccoli - You are right of course - the only right way is the way that works !
Funny you say that about Russians. in every field of art they are all very strict in there classical training. (I used to have a Russian drawing teacher...)

I have to laugh at myself. I can't tell you how happy I was that you're not russian, and I could have possibly offended you. (No real slight to them of course, but I'm not into insulting other cultures.)

Thanks for replying, and have to joined yet? We'd love to have you as a member. (I don't have admin status, so I can't tell.)

Best of luck with your playing. You'll go far with your attitude. ~B~

Broccoli, you also think that many Russian pianists have a typical 'style'? Although sometimes I am guessing wrong there are many times I can 'hear' who's Russian. I don't say they play better or worse, just that there is something to their style that makes it possible for me to identify them

Oh no, they definitely have a style. I can't pick them out, but my hubby's friend, HE can pick them out, and is extremely partial to them. I'd have to ask him again why, and if i get a chance, I'll let you know.

Margery, how is it going with your style? Keep it up!!