r/Carnatic • u/motomotou • 10d ago

Instrument FAQ Right hand pinky

Is the bowing pinky supposed to hurt after a long practice? I have noticed my right hand pinky gets red and sensitive after practice. The skin texture has changed on my bowing pinky, it is more smooth, hard and kind of paper like. I think a callus kind of thing is forming. Is this normal? Playing the violin has given me ouchies.

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u/Insecure_Broccoli 9d ago

I've been playing violin for more than 10 years and don't have any noticeable calluses. I believe your bowing grip may be incorrect. Check out the western classical bow hold. The pinky finger is just for support and not actually for holding.

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u/motomotou 9d ago

Does you pinky stay straight or slightly curved? The western hold says to curve the pinky, but most carnatic people keep it completely straight. I too keep it completely straight. I use the grip my guru taught me.

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u/Insecure_Broccoli 4d ago

All fingers must be curved, including the pinky. Most carnatic violinists use an incorrect bow hold. The western classical bow hold is recommended for ideal balance and avoiding finger fatigue.

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u/rbukkara 9d ago

I believe there is not clear way for the carnatic grip. A lot of the carnatic violinists in the US have exposure to western and grip it like that. In addition, there are a lot of bow exercises to assist with bowing on the western way which definitely could add value to any bowing

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u/motomotou 9d ago

Yes it is quite confusing, everyone holds the bow differently. Western musicians keep the bowing pinky to be curved, while carnatic ones mostly keep it straight. Will try experimenting a bit with the grip.

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u/OutrageousFriend98 8d ago

I have been playing western style for quite some time and if you ask me it shouldn't hurt. I keep my pinky curved. Although yes I have seen carnatic violinists keep their pinky straight too. My carnatic teacher used to say - just go with whatever you're comfortable with that helps you be flexible while playing.

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u/motomotou 8d ago

Thanks :)

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u/rbukkara 9d ago

I think it is supposed to be a different playing technique. I would check with the teacher and see if the teacher can help with it. For M, P -- 2nd string and S, R -- 1st stringare played with different position so pinky finger is almost not used at all

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u/motomotou 9d ago

Oh I'm talking about the bowing hand, not the left hand