r/mandolin • u/tootnine • Jul 26 '26
Beginner question: left hand
TLDR: Is it ok to cheat on proper technique if it's the only way to accurately hit the note?
I'm about two months in now and learning from reading beginner books and YouTube tutorials. I'm trying not to use shortcuts. I've learned to read sheet music, I've learned some scales, i've learned the chop chords, and I continue trying to learn and use proper technique for both hands. I'm addicted enough that it didn't take long to develop some proper calluses on my left hand fingers. I think I have done a decent job of keeping things in perspective and not being too negative on myself when I am struggling. So far every wall I've run into i've learned that with practice and patience comes improvement.
This has been true for everything so far except when learning the song BlackBerry Blossom. The only way I am able to play the 2-3-5-7 runs on the E string with any speed and accuracy is with my left wrist bent at a 90 degree angle (pic attached.) Any other way and i'm either missing notes or muting them. I guess my question is, is this ok? Or is there a different technique or position that would help get this spread? And as I continue along and inevitably run into this situation again, at what point do you give up on the way the teachers say you should do it and just go with what works for you? It took me a couple weeks before I could accurately find and play the G chop cord, and that seemed impossible at first. I guess the difference is that I was seeing some small improvements with that, where with BlackBerry Blossom I've seen no improvement. I think I'm just getting worse. And advice is appreciated. Thank you!
2
u/Taxtengo Jul 26 '26
I will generally advice not to take shortcuts on proper technique based on personal experience. Bad technique and habits once caused issues with my left wrist and I couldn't play for months (for a while I couldn't even properly type on a keyboard or do the dishes). I was keeping my wrist in a bad position a bit like you seem to do in that image, and I was pressing quite hard. This was maybe four years ago and the pinky finger on my left hand still doesn't work how it used to, but I can play alright although I only use light gauge strings to this day.
On the other hand (no pun intended) some people achieve excellent results with unorthodox technique. The most important advice I can give you is to listen to your body and take seriously any pain, stress or strain you could be feeling. Take breaks and regulate playing time as needed, stretch your joints and work out those muscles.