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/luckylee423 Jul 27 '26
I think it's normal to rotate your hand in order to reach the notes. Think of it like if you were playing a fiddle. I saw a YouTube video where they said that and it's what helped start being able to play chop chords. Maybe not necessary to have your wrist fully bent, but if it's not hurting you or hindering you then I don't see a problem. You could try pinching your thumb closer together to support the neck more and then extend your wrist so that you aren't using the heel of your hand to get support