Advanced left hand techniques on the hurdy-gurdy: over- and underpitching

Hello, I'm Claudia Elmer. In today's lesson on drehleieronline.de we will introduce two more techniques that will help you to move elegantly across the hurdy-gurdy keyboard: over- and under-setting. These techniques are crucial for mastering larger melodic ranges with ease.

What does overset and underset mean?

Over- and underpitching are techniques in which the position of the hand on the keyboard changes in order to play melodies with a larger range.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Starting position: Start with the fourth finger on the third key. Make sure that your left arm/elbow/wrist is loose in order to remain flexible.
2. Execution of the translation: When translating upwards, pull your hand together slightly to reduce the distance that the little finger has to cover to the index finger, for example, while playing the note before translating. This makes it easier to reach the key to the right of the position of the index finger in time to continue the melody. The left elbow gently pushes the forearm to the right so that the hand is supported during translation and does not have to be twisted.
3. Design of the coaster: When playing downwards, the elbow helps the hand by gently pulling it to the left to create enough space for the hand to rest. For example, you automatically pull the index finger to the note to the left of the little finger with the elbow movement. The hand does not need to be twisted.
4. Exercise with different fingers: This technique is not limited to moving a finger over or under. This can be tried out in any combination. This promotes coordination and makes it possible to play melodies with larger ranges.

Tips for effective practicing

• Elbow insert: The elbow is crucial for this technique. It should be moved flexibly to create sufficient space for the hand movement or to support the hand by gently pushing it.
• Hand relaxation: It is important that the hand remains relaxed while playing. Avoid tensing your hand or twisting it unnecessarily.
• Preparation and transitions: Always prepare your movements for over/under by starting the movement on the note beforehand, if possible, so that there is only a small distance to cover between the notes. The transitions between the notes will be smooth and precise.

Conclusion

Overpitching and underpitching are advanced techniques that will advance your playing on the hurdy-gurdy. They enable smoother, more precise handling of the keyboard and help you to master fast melodic passages with ease. Practice these techniques regularly and you will soon have a lot of fun, even with more complex melodies. If you would like to learn more or need individual support, please book a free initial consultation on my website. I look forward to helping you and answering your questions. See you soon, Claudia!