Can you play piano with small hands and short fingers? Pro tips!

Рет қаралды 22,478

Күн бұрын

Can you play piano with small hands and short fingers? Do you struggle playing big intervals and chords with small hands and short fingers? In this video, I’ll show you a couple of tricks to help you play big chords, even with small hands!
Do you have any other questions about piano playing, piano techniques, or want some tips and tricks? Please let me know in the comments!
Preparation before a live solo performance on the piano? Watch this video for great tips:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO8Yz...
Here are some of my live piano performances:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NxNr...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtmTB...
The video that tells the back story of this piece (Amazing Grace and Beethoven’s 9th): www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgxHs...
You can also get the music score (Amazing Grace and Beethoven’s 9th) here: www.amazon.com/Rhapsody-Amazi...
Website: www.yukingchou.com
Facebook: / yuking.chou
Email: info@yukingchou.com
Filmed and edited by: www.brandenburghproductions.com/

Пікірлер: 124

@victoriafelt3289 2 жыл бұрын

How was it that I was a struggling piano major for a year, hurting myself playing Debussy, and no one taught me basic stretches?! Thank you so much for these!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment! These stretches really work. I hope now you can enjoy your Debussy even more! ❤

@sharonweaver3494 2 ай бұрын

Plez do a video on building confidence for public performances.

@frog.loves.the.mo0n 2 ай бұрын

this woman rly gaved me hope. I already thought that I probably will never be able to play the pieces I want to but bcs of her I have hope again. So thank you 🙏

@antons4496 3 жыл бұрын

I have relatively small hands too. But, I'm definitely interested in getting stronger fingers. Please keep the tips coming!👍

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. Yes, definitely come back for more tips!❤️

@mirandasinn8983 3 жыл бұрын

I never knew that you can stretch your hands to improve the range. Wow, eye opening! I'm interested too to learn how to strengthen the fingers!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, yes, it really works! Please come back for more tips!❤️

@garpts1 Ай бұрын

Dr. Yuking, I'm cured! I struggled with the octaves in Mozart's Turkish march for months now, i even gave up for a while and only played the upper notes. Others videos I found on how to play octaves were not working for my small hands. The fist strech exercise was perfect for my hands, i felt a huge improvement and it was exactly the extra reach I needed to play well and not hit middle keys in the octave❤ You are a brillient teacher, thank you🎹🎶

@greenoasis5518 Ай бұрын

This was really helpful for me! Thank you!

@terigilligan5780 3 жыл бұрын

I can already feel the difference. This is a nice way to take a break as I practice.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Ha, yeah absolutely!❤️

@michellesantana7461 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Ive never met an adult with smaller hands then mine! I’m beginning intermediate struggling with more advanced chords! I could feel the difference right after the exercises! 🙏

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment! Yes, I have seen on my adult students, who feel the difference right after the exercises. Isn't that crazy! 😉 Good luck with your advanced chords!

@gaiuscaligula3497 3 жыл бұрын

I have small hands and short fingers (I'm 5'3), but my already fingers stretch quite far like yours. I'm a typist so I think that might be why. I've been told by piano player that I type the same way people play the piano. I've never played the piano before, but this has encouraged me. Thank you.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, typist! Very cool! I think that the "curved fingers" and "downwards motion" are pretty similar. I didn't know that you have to stretch much though! If you can, that's even better!👍

@mwhossaini Жыл бұрын

This is amazing. Thank you.

@violaclark5445 3 жыл бұрын

Love it, as always!👍

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you!❤️

@lizmc6027 3 жыл бұрын

Always love watching you!❤️

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much!❤️

@bikedawg 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful--thank you!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@MatterMusic 9 ай бұрын

This was extremely helpful. Looking forward to implementing 🙏

@DrYukingPianoChannel 9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment! I’m glad to hear it. Good luck. 👍

@friskedmooo9369 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you!

@jasonramos9568 2 жыл бұрын

I just came across your channel and am liking the info. I will keep an eye out for your future videos.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you!👍

@pianist.dr.jiyounglee 3 жыл бұрын

I just followed your direction. You are awesome! I'm already waiting for your next video!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

You are so sweet! I love your videos too!👍

@choufamily5615 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your wonderful teaching.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you so much!❤️

@clkjackson2005 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Dr. This helps. Subscribed and liked!!!!!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment, Cristian Jackson! ❤️

@chlhpua 5 ай бұрын

Thank you a lot! ❤

@DrYukingPianoChannel 5 ай бұрын

You are very welcome!❤

@CoolFiPiano Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am quite hopeful after seeing your video! My hands can barely reach an octave comfortably, I will definitely try your technique, Thank you!

@mausib Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you too!❤️

@1ucasvb 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! Love the attitude and the relatable small-hand content. Definitely a subscribe for me.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you so much!❤️

@puranchand27 9 ай бұрын

🙏👍Good Morning Mam & Thanks a Ton

@shiolin7587 3 жыл бұрын

I love your teaching very much. I definitely like to watch you again.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you!❤️

@teamliao 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent. I surely want to watch your lesson next time.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you, yes please come back!❤️

@unboxingph7195 2 жыл бұрын

So grateful for this, Doctor! I've overcome one of my piano insecurities. Thanks so much

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! ❤

@alexcarroll237 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I still use the techniques you taught me in my trial lesson a year ago at MSJ. You are an inspiration.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you, Alex! So good to hear from you. I hope that you are well. I can't wait to hear you play again!

@fokkang 3 жыл бұрын

great video, hope you can post more tutorials!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! They are coming! ❤️

@msmusicology8420 3 жыл бұрын

I have pretty small hands too and I do struggle with big chords. These are such great tips! Thanks for sharing!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw thank you! I hope the stretches help you with those big chords!❤️

@stanleymhone5713 Жыл бұрын

I definitely enjoyed this lesson as, although I am a man, I don't have very big hands (it's in the family!). Looking forward to the your next episode.

@margretking7817 3 жыл бұрын

Ha, here you are! Very useful!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, sorry that I missed last week! Please come back!❤️

@SebastianMusicStudio 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! Very Nice Video!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!❤️

@nstarbaby 3 жыл бұрын

Very good exercise. For new topic, I would love to hear you sharing your experience on what are the appropriate Grand Piano size for a give size room.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching. Yes, it’s definitely a good new topic!👍

@peggygrant7485 3 жыл бұрын

I'm an oboe player but will use your techniques!!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Aw, so good to see you here, Peggy! I hope you are well!❤️

@mc_nitzan 8 ай бұрын

I'm currently learning Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and there's a bar that's played with a long interval (9th) and I worked on it with the other hand completing it. I'm gonna try this stretching from now on, so thank you! I also subscribed :D

@DrYukingPianoChannel 7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you! I hope that the 9th interval in Moonlight is getting better! Keep stretching! 👍

@ivanahe4038 Жыл бұрын

Dr Yuking thank you so much. My hands are the same size like yours but they are not stretched well. For years I am thinking about quite playing the piano, but I see hope in continuing to play the piano after watching your video. You are truly inspiring!

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ivka so much for your comment! The stretches definitely help! Don't quit, if you love music! 😉

@spacetraveller9399 9 ай бұрын

😳 Wow! The chords you can play with two fingers! 😳😳😳

@AlSween 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm 4'8 and 40 years old. I've been playing since I was 5. I hope that it is not too late for me to do stretches.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment! It is never too late to stretch. I have seniors students who do this regularly, and feel difference immediately! Enjoy your piano playing! 👍

@sgtpepper91 Жыл бұрын

Mozart and Beethoven both played on instruments with smaller keys.

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Yes, that’s correct! ❤️

@jigglybandito9505 Жыл бұрын

Subscribed !

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!❤️

@jigglybandito9505 Жыл бұрын

@@DrYukingPianoChannel the stretches have helped me very much with the hanon exercises.

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

@@jigglybandito9505 I’m so glad to hear that!👍

@kayesong 2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!❤️

@xensbooks5510 2 жыл бұрын

I am 16 and I’m 4,8ft and I have tiny hands, I’m going to try to stretch my hands, hopefully this works!!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment! You should absolutely try this. It has always work for me and my students of any age. Good luck!❤️

@xensbooks5510 2 жыл бұрын

@@DrYukingPianoChannel thank you so much ❤️

@lorenzomorgoni524 3 жыл бұрын

gosh I realize I'm on the right path while practising intervals involving the thumb, but I'm stuck with only a 4th at full stretch between 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5, can't believe a 6th is possible and probably needed for good control :o and of course noone of my piano teachers suggested me to stretch fingers this way, while probably it would have helped me :o

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Lorenzo, those stretches always have helped me and my students immensely. Keep stretching your hands, and you'll enjoy the big chords more! ❤️

@lorenzomorgoni524 3 жыл бұрын

@@DrYukingPianoChannel I hope to enjoy normal spans between fingers during regular passages (scales, arpeggios...) which I always struggled to control! Only concern is that at my age I could injure my tendons... May I practise stretches safely following your indications? Thanks a lot for your kind replies!

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

@@lorenzomorgoni524 Yes, only if your arms are absolutely "relaxed", and stretch the different combinations of fingers only a few seconds at a time!

@Hvranq Жыл бұрын

It is very simple to replace the keyboard of a piano. There is no logic reason for only one standard size especially if it is based on exceptional large hands.

@yellow92959 2 жыл бұрын

I have a question, if I do these regularly before practicing, will my hands eventually be able to reach larger chords? And how long would that take?

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment! Of course the more consistent you stretch your hands, say, doing it as warmups before daily practice, the better the result will be. As for big chords, that depends on how far you can stretch the fingers 2-3-4, and not just 1-5. How long it will take? That depends on individuals, and the chords. Just keep stretching, and it definitely will make the grips easier! Good luck! 👍

@barbarasmith6005 2 ай бұрын

Hey, why don't you get a smaller keyboard with narrower keys?

@RelicsareBetter Жыл бұрын

10’s on the white keys are doable, but when do you have to reach the black keys? Should we make the most of the double-escapement of the keys? For example E to G# for small hands like mine is too wide, nearly impossible. Any tips for those big stretch?

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mauro for your comment! Indeed, 10ths on white keys are doable, but not necessarily on white-black key combination. Some times, if you adjust the angle of wrist, or move fingers closer to black keys, you might be able to reach the keys. If the interval/chord is still too big to reach, then you will just have to roll them! Good luck!👍

@askawayaskaway Жыл бұрын

OMG her fingers are doing the splits! 😦 Never knew you could do stretching exercises with your fingers like this.

@temsuinla 3 жыл бұрын

Lmao..seeing her do that stretch here 3:05 How!!???

@rodrigoappendino 2 жыл бұрын

I have to learn to play months from gymnopedie n°1. It's pretty hard, because i have to jump my hand from one place and then suddenly play a chord with the ninth, and not only the ninth. And my finger, apparently, looks like it breaks. I don't know how to explain better.

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful piece. I know what you mean. You just have to train your hand to jump, and then “prepare” the chords right away. Good luck with your piece!👍

@roimanthabah9513 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Dr.Yuking I can reach to a tenth but with full stretch...and so I cant press the notes without touching the others...will I be able to play a root to 10th chord with these stretching in the long run? Kindly let me know

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, absolutely the stretches will help you in the long run. For big "chords" (not just two-note interval) though, make sure that you stretch the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 too, not just 1-5. Good luck! ❤️

@nadzoll Жыл бұрын

Can you reach a g minor chord: G, Bflat, D, G?

@ValkyRiver Жыл бұрын

Do you know about narrower keyboards?

@martinepeters9891 Жыл бұрын

How to fix a small pink compared to the other fingers? Stretch more length? Is that possible?

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Hi, thank you, Martine for your comment! The way to stretch pinky is to stretch fingers 4-5. Also, if you adjust the "angle" of your wrist slightly, according to you the passage that you are playing, it might make it more doable to play! Good luck!👍

@VCMD 3 жыл бұрын

would there still be an effect for an adult player who just started stretching? really need about 0.5 cm more handspan :(

@DrYukingPianoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I have students in their 60+ of age, stretching hands during lessons, and then felt immediately much easier to play big chords and octaves! Don’t give up!❤️

@ValkyRiver Жыл бұрын

Even a DS 6.0 suffices to give 0.5cm more handspan

@misisboom6698 2 жыл бұрын

I was worried how i could reach the octaves, i don't know about the an octave +2 keys lol, c4, d5 and e5 i need help indeed

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, with big intervals, you really need to be able to stretch your hands! Octave is 8. Add 1 more key is 9th, add 2 more keys is 10th and so on. Good luck and have fun stretching!

@paullarkin9177 2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestions. I'll download your video and delete the first 2min 33sec. That will leave the exercises I came here to learn.

@SH-vq8ut Жыл бұрын

I'm 4'6 being 16

@shiolin7587 3 жыл бұрын

Your

@shiolin7587 3 жыл бұрын

You are so good. I love your teaching very much!

@that-kitten- 2 жыл бұрын

It hurts even when I barely stretch them is that normal?🙃

@DrYukingPianoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

You will “feel” the stretch, just like when you stretch your body, but it shouldn’t “hurt”. Try to do some warmup before you stretch, it helps! ❤️

@that-kitten- 2 жыл бұрын

@@DrYukingPianoChannel ok thanks :)

@wengao6348 Жыл бұрын

I am 8 years old and there is a lot of piano song that I can’t play🤲🏻

@DrYukingPianoChannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment! ❤Just keep practicing, and stretch your hands! Eventually, you will be able to play more songs!

@alexisriendeaubeaulieu3617 Жыл бұрын

Tall your hands measure

@vladimirhorowitz6646 2 жыл бұрын

Height and hand size ain't really relevant. Beethoven was only 5'4" but there are a lot of straight 10th stretches in his pieces, not to mention the famous octave glissando in his Waldstein Sonata, which can only be playable with a hand stretch of 10th and more I'm a 5'7 1/2" guy and I can barely reach a 9th on white keys while my former colleague who is shorter than me (around 5'5") has much longer fingers than mine and although he doesn't play piano I'm pretty sure he would have no problem playing a 10th comfortably

@douglascutler1037 2 жыл бұрын

Didn't the upstart pianos from the early classical era have keyboards with narrower keys? And I don't simply mean fewer notes on the keyboard. Perhaps I'm mistaken. But from what I understand, the piano keys and keyboards got wider in the romantic era to accommodate triple stringing and a bigger instrument with bigger sound.