Dear Mari-Luisa, when it hurts, wait c 5-10 seconds, it often stops. Then continue where you stopped, not from the beginning. Also better practice better 3 times 10 min instead of 30 min, until it doesn't hurt. The first year can be tough on the hand.

@@georgcellothank you very much for the advice. This gives me lots of hope. I watched some of your other videos as well, and adjusted my body, peg length, and my hands. It is already making a big difference. I appreciate your videos.

Thank you Alexis. Enjoy playing to the fullest!

Yes, it is in Volume 2 of My Cello Method, website: www.georgcello.com/sheetmusic.htm

Thank you Wendy

Thank you Rose

Thank you Barbara

Thanks Richard

Thank you Adriana

Clicks through! Thanks Paul

Thanks Marc!

Yes, I have heard it absolutely can help the trigger finger cramp. The locked joint though seems more a cello problem and needs its special treatment focussed on cello positions.

I found this lesson extremely helpful, although I only have locked joints in my right hand. This problem blocked my advancing in piano to a professional level, so I focused entirely on the cello. The dynamics you described between the second and third joints on a finger can be applied to piano playing, too. Since this is not a piano forum, I will resist going more deeply into this unless there is interest. I also benefitted from what you said about touching other strings. I had noticed that if I avoided touching the D string, say, when playing a D on the G string made a better sound so I started to avoid touching the next string whenever possible. I became obsesses with overtones! This was a mistake. Your blind man's walk around a large room demonstrated very well how this constrains cello playing.

@violetFlameMusic I was reading up on acupuncture and trigger finger and it seems to apply best to joints that are inflamed. My joints are very loose with no inflammation and have been this way since birth. Do you think acupuncture would be helpful?

For locked joints the problem went away with my students using the exercises and changes mentioned, without other medical interference. As for the cramps magnesium tablets helped really well.

I had a cello lesson today and showed my teacher how you pretended to be blind and tried to find the walls in a large room. I emulated your fumbling reaches and your graceful dance, and she and I both howled with laughter! This is just what I needed to break through to the next level. Thank you!

Thanks Greg

Thank you. It's rewarding reaching students far away! I did a series about more cello issues, maybe you find some helpful - www.patreon.com/collection/12367?view=expanded

It is part of My CELLO METHOD Volume 4, there are all Duos, like also Breval, La Cinq etc. Best go to www.patreon.com/georgcello, then click on "shop" (it's one of the last ones)

Thanks, realising things is a great way forward

Thanks Eric, yes, the 'common wisdom' are often easy to remember nonsense