Staying relaxed

[Si]

My teacher says I am all too tense and not relaxed when I play.

What are good ways to relax?

and how to feel relaxed when seems i have to use a lot of pressure when pressing down with the ring finger otherwise seems the sound is very slight.

[SCWGuqin]

I find that the best ways for relaxation I learned in martial arts, specifically internal martial arts.

The first thing to realize is that relaxation is entirely within your deliberate control. You can selectively relax any muscle; when performing an action (like on the qin, or punching someone) you should try to relax *every* muscle except the ones used to complete the task. The shoulders are especially important: keep them low and deliberately "empty" them. Also hang the elbows low and keep the wrists low also. You have greatest power moving your arms when the elbow is about a fist's width out from the ribs.

Breathe slowly and controlledly, and if possible coordinate breathing with techniques (i.e. exhale when doing a relatively more forceful technique).

I can probably come up with more if you ask for more.

[Si]

few extra questions

does back have to be straight?

when playing at the 10th hui - should the elbow still be a fist away from the ribs?

[Charlie Huang]

Your elbow should be naturally lowered rather than sticking out to the side, so yes, around a fist away from ribs.

The back is straight but naturally relaxed not tensed (if you straighten too much). Also, avoid leaning your back against the chair's backboard using it as support.