First Timer - Looking For Feedback (Video)

[castlemerde]

Hey there,

I've just recently started practicing on the Erhu, and wish for some redemption for my ears.
Been taking notes from what has been posted on this fantastic forum, so thank you guys.

Here's a short video of me trying not to be too stiff/loose.. I think I'm too loose actually:
youtu.be/1LamZ--uCbg

I'm usually working with a tuner to see if I hit the right notes, sorry about that.
Still working on bowing in a straight line.
Finding it really hard being consistent and smooth with the bowing.
All excuses aside, please be as harsh as you want.

[edcat7]

Hi castlemerde and welcome. You've done very well and your bowing is good, smooth and relaxed, you even move your elbows and wrist out first. One piece of advice though: keep your left elbow down and relaxed, otherwise it will tire and may cause left shoulder pain. Congratulations.

Ed

[castlemerde]

Thanks Ed!
I'll pay more attention to it.

Is fingering with plucking instead of bowing a viable method for learning the finger positions?

[paulv]

+1 for what Ed says.

For learning the finger positions is just a long process -- just keep playing the scale (up and down)and watching your tuner. I know that's boring, but that's part of getting the left hand correct. Periodically check the open string tuning on your erhu (maybe every half hour).

Regards,
paul...

[castlemerde]

Thanks for replying paul.

I've been practicing the D scale in the first position for a few days now, and progress is painfully slow. I don't think I'll be able to be 100% precise.
How should I progress? Should I continue with the D scale and move in positions, or should I stay in the first position and try different scales?

Further more, I've been reading about the position of the Qianjin (Nut), and I've noticed that it's too low compared to the base of my pinky finger.
I've tried moving it, but I'm pretty sure I'll have to re-tie it. Forcing it doesn't seem to be a smart idea, or is it.. Gonna wait before I do anything rash.
Should I mess with it?

I'm considering buying the Erhu book called "Bridging the Gap", but I'm not sure if it teaches the basics thoroughly enough.
Then again, I don't have a teacher anywhere near me. So I'll take what I can get until I muster the courage/cash to seek one abroad.
Does anyone recommend it? I've searched the forum and seen a few that are happy with it, but not enough to convince me.


Still figuring stuff as I go.
Your help is very very very much appreciated!

[castlemerde]

Sorry people, I should have searched the forum more thoroughly before asking questions that were already asked and answered.

Seems the Qianjin CAN just be moved, although with difficulty, depends on the number of loops.

And the book.. I'm just going to buy it. I feel like I need to make some progress, and this is my only option.

[paulv]

Aug 13, 2016 18:06:37 GMT castlemerde said:

Sorry people, I should have searched the forum more thoroughly before asking questions that were already asked and answered.

Seems the Qianjin CAN just be moved, although with difficulty, depends on the number of loops.

And the book.. I'm just going to buy it. I feel like I need to make some progress, and this is my only option.

The qianjin has two measurements to consider: How far are the strings above the stick (this is already set, hopefully, by the builder); the position of the qianjin on the stick -- the rule of thumb for this position is to tune the erhu to the position the qianjin is currently in -- put your first (index) finger in its natural position on the first note (E on the D string) -- if the note is off, move the qianjin either up or down (slightly) to adjust. HTH

Regards,
paul...