C Major Scale with Forearm Rotation, Avoiding Crossing the Thumb Under the Hand

Robert Kennedy
Robert Kennedy
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Published 2022-01-18
I demonstrate playing a C Major scale using forearm rotation for thumb crossings instead of the "train in the tunnel" crossing movement that many of us learned as beginning piano students.

The idea comes from these principles:

Prefer small tension in big muscles (e.g., your arm) over big tension in small muscles (e.g., your hand).

Prefer muscle tension that gravity demands to maintain hand structure in a relaxed position over tension that works against your own anatomy. Any position where your muscles are working against your anatomy instead of against gravity is a potential source of injury and is to be avoided.
All Comments (21)
  • @cambodennis
    I like the notion of crossing over as opposed to crossing under. That actually helped me physically by just using different language for this action.
  • @AaronGlenn88
    thats a good scale technique- blazing fast. i geek on ergonomics for piano- chords, scale, phrasing, and dynamics. efficiency right here!
  • @andyroberts6581
    I’ve read descriptions of this technique but was unable to fully understand what was being suggested. This brief description cleared the fog. This is excellent. Thank you.
  • @bluezaton
    Was just practicing the c scale yesterday the wrong way then. I'm glad you posted this, and I saw it.
  • @ianpriest8088
    I've never liked doing the thumb tuck as I find it awkward. And I agree that it causes tension in the hand. I find your video very helpful, thank you.
  • @HeathenHammer80
    I saw someone doing that fingering technique and I just couldn’t figure it out. Thank you for this!!
  • @acreguy3156
    I've been playing for years and never heard of this method. To this day, I still have issues crossing under with certain scales, especially F, where the cross under is different. Thanks for the info, Robert!!
  • @SwainLake
    A good tip. But the video can be shortened and concise. The key point is not let the thumb tunnel too deeply under the 2 and 3 fingers by rotating the right hand outward a little. Right?
  • @John-boy
    First lesson when I finally went to my teacher. Rotation in scales. It’s never left me years later. Also never get pain or strain in the hands playing for long practices. Relaxed technique is everything. I’m 72 btw started learning as an older adult.
  • @Ranger1216
    No tunnel thumb tuck….Rotate hand counter clockwise that puts your thumb right there….move forearm and rotate wrist….Practice C chord l any times and the other scales will fall into place…..Thank you for an excellent instruction.❤
  • @RyukoMeows
    The "train under the tunnel" method, in my opinion, is better for going fast. The wrist rotation method at fast speeds is too cumbersome.
  • @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
    I am very aware of the rotation of the forearm. I have a piano score I wrote that includes a gentle four note descending fingering beginning with the weakest finger on the right hand. It has been very difficult to get this gentle fast play to be even, detailed, in time, and in velocity, without rolling my arm.
  • @i.ehrenfest349
    I still think raccoons are better suited to play the piano than we.
  • @PortatoPiano
    Luckily most humans have a flexible thumb that can effortless move a little under the hand to make scales smooth. Even you were struggling a few times 4:32 + 5:23 to make it smooth your way...