i was just wondering if the size of your fingers affect your playing....would it?
mine are short and i have alittle problem with using my fourth finger....any advice?

I used to have problems stretching my 4th finger to the correct spot - my teacher had me put a rubber in between my fingers to help. Create some exercises to stretch (I used to put my 3 other fingers in position and keep them there while stretching out my 4th finger as much as possible back and forth) and eventually you shouldn't have much problems; it just takes time and practise really... although now I tend to over-stretch :P

I have the same problem really and i dont have any solution as well, what i do is i move my hand, but then it becomes prone that I would be out of tune when i go play the first finger notes again

It could be about the position of your elbow. when you are reaching up to fourth finger, pull your elbow out from under you violin a little, towards the front (so if you had someone standing in front of you when you played you would push it out towards them). that might help with your extension, thats what i was taught to do to overcome that problem and to make the sound clearer, as your finger is more firm
and remember to keep your pinky curved at all times or else you will strain it, trust me!

and yes, you will get used to the stretch after a while

good luck

wello do you have problems playing the violin?? I kinda do but im ok my fingers are kind of short but i dont really think so

i also have short fingers in fact, my friend used to call me 'baby hands'. in the beginning i found it a bit hard placing the 4th finger but by practice it will settle automaticaly so there's nothing to worry about! my teacher advised me to put corks between my fingers i never tried it though :p happy playing!!

hey, guys!
thanks for the reply...it would really help me a lot...

Keep practicing........you will develop the use of your fourth finger after a bit of work. It is coming along for me as well.

vc

I had the same problem and now I overstrech too! And my teacher is loughing at me now because I was complaining the whole time.