Pianists do not necessarily have long fingers. While having longer fingers can be advantageous for certain stretches and chords on the piano, finger dexterity, technique, and practice are more crucial factors in playing the instrument proficiently.
So let us take a deeper look
Pianists do not necessarily have long fingers. While having longer fingers can be advantageous for certain stretches and chords on the piano, finger dexterity, technique, and practice are more crucial factors in playing the instrument proficiently.
It is often believed that having long fingers is an advantage for pianists as it allows them to easily reach wider intervals and play complex chords. However, this is not always the case. Finger length alone is not the sole determinant of a pianist’s skill or ability. Renowned pianist Artur Rubinstein once said, “It is not the size of the hands that matters but the size of the talent.”
Here are some interesting facts related to finger length for pianists:
-
Technique & Dexterity: Finger strength, flexibility, and independent movement are more important than finger length when it comes to mastering complex piano pieces. With proper technique and dexterity practice, pianists can overcome any limitations posed by shorter fingers.
-
Hand Size: It’s not just finger length that matters, but hand size as a whole. Factors such as hand span and palm size also play a significant role in determining a pianist’s ability to navigate the keys. For example, renowned pianist Vladimir Horowitz had relatively smaller hands, but his incredible technique enabled him to achieve remarkable feats on the piano.
-
Adaptation: Pianists with shorter fingers may need to adapt their fingering or utilize alternative hand positions to accommodate certain stretches. This adaptability is crucial for overcoming any physical limitations and is a hallmark of skilled pianists.
-
Musicality: Musical expression, interpretation, and sensitivity are aspects of playing the piano that go beyond finger length. Famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt once said, “The greatest virtue of man is perhaps curiosity. To composers, it means finding better ways of encoding their human knowledge.”
In conclusion, while longer fingers may offer some advantages in piano playing, they are not a prerequisite for pianistic success. Technique, dexterity, hand size, and adaptability are far more important factors. As pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski famously remarked, “A virtuoso is he who can make the impossible possible for piano players.” Each pianist has their unique strengths, and with dedication and practice, they can overcome any physical limitations and excel on the piano.
Here is an example of a table comparing finger length to hand span for different pianists:
| Pianist | Finger Length (cm) | Hand Span (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Lang Lang | 8.6 | 24.5 |
| Martha Argerich | 8.4 | 22.0 |
| Vladimir Horowitz | 7.8 | 21.5 |
| Yuja Wang | 7.6 | 21.0 |
| Artur Rubinstein | 7.5 | 20.7 |
Please note that the table is for illustrative purposes only and the measurements are fictional.
I discovered more data
Great pianists come in all shapes and sizes. There is no specific type of finger size or length that determines your potential. Typically, most people will learn the piece from beginning to end and continuously practice until they can play the entire piece well.
While some professional pianists have a large hand span, the majority are similar to the regular hands of non-musicians. Pianists don’t necessarily have larger hands or longer fingers. Still, their hands will be strong and agile, with their talent attributed to coordination, training, and practice.
Watch related video
In this YouTube video, Lyanna from Music Academy International addresses a variety of questions about learning the piano. She debunks the myth that long fingers are necessary to excel at the instrument, explaining that hand size doesn’t determine a person’s ability to play different genres and composers. Lyanna also discusses the different levels of piano proficiency, from beginner to advanced, providing examples of the types of pieces someone at each level should be able to play. Additionally, she explores the cognitive benefits of playing the piano, suggesting that the mental skills developed through practice can lead to improved thinking and perception in other areas of life. Lyanna concludes the video by expressing gratitude to viewers and encouraging them to continue practicing and learning.
You will probably be interested in this
Does playing piano give you long fingers?
The response is: Playing the piano doesn’t change the shape or size of your hands. The only way playing the piano can change your hands is to make them stronger and more agile, especially the more you play it. Thicker fingers don’t have an inherent disadvantage in playing the piano. Nor do shorter fingers.
How long are pianists hands?
As an answer to this: With average-sized hands, if you casually spread your hand across the keys, its span will measure around 6.7 inches and can cover an octave. If you add the 9th note, your hand’s expansion would be increased to 7.6 inches. Adding a 10th note would further augment your hand expansion to 8.5 inches, and so on.
What kind of hands do pianists have?
Answer will be: The hands should be flexible but not hypermobile – in other words, not double-jointed. The fingers should always be curved, and they should never bend backwards at the joints.
Which pianist had the longest fingers?
Sergei Rachmaninov, the famous Russian composer, pianist, and composer, was born in 1873 into a family that descended from the Moldavian prince Stephen the Great.
Do pianists have big hands?
You may have often heard “piano hands,” which commonly implies that pianists have large and thin hands with long fingers. This could not be further from the truth. Pianists’ hands come in many different shapes and sizes. In reality, there is no structural or size difference in terms of pianist hands vs normal hands.
Do you need long fingers to play piano?
In general, when playing piano, it’s an advantage to have long, slender fingers. If you can’t reach an octave with one hand, you may have trouble playing classic piano music as it is written. However, the power to be a good pianist is in your brain, not your hands.
Does playing the piano change your hand size and shape?
Response: Playing the piano does not change your hand size and shape. However, through practice, you will make your finger more robust and more flexible. Pianists’ fingers enjoy more agility, and they can easily lift and press down one finger at a time, especially the 4th and 5th fingers. It is worth noting that playing piano is not just using hands.
Is fingering a good skill for a pianist?
Good fingering is a valuable skill to have as a pianist. When you practice piano fingering, you’re enabling your fingers to execute new techniques, master awkward positions, and exercise speed and flexibility. Practicing fingering may seem tedious at first, but stick with it; your fingers will adjust quickly.
Do pianists have big hands?
You may have often heard “piano hands,” which commonly implies that pianists have large and thin hands with long fingers. This could not be further from the truth. Pianists’ hands come in many different shapes and sizes. In reality, there is no structural or size difference in terms of pianist hands vs normal hands.
Do you need a long finger to play a piano?
Response will be: It is not necessary “the longer, the better.” While long fingers may have a larger hand span, short or stocky fingers can also play piano beautifully. The basic here is to develop strong fingers and sound techniques. Generally, any shape or size of hand can play the piano. Practice with right finger techniques makes real piano hands.
Does playing the piano change your hand size and shape?
Answer: Playing the piano does not change your hand size and shape. However, through practice, you will make your finger more robust and more flexible. Pianists’ fingers enjoy more agility, and they can easily lift and press down one finger at a time, especially the 4th and 5th fingers. It is worth noting that playing piano is not just using hands.
What fingers do a pianist use?
Response: Pianists’ fingers enjoy more agility, and they can easily lift and press down one finger at a time, especially the 4th and 5th fingers. It is worth noting that playing piano is not just using hands. The rest of your body is also part of the performance.