Observations

[Alan Day]

Observation One

      I play the Anglo with mainly fingers dedicated to certain buttons, but I was interested to see another player who throws that technique out of the window and moves his hands and and fingers all over the place. I found this a useful method when I broke my finger and by using this method I carried on playing, not to performance levels but I was still playing tunes.

 

Observation Two

Dome button playing _ I have found that by sliding my little finger over buttons to create base runs is a useful practice.  I have not tried this on flat top buttons but I would think that a domed button may make it easier to do. 

 

Your thoughts on both of these observations are welcome.

Al

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

I certainly find that little finger is essential for the very high end notes ( particularly. Right side) most of the time, which leaves the others ready to fill in below the higher notes.

And of course I do not hold my instrument in the usual manner ( as often commented)! So my fingers are free to work all kinds of ways🌝

[Mikefule]

My left little finger is my busiest.  It works the basses on at least 4 buttons.

 

My right hand has about 4 basic positions: buttons 1 to 4 and buttons 2 to 5 on each of the home rows.

 

[Jody Kruskal]

Hi Alan, In response to your query: Observation One

 

I also dedicate fingers to buttons but sometimes I find the the only way to play what I want is to shift my whole hand up or down and for a bit, play in that shifted position, then I quickly return to home position where I am more comfortable.

[Alan Day]

By experimentation it shows that all is not lost if you lose control of a couple of fingers, or have a stroke that the concertina can still be played.

It will also help you play tunes that previously you thought were impossible ,just by a different approach.

Al