On Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 3:56 PM, <nedma...@aol.com> wrote: > when the index finger strikes the string, it ends its > stroke under and behind the thumb, before returning to its starting > position in front of the thumb.
There are many ways of looking at it. Some suggestions, others will give more, so take your pick. A relaxed hand has thumb under index. Try without a lute. Aim for a relaxed hand when playing. Place thumb between index and middle finger. (Yes, fig-sign.) Unbend fingers, don't overdo the strechting, remember to relax. Good lute playing hand. Do the plucking movement with your under-arm, bit of wrist, very litle bit of finger. So index-to-thumb position does change but little during plucking. After plucking thumb, don't 'move it back' to starting position, but let plucking motion (under-arm) for index take your hand and hence thumb back to starting point. Play slowly, concentrate on relaxing and erradicating superfluous movements
