Any violin or string players? Pizzicato question...?

Question

When you play pizzicato, are you supposed to "pinch" the string with two fingers and pluck, or do you kind of single-fingered pluck it by sliding it across the string? I guess I am looking for the most conventional method, the way they would teach it in a beginner's class. I am new to the instrument. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have been playing (classical) violin for over 25 years and have been teaching for about 15. As a beginner what you do is put your right thumb (while holding the bow) on the corner of the fingerboard and use yor 1st finger to pluck the strings. When you get more advanced you can hold the bow in the normal position and pluck with your 1st finger without placing your thumb on the corner of the fingerboard. This method is helpful if you have to swithc back and forth quickly from bowing to plucking. Hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 2

Pizzicato should be done with one finger on the string in most cases. It is best when the string is plucked over the fingerboard, usually a little closer to the bridge than the middle of the fingerboard, and also with the thumb touching the bottom-right hand corner of the fingerboard for stability. You don't really "slide" it though, you pull the string lightly with the finger in quick motion most of the time for a short and quick but resonant sound.
Keep playing: we need good musicians in the world.

Answer 3

You're supposed to pluck the string as you would a guitar. I've never heard of the 'pinch' method.

Answer 4

I used to use the single fingered pluck method. That always seemed easiest when holding the bow at the same time.

Answer 5

it depends on the peice
if you're playing piano and antoher section has the melody, barely make any noise by just touching the string and releasing.
if you have the melody, hook the string and pull (don't break it though...!) if you want louder pizz., press your left hand fingers down harder on the note.
but if your'e a beginner, ask your teacher.
learning the violin needs demonstrations, not instructions. that's what's so fabulous about it.
good luck!
kr

Answer 6

i have never heard of the pinch method either. so i would say the hook and pull for a louder sound.