Violinists! I need advice 😭

[TheSparshofMusic-wnde]

For my fourth finger, I also usually use arm vibrato. That’s because I use arm vibrato for all my fingers. I think for the fourth finger, it is harder to do wrist vibrato. This is because the other fingers are longer, which makes it easier to do wrist vibrato. So I would recommend that when you place your fourth finger you should vibrate your other fingers while your fourth finger is down. This will help to make it more consistent.

[robinshen]

Oh and I notice that you don't switch suddenly to arm from wrist. You gradually shift to arm vibrato as you switch from first finger to second to third and then fourth. Practice starting with first finger vibrato and go straight to fourth and back. Skip second and third. That will encourage the waving.

[robinshen]

Put your pinkie down, start in first position. Relax the pressure, then wave at yourself with your other three fingers. Ignore the intonation. Slowly, as you get the movement, start increasing the pressure to lock in the intonation.

[paulyoshida]

I'm a violinist with over 30 years of playing and teaching experience...I have a similar issue with my pinky. I don't use arm vibrato for it, but it doesn't flex the same way that my other fingers do. One thing you may try is slowing it down once again(after all these years!), and loosening up your knuckles, see if you can activate the knuckles and involve them in the motion. Unlock all of your hand joints, if possible. Trying to describe what seems to happen for me: rather than my Distal Interphalangeal Joint(first joint) working by itself, I find that both it and my Proximal Interphalangeal Joint(second joint) flex and work together, in my case. I have an average sized hand, but my pinky is relatively shorter than it would be, just due to my genetics. Also, pay attention to the angle of the fingers. The pinky approaches the string much more from the side than any of the other fingers, so it may not be possible to rock it the same way, unless you have very long fingers. Yes, it is a dexterity issue in part, but not completely. The primary issue, making the pinky vibrato very tricky even for experienced violinists is this difference in the angle. Be patient. It may be a very long term project to rebuild your vibrato. But, it may not be necessary. If it seems to work, and sounds good, then perhaps you don't need to "fix" it. Rather than pursuing a mythical ideal for your technique, ask yourself if it is limiting your ability to express the music how you want. If your technique is the limiting factor, then you may have a good reason to work on it. Otherwise, don't worry.

[ketang]

For my pinky finger, my finger is a lot more flat vs my other fingers are more on the tip when doing vibrato.

[dandu]

GIRL I’VE GOT THE SAME PROBLEM. My vib is also a mix of arm and wrist, like how yours is. I think maybe to get our pinkies to be more flexible we might need to press less hard. If you figure it out please share haha

[nickiemcnichols]

I have to say I dunno, I’m still a rank beginner.

[robinshen]

And go sharp first then flat. Not flat then sharp.

[stGodMan]

I am gonna help you. Curve your pinky finger more, scratch like a cat