The Snap

This is an elaboration of the previous discussion on the follow-through. It is however so important I thought it deserves its own space.

I had mentioned that the act of plucking should be the moment of release. The easiest way to accomplish this is to pluck the string with a "snapping" action. But first be forewarned; this type of plucking motion produces a clear percussive attack. If you're more into smooth and mellow sounds, this stroke is not for you.

Again I start with two analogies; first, think of the action of striking a nail with a hammer. Obviously the moment of impact with the nail has to be the moment of release (otherwise you can seriously injure yourself.) Second analogy: (I think I may have mentioned this before somewhere.) think of the bow and arrow. The snapping action in plucking the string is very much like the moment the archer releases the arrow.

To practice the snap, try the following:

• Place your index finger on the third string.
• Feel the string tighten up as you pull it gently towards you (think archery.)
• Now let go the string. You will feel the string snapping away, at the same time there is a release of energy which immediately relaxes the finger.
• Try it with the middle finger and then the ring finger.
• Next try a small arpeggio exercise such as i-m-a-m and play each string with a snapping motion. Play each string slowly and deliberately.
• At the beginning, exaggerate the snap. As you get used to the stroke, try to lighten the stroke. Eventually you should be able to produce the snapping pluck at pianissimo levels as well as at fortissimo levels.
  

Remember to keep the first joint of each finger supple and flexible. The first or tip joint should never be totally relaxed. However there should be enough give and take there to give it an almost elastic quality. The amount of give in the fingertip is dependant on the dynamic level, piano passages will have more give while in forte passages, the fingertip should be quite taut.