Illustration 3.3.1. Begin by holding your arm/hand in a comfortable position from the cervical spine and shoulder.

Illustration 3.3.2. Now take the instrument to the same position that previously felt comfortable without the instrument. Illustration 3.3.3. The wrist becomes tense from being bent inwards; this can be avoided by changing the angle of the fingerboard or moving the elbow outwards. Here the fingerboard is placed considerably closer to the cervical spine than in Illustration 3.3.2.

Illustration 3.3.9. The position of the fingers becomes more locked as the joints of the thumb are stretched. Illustration 3.3.10. When the joints of the thumb are bent and relaxed, the hands position is more stable and free, and the knuckles appear more clearly.

Illustration 3.3.7. The forearm is rotated slightly outwards for the weight to be transferred to the little finger and thus decrease tension in the hand. Illustration 3.3.8. Here there is increased tension in the little finger, which almost has to twist its outer joint.

Illustrations 3.3.45. Aim for a relaxed grip in the thumb and index finger with a bend in the joints of the thumb to minimise strain.

Illustration 3.2.3. Aim for relaxation in the thumb/index finger grip with a bend in the thumbs joints.

Illustration 3.2.4. This places strain on the thumb-knuckle joint, which becomes more locked and tense.

Illustration 3.1.6. Aim for relaxation in the thumb/index finger grip with a bend in the thumbs joints. Illustration 3.1.7. This places strain on the thumb-knuckle joint, which becomes more locked and tense.