Efficient vs. Cross-finger

• String crossing refers to the movement of the alternating fingers from one string to another
• Efficient string crossing uses a finger that is already in position to play the next string
• Cross-finger string crossing uses a contrary finger that is not in position to play the next string

Efficient String Crossing Example

Examples Explained

The top example ascends from the C on string to the E on string .

The bottom descends in likewise fashion.

When moving from string to string , the m finger has a longer reach and efficiently can move to string to play the E.

The same is true in reverse as it relates to the i finger moving from to string .

Cross-finger Example

Examples Explained

These examples are identical to the first two with a change in the right hand fingering.

When moving from string to string , the i finger is used to move to string to play the E. This is known as a cross-finger example because the i must cross over the m in order to reach string

The same is true in reverse as it relates to the m finger moving from to string .

Efficient string crossing should be sought after as much as possible. However, it is sometimes necessary to use a cross-finger movement in many passages.