The Fingering Techniques

Finger Crossing

When a pianist uses finger crossing in playing scale-like passages, the thumb passes (“crosses”) under longer fingers or a longer finger crosses over the thumb.

For the organist, many unusual types of crossing will be needed. Fingers 2 and 3 will cross, as will fingers 3 and 4, and especially fingers 4 and 5. Even non-adjacent fingers will cross--3 and 5, for example. In order to use crossing to its best advantage, the organist develops great finger independence and dexterity.

See the Finger Crossing video examples.