FINGERING, in music, the method of using the fingers in order to facilitate execution on a keyed, stringed, or wind instru ment. In the case of keyed instruments, the evolution of the keyboard—which originally consisted of keys from four to six inches wide—has necessitated corresponding changes in the sys tem of fingering employed. Thus for a very long period the thumb was never used at all, and the little finger scarcely more often. Gradually, however, a recognized system developed. J. S. Bach introduced the free use of both thumb and little finger, be ing one of the first to put the whole matter on a scientific and well thought-out basis, although the system which served its purpose has, with the ever increasing demands of pianoforte technique, undergone extensive further developments since his time.
In the case of stringed instruments, such as the violin and violoncello, the fingers are placed in certain positions on the strings according to the note required, while similarly, in the case of wind instruments, the disposition of the fingers as they close the holes or press down the keys is all-important.
