The popular expression, to be “all elbows” has a negative connotation. It usually refers to a clumsy person who’s plainly awkward. His elbows are always knocking things about.
On the other hand, (no pun intended) when you ask for elbow room, you counteract the effect of an individual who crowds you in. He’s probably a big oaf who’s all elbows. (Don’t forget his female counterpart)
What about elbowing a friend or colleague? It’s a jab that might eventually trump the FACEBOOK “poke.” Who knows?
All I know is that I use my elbows in a productive way with my arpeggios, and I have no shame about swinging or displaying them in public.
In fact, they smooth out my thumb shifts in scales and arpeggios so why not proudly celebrate them!
Now don’t elbow me for being honest. I respect your opinion and I won’t cut you off. You deserve some elbow room.
At the same time, I don’t have to defend the space I’ve reserved for my elbows. I’ll simply elbow my way out of this awkward spot and feature my video on the subject.
A C Major, 4-note, broken chord in inversions, played legato, followed by the same in C# Major
(Chord blocking is used as a preliminary)
C E G C, E G C E, G C E G, C E G C
C# E# G# C#, E# G# C# E#, G# C# E# G#, C# E# G# C#
Bonus video: Straight C Major and C# minor arpeggio
Shirley, thank you for a nice presentation on “energy beyond the fingers” – incorporation of the arms, wrists, elbows, etc. such freedom of movement was refreshing to see….
Just back from the East Bay where I was computer compromised for two days. Thanks, Deborah, for your positive feedback. Shirley