6 ms·

I was unaware of this concept, but I think I've run across it independently in the context of music. I play the banjo and have noticed that if I'm trying to mak

I was unaware of this concept, but I think I've run across it independently in the context of music. I play the banjo and have noticed that if I'm trying to make a large left hand jump, I tend to do better if I focus on the fret I'm jumping to prior to moving my hand. I would imagine that this also applies to most stringed instruments, the piano, etc...

surement 11y ago
Similarly, good bass players look square at the drummer, or even specifically the bass drum, in recording sessions.
sanotehu 11y ago
Completely. While playing a complex classical piano piece I used to perform jumps with my hands "blind" - without looking at the keys. The trick (apart from lots and lots of practice) was the sidelong glance to eye up your target moments before moving your hands. That way both hands can perform jumps at the same time (and you dazzle onlookers :)
atom-morgan 11y ago
Similarly on a motorcycle you're frequently told simply to look where you want to go as you enter a turn. That alone makes your hands do what they need to do.
- joshu 11y ago
  Same for racing cars. A lot of time is spent getting beginners to look up.
  - js2 11y ago
    My dad just did one of the NASCAR/Indy car race experience things. There is no {tach,speed}ometer in the cockpit. I gather they don't want you looking anywhere but the track. Related: target fixation.
    - Jtsummers 11y ago
      Also I imagine it's another effort at reducing weight. I recall a big hoopla years ago when they started putting cameras on the cars. Even those few pounds caused a fight. And a racer, on race day, has a crew that can monitor their speed and relay it to them via radio.
      - joshu 11y ago
        Actually, every different series has different rules. Some cars can transmit data, some cannot, etc. Some cars are underweight and need lead weights. So you can take it back out of that... I have a PWC race car and it has a high-end Motec, but is not allowed to transmit - the crew plugs in a usb cable at the pit stop.
- ionforce 11y ago
  My unscientific take on this is it's about micro adjustments and just in time feedback. By focusing on where you ARE going, you will make that happen subconsciously through your motor skills. If you are going the wrong way (in micro amounts), you will self-correct.
  - deleted 11y ago
    [deleted]
- jam 11y ago
  Really nice eye-tracking compilation of an experienced rider on track: https://youtu.be/4gNbuMQTRaU https://youtu.be/4gNbuMQTRaU
harshreality 11y ago
Most traditional string instruments do not have finger positions marked, so I'm not sure how much help it would be to look, since that would provide only lateral guidance. For some instruments like violins and violas, the perspective is also lousy for determining finger position along the string, since you're looking down the string rather than from above. You have to develop a sense of where your fingers are based on the feel of the scroll and neck, not based on sight.

surement 11y ago

Similarly, good bass players look square at the drummer, or even specifically the bass drum, in recording sessions.

sanotehu 11y ago

Completely. While playing a complex classical piano piece I used to perform jumps with my hands "blind" - without looking at the keys. The trick (apart from lots and lots of practice) was the sidelong glance to eye up your target moments before moving your hands. That way both hands can perform jumps at the same time (and you dazzle onlookers :)

atom-morgan 11y ago

Similarly on a motorcycle you're frequently told simply to look where you want to go as you enter a turn. That alone makes your hands do what they need to do.

joshu 11y ago
Same for racing cars. A lot of time is spent getting beginners to look up.
- js2 11y ago
  My dad just did one of the NASCAR/Indy car race experience things. There is no {tach,speed}ometer in the cockpit. I gather they don't want you looking anywhere but the track. Related: target fixation.
  - Jtsummers 11y ago
    Also I imagine it's another effort at reducing weight. I recall a big hoopla years ago when they started putting cameras on the cars. Even those few pounds caused a fight. And a racer, on race day, has a crew that can monitor their speed and relay it to them via radio.
    - joshu 11y ago
      Actually, every different series has different rules. Some cars can transmit data, some cannot, etc. Some cars are underweight and need lead weights. So you can take it back out of that... I have a PWC race car and it has a high-end Motec, but is not allowed to transmit - the crew plugs in a usb cable at the pit stop.
ionforce 11y ago
My unscientific take on this is it's about micro adjustments and just in time feedback. By focusing on where you ARE going, you will make that happen subconsciously through your motor skills. If you are going the wrong way (in micro amounts), you will self-correct.
- deleted 11y ago
  [deleted]
jam 11y ago
Really nice eye-tracking compilation of an experienced rider on track: https://youtu.be/4gNbuMQTRaU https://youtu.be/4gNbuMQTRaU

harshreality 11y ago

Most traditional string instruments do not have finger positions marked, so I'm not sure how much help it would be to look, since that would provide only lateral guidance. For some instruments like violins and violas, the perspective is also lousy for determining finger position along the string, since you're looking down the string rather than from above. You have to develop a sense of where your fingers are based on the feel of the scroll and neck, not based on sight.