Cello string crossing from open string to fourth finger: unwanted harmonics

Question

I've been practicing slurred bows in 1/8th notes on cello for Pachelbel's canon, and there are many places where there is a string crossing in one bow either from fourth finger on the D string to the open A string or the other way around. Every time I cross strings this way, I can't help but produce harmonics from my pinky barely touching the A string or D string while going to the next note.

Is there a way for that not to happen? I'm always confused with those kind of problems on the cello as I also play violin, and never encountered this type of problem. One thing my teacher mentioned a while ago was to pre-place the fourth finger while still playing the open A string so that it doesn't touch the A string at all, like as if playing a chord, but I just can't make it work :/

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is a matter of left-hand shaping. You are by no means alone in this difficulty with the pinky finger. What you want to practice is keeping your fingers and hand in a "high arch", while not raising your elbow too far. Keep your fingers, as much as possible, curved. Concentrate as well on letting your left hand "lean" a bit towards the bridge, which will make it easier to keep the pinky curved rather than flattening out.
And finally, remember to let your left hand and arm move as a unit from left to right so your arched fingers are always above the string being fingered.

It takes a lot of practice and observation, so give it time. One thing I do on occasion is to play, e.g., simple passages on the D-string while double-stopping with the A string. If I hear a clean "A" I know I'm ok, but if the pinky harmonic pops up, then I know my hand position has strayed.