Feedback needed: mirroring in video tutorials

[breezybellows]

Feedback needed: does mirrored bass chart help or does it confuse?

I've prepared some bass tutorials for absolute beginners. While I was editing the video, I found that the video can be confusing for beginners because of the flipped perception (the mirror reversal effect) of the left hand of the video appearing on the right side of the viewer.

So I decided to flip the videos from left to right so that it will be easier to visualize. There are dance tutorials that do this on YouTube. I've also attached a chart of the bass buttons that is mirrored. I found this to be the best way to illustrate a bass chart because of the mirroring.

To my surprise, three people have now told me that the mirroring is confusing. I'm actually not about to see how that could be. So I'm collecting feedback from a larger group to help me decide whether I should use mirroring in the subsequent lessons. Please let me know.

 

[Siegmund]

At least on a piece of paper, I would find that diagram confusing. I imagine orienting the piece of paper to match the buttons and touching the paper with my fingertips to test a fingering, and from that perspective this one is backwards.

In a video, you'd want the diagram to align with what is being shown in the live pictures.
And that might be a couple different things, depending whether the camera is looking at you from the front, or looking over your left shoulder. But "imagine you have eyes on your chest, and are using your X-ray vision to look through the bass machine and see where your fingers are" strikes me as an unlikely theme for a video.

Edited to add: I can actually make this diagram work, by displaying it on the screen and touching the back of the flat-screen monitor behind where the picture is. If you were actually telling your students to do something like that while watching the video, perhaps you can make it work.

 

[breezybellows]

"imagine you have eyes on your chest, and are using your X-ray vision to look through the bass machine and see where your fingers are" strikes me as an unlikely theme for a video.

Thanks for the feedback.

That's exactly how I mentally picture the bass buttons when I play. Don't we always access the bass buttons from behind the accordion?

Here's the video for reference. (Note: the mirroring is only fine in the video and not in the thumbnail)

 

[JKJ]

When beginning the Stradella bass (until I had to pause due to a shoulder injury) I first tried looking at the bass in the mirror and using a flipped chart. Both or those caused me great confusion. For me it was far better to sit across from someone and watch their hands (or watch a "normal” video.) I threw away the mirrored chart and just kept a printed, non-mirrored bass chart handy.

I had to stop before I had much progress but with a bit of practice it was no problem to mentally transform the unmirrored bass in my mind. Someone’s advice to close my eyes and imagine I was looking through the back of the accordion with x-ray vision worked for me.

I do want to say for the bass beginner’s sake the most helpful was when the instructor played VERY slowly, with repetition, and perhaps with some exaggerated hand/finger movement - then paused so I could try. And the best videos for are those with a closeup of the bass side. A running verbal commentary (“C, C-maj, counter bass E, F” etc) also helps. 30 minutes with a good instructor and hours practicing with exercises from a good book - The Mighty Accordion - made a huge difference for me.

I can’t wait until the surgeon gives the go-ahead to use my left arm again! I’m gonna learn that bass or die trying!

JKJ

 

[breezybellows]

When beginning the Stradella bass (until I had to pause due to a shoulder injury) I first tried looking at the bass in the mirror and using a flipped chart. Both or those caused me great confusion. For me it was far better to sit across from someone and watch their hands (or watch a "normal” video.) I threw away the mirrored chart and just kept a printed, non-mirrored bass chart handy.

Someone’s advice to close my eyes and imagine I was looking through the back of the accordion with x-ray vision worked for me.

Thanks for the feedback.

Isn't imagining looking through the back with x-ray vision the same as the mirrored image?

 

[murathan]

Mirrored image on chart can be useful. I liked that idea. But in a video is confusing to me either. Because it doesnt represent the finger movements. Also talking about mirrors, they are very addictive and you cant get rid of it easily. I dont recommend looking from a mirror for learning bass side. What I recommend is using very less same buttons until people get used to. Such as C-G only for about a time until satisfied.

 

[breezybellows]

Mirrored image on chart can be useful. I liked that idea. But in a video is confusing to me either. Because it doesnt represent the finger movements. Also talking about mirrors, they are very addictive and you cant get rid of it easily. I dont recommend looking from a mirror for learning bass side. What I recommend is using very less same buttons until people get used to. Such as C-G only for about a time until satisfied.

Did you watch the video? Just wanted to confirm if the demonstration in the video was confusing.

 

[murathan]

Did you watch the video? Just wanted to confirm if the demonstration in the video was confusing.

Well, I looked but didnt watch for 42 minutes. I think you may make a video to get feedback from the people who dont know how to play. We already know what to do. So our ideas may be more confusing.

 

[breezybellows]

Well, I looked but dont watched for 42 minutes. I think you may make a video to get feedback from the people who doesnt know how to play. We already know what to do. So our ideas may be more confusing.

Good point