Why Your Arm Bones Crisscross When You Turn Them #piano

Have you ever wondered how your arm bones actually move when you rotate your forearm while playing the piano

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Many pianists feel this motion every day but don’t realize how precise and coordinated it truly is.

In this short anatomy-focused explanation, we break down how the bones of your arm work together to allow smooth rotation, effortless hand positioning, and efficient movement across the keyboard.

Your upper arm contains a single long bone called the humerus. Below it, your forearm is made up of two bones, the radius and the ulna, that work together to make forearm rotation possible.

When your hands rest naturally on the keys, these two bones lie mostly parallel. As you rotate your forearm to adjust hand position, shape chords, or move between black and white keys, the radius rotates over the ulna in a subtle crisscross motion that pianists rely on constantly.

This rotation is essential for healthy piano technique. When you turn the hand to accommodate different fingerings, voicings, or hand positions, it’s not the wrist twisting on its own, it's the forearm bones rotating around each other.

Understanding this helps pianists avoid excess tension, especially in fast passages, octaves, and repeated patterns where inefficient movement can lead to fatigue or discomfort.

When the palm faces upward or forward, the radius and ulna are more parallel. As the hand turns inward or outward during playing, the radius crosses over the ulna.

This natural motion allows pianists to shape phrases, balance fingers, and move fluidly across the keyboard. Recognizing this movement encourages a more coordinated use of the arm rather than forcing isolated wrist or finger motion.

This concept isn’t just interesting anatomy, it's foundational to injury-free piano playing.

Many technical issues arise when pianists try to control rotation at the wrist or fingers alone, instead of allowing the forearm bones to do their job.

Understanding how the radius and ulna interact gives pianists a clearer mental model for efficient movement and long-term hand health.

In this video, we visually demonstrate this rotation using clear examples so you can see exactly how the forearm bones move during piano-related motions.

Whether you’re practicing scales, arpeggios, or complex passages, this underlying bone movement is always present even when it feels effortless.

If you’re a pianist curious about anatomy, technique, or preventing tension and injury, this explanation will give you a deeper understanding of how your body supports your playing.

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Hi, I'm Helen Aun! I'm a peak performance coach, Alexander Technique teacher, and business mentor for pianists and piano teachers. With over 25 years of experience as a professional pianist and educator, I help musicians play with confidence and ease, and build successful careers.

What I Do:
Founder of The Helen Aun Institute, dedicated to helping pianists thrive artistically and financially.
Help pianists overcome performance anxiety and physical pain.

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