Klarinet Archive - Posting 000327.txt from 2010/08

From: Martin Baxter <martinbaxter1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] LH Thumb Placement
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:48:16 -0400

Cath. I was intrigued by this so I checked my thumb angle and found that I hold my thumb at about 30 degrees to the vertical on my B flat clarinet, but on other sizes the angle alters; on my Eb and C instruments my thumb is almost horizontal. You might try removing the thumbrest completely and then, with someone else supporting the weight, see where your thumb is most comfortable. A session with a good repairer would be worth the expense as he/she could then make the requisite trial.
My own repairer is meticulous about adjusting the position of keywork to suit my hand. However he (David Kyle) lives in the UK. If you ever contemplate a holiday in the English Lake District get in touch with me and I will arrange a visit. However I am sure there will be a good technician near you and someone on the list can advise.
Martin
On 23 Aug 2010, at 10:13, Cathryn Calitz wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the list and I'm currently struggling with the fingering of a
particular James Rae grade 6 piece.
While trying to find the source of my fingering problems with my teacher. I
discovered that I hold the clarinet with my LH. thumb almost at a 90 degree
angle to the Clarinet, while my teacher plays the with her thumb almost parallel
to the her Clarinet.

My teacher suggested that it was the way I was holding the Clarinet that was
affect my fingering. The piece is called entanglement and it is required to play
Bb, F, Bb, Ab, Eb. I have been unaware of my thumb placement before coming
across this difficulty.

I'm very interested to hear how everyone else holds their clarinet and whether I
should try change my style of holding with my LH.

Cath Calitz

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