 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: timg
Date: 2009-10-01 11:58
I'm having problems with the following sequence: Db C A Bb C Eb Db (all notes near to the break)
The Eb forces me to use the LH pinky for the C, and this is the note which is giving me difficulties. Going from Bb to C, I can't seem to find a comfortable position for my left hand. Either the pinky is too straight, which means the LH ring finger is too short to land properly on its hole, or the pinky is bent and clumsily catches the G# key.
Any thoughts on getting this movement right?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-10-01 12:15
From Bb up to C, just add the two uppermost side trill keys. Should work fine in reasonably fast passages.
--
Ben
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-10-01 12:18
"From Bb up to C, just add the two uppermost side trill keys."
... and then go to Eb?
-
For me, I would try holding down the LH C and ring and middle finger when I play the Bb, then the transition is not so hard.
Post Edited (2009-10-01 12:26)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-10-01 12:24
> ... and then go to Eb?
Yes. Depending on the clarinet and/or your RH dexterity, this might be awkward as well. agreed. I'd have to try which one's easier.
Edit - thinking about that one some more, I'd probably do the C with the right hand as usual, and then slide over to the Eb. Duh. ![[right]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie8.gif)
My brain must still be in some sort of aftermeal coma, sorry.
--
Ben
Post Edited (2009-10-01 12:29)
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Author: William
Date: 2009-10-01 14:34
"Any thoughts on getting this movement right?"
Practice comes to mind--hours, days, weeks, however long it takes for your left hand little finger to find the right key everytime. Opps, actually, I mean the *left* key......but you get the idea, right??
Seriously, I think the correct fingering to use is the lh pinky over the rh hand trill keys or the suggested slide (which is NOT the way to go). Also realize that flawless technique does not just happen with one or two attempts. It takes a lifetime of regular focused practice sessions--and then, after you have learned to "do it right", you need to keep practicing so your fingers & brain do not forget. It's then called *maintainance*, which is what we all have to do regularily to keep our technical skills & embouchure in top condition. The old saying, "a little dab'l do ya" doesn't work for playing music.
Bb to C to Eb ("pinch" to lh to rh)--you can do it. Just takes practice....:>)
Afterthought(s): If you have the old Rubank Advanced book, there is a whole section on special fingering excercises that might help. Also, there is an older book titled, "Little Finger Studies" that will drive you crazy--if you can find it--but will be good for your pinky's technical development.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-10-01 14:47
Attachment: RHPinkyRollers.jpg (26k)
> the suggested slide (which is NOT the way to go)
I disagree. For exact that reason my clarinet has rollers between the RH C and EB touchpieces.
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Ben
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-10-01 15:11
Are you using the LH for the first C as well? It makes getting to the C a lot easier if your finger is already there. Really, that pinky could stay down for the first 5 notes if you wanted it to.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: timg
Date: 2009-10-02 21:51
Thanks for the comments. The suggestion to keep the LH C key held during the throat tones works well, as does the alternative slide with the RH pinky. The second is the easiest to do, though perhaps not the easiest to do well. The phrase is supposed to be legato, so the move from C to Eb has to be fairly snappy and precise. However, the same piece at another point requires a legato slide from Eb to C (or a LH Eb key), so it's probably not a bad thing to practise.
My local woodwind repairman is something of a machinist and offers various key modifications, including the addition of rollers to the RH pinky keys. At my level of proficiency it seems a rather extravagant thing to do, but I'm curious -- has anybody here added rollers or otherwise modified their keywork?
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Author: lrooff
Date: 2009-10-03 14:26
timg wrote:
> My local woodwind repairman is something of a machinist and
> offers various key modifications, including the addition of
> rollers to the RH pinky keys. At my level of proficiency it
> seems a rather extravagant thing to do, but I'm curious -- has
> anybody here added rollers or otherwise modified their keywork?
>
The only clarinet I've ever played with rollers was an old Albert system, but as a bassoonist, I've come to firmly believe that there's no such thing as having too many roller keys.
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Author: USFBassClarinet
Date: 2009-10-03 14:47
I am pretty sure a few people on here have them as I have seen them mentioned. As mainly a bass player, I have them for my RH thumb key and they work great. As for pinky keys...I dont see the need. Just learn to maneuver your pinkys. Unless a passage is impossible with the pinky keys but does that happen on clarinet? ( I really don't know). I say because in band right now there is a passage that is impossible for the other bass clarinet. Several Ab to Low Eb. He doesn't have the alternate key and they are slurred.
I will say I have looked at saxophones and gone....Why aren't my pinky keys like that?
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