 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RoseLove
Date: 2008-09-21 02:11
In the last four or so years, I have noticed that my RH thumb is not necessarily in the "proper" position. Instead of my thumbnail facing inwards towards me, I seem to be holding my clarinet almost on top of my thumb with the nail pointing upwards. I've attempted rotating my thumb away from the clarinet, however haven't had any success.
Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what have they done to correct it?
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-09-21 05:32
Skygardener is asking a great question: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
However, if you are experience discomfort, or if you have unnecessary tension which is slowing your technique then you do need to change.
There are several things one can do, and some involve buying products. If you do need to change I would recommend buying the BG neckstrap. This is one of many solutions that you can use to alleviate discomfort IF you are experiencing it.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-09-21 06:41
If WHAT works?
If you have experience with this problem, post what works for you. Otherwise, don't post.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: RoseLove
Date: 2008-09-21 06:54
No pain, but I have heard that "incorrect" hand positioning could affect playing. I don't think it's a problem thus far, but if it could lead to a problem in the future, I'd like to fix it now.
A few other clarinet players I've played with have bought the plastic Kooiman thumbrest, but I've been hesitant to purchase one because of my incorrect thumb positioning. What are your thoughts on that?
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2008-09-21 21:58
i had some problems with incorrect hand position (not neccessarily thumb position) and pain and tried the kooiman briefly as i couldnt seem to make it work for me.
I am now using a Ridenour Thumb Saddle and neckstrap and have almost no pain now and the thumb saddle is opened my hand into a better position.
I hope this helps.
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Author: marshall
Date: 2008-09-22 03:33
It may just be me, but it seems like the only way it would be possible to play with your thumb like that is if your wrist is bent or holding a lot of tension. Try this a couple times. When you're sitting in a chair drop your hand down to your side and shake out all of the tension...just let it hang. Then, without moving anything below your elbow, move your hand up and put your thumb under the thumbrest. That should be more or less the proper hand position for clarinet.
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Author: clarionman
Date: 2008-09-22 16:57
I just started having problems related to my thumb been in the incorrect position. I started using the Ridenour Thumb Saddle and I will be using a neck strap in the future but the Ridenour Thumb Saddle is working fine. It just takes a little to get adjusted to the new position.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-09-25 16:46
I, too, like the Ridenour Thumbsaddle very much. It opens up my right hand more and there is a greater level of comfort. There is also less weight and pressure on my right thumb with the Thumbsaddle than with various thumb cushions I've used in the past (for many years).
Along with the Thumbsaddle, I rest the clarinet's bell on my right knee to further reduce the amount of weight pressing upon my right thumb. I understand how some clarinetists and teachers view this practice with distain. However, I've become accustomed to it and have not encountered any problems with having the bell on the knee....as long as I'm playing seated! ha ha ha
Roger
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-09-25 18:01
Everyone has a different hand shape. When I do the "relax the hand at your side and then bring it up" exercise, my thumbnail is facing the ceiling. For me, to hold my thumbnail parallel to the wall of the clarinet it would be that my "wrist is bent or holding a lot of tension."
I have no problems from this hand position (nearly 30 years of playing here).
I DO have issues relating to the fact that my right thumb is ALSO double-jointed.
Again, everyone has a different hand! It's impossible to generalize, so as long as no other problems are happening (like failure to cover RH holes or inability to use RH pinky keys effectively, or even PAIN), then nothing is necessarily wrong.
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