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Thumb Position

Author: shaunm
Date: 2004-02-27 17:25

I just started playing and I haven't been able to play notes using the octave key very well. But I was practiced for about 3 hours yesterday and made a breakthrough where I was able to play the higher notes mixed with the lower ones much better. I'm not sure I'm holding my left-hand thumb correctly. Can someone tell me what the correct left thumb position is for the thumb hole and "octave" key? Should the thumb point toward my chin, where I just rock it forward to push up on the octave key with the tip? Or is there another way? Thanks.

Shaun

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Re: Thumb Position

Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-02-27 17:55

Hi Shaun,

Congrats on the big breakthrough (and there are even more notes above to come later).

First, we all have different size thumbs and hands but I move the register key (the correct term since you go up a 12th rather than an octove) with the side of the thumb at about the 10 oclock position on the thumb.

As you have found out, be careful that you don't uncover the thumb hole as you operate the register key. Just a small push will do. Keep your thumb and 1st finger in the shape something like a C.

Report back on how it's going, please.

HRL

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Re: Thumb Position

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-27 18:03

I believe most people hold it at a 45º angle. So you can just slightly rock the tip and open the register vent. Holding pointing towards our chin would be too uncomfortable for me and pointing sideways makes it harder to open the vent. 45º is a compromise between comfortability and effectiveness.

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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Re: Thumb Position

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-27 18:21

I guess I should change "most people" above to "I". Then it's more PC.

US Army Japan Band

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Re: Thumb Position

Author: shaunm
Date: 2004-02-27 19:54

Thanks for the help. I'll go home and work on it. My finger chart at home doesn't show the full range. I just found a full chart on the internet and I saw that there is an altissimo register, probably what Hank was talking about. It's exciting.

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Re: Thumb Position

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-27 20:04

http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/

Here's a very good one.

US Army Japan Band

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