 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lynn
Date: 1999-02-26 16:52
I have a student who has pinky fingers that are so double jointed, that she has problems relaxing enough to be able play the right c#/f# key or the left hand C without problems. The right pinky almost lays on its' side when she plays. The angle down seems to be the biggest problem, using the very tip of her finger is out of the question.
Anyone have any suggestions? Relaxation techniques or whatever? She is a good player and she is at the point where this is really becoming a hindrance. Thanks -
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Author: dave
Date: 1999-02-26 18:55
I had to laugh when I read this - I'm having the same problem and just discussed it with my instructor this week. I thought I was the only one having difficulties with this! We haven't come up with a solution yet either, so I will be interested in any replies to this as well.
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 1999-02-26 23:41
I can't tell you too much, because I don't have the problem myself, but I've heard that using a neckstrap can help, because it takes some of the strain off the right hand. You might want to try this with your student. I'd also recommend from personal experience that, if she doesn't have one, she get an adjustable thumbrest--there's a simple model out for about $20 Canadian. She may need to get new holes drilled and the old ones filled to put her thumb at the right position. I had this done so that I could place the thumbrest where my thumb would go straight instead of twisting down, which I found happened with the Buffet thumbrest, and it made a big difference for my technique. I hope these suggestions help!
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Author: Carrie
Date: 1999-02-27 17:06
This post caught my attention easily because I too have a double jointed pinky. My teacher and I have been addressing this problem. Double jointed fingers can be a big problem because proper finger mootion is done by moving the bottom knuckle only. That's where my pinky is double jointed. He has me lay my fingers on a table (or any flat surface) so that it's in proper playing position. Then lift my fingers slowly and as high as I can, as though I am playing my clarinet. Another muscle sstrenthening exercise is to use a stress ball, or just a rubber ball, and push on it with your fingers in the right position.With double jointed fingers, you need to train them to move slowly. I hope this helps.
Carrie
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Author: jim lande (lande @ erols.com)
Date: 1999-02-28 05:32
I have a friend who has two thumbs and three fingers total (and one arm is shorter than the other.) He is a fabulous jazz drummer and is learning piano. Roland Kirk managed to create wonderful music after a stroke that left him impared on one side. Sounds like pinkies can be overcome. However, it might be easier to play trumpet.
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Author: Beth
Date: 1999-02-28 20:10
Hi, I don't know if my problem's the same, but here goes. I've been playing the clarinet for 25 years. My right pinky's last joint "sticks" and I've always hard a hard time reaching the B/E key. I've just recently discovered that if I just lay my finger flat on the key (catching the key on my first joint from my hand) I don't have any problems at all. I don't know if this would work for the other keys too or not, but it's worth a try. Good luck
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-03-01 00:53
jim lande (lande @ erols.com) wrote:
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I have a friend who has two thumbs and three fingers total (and one arm is shorter than the other.) He is a fabulous jazz drummer and is learning piano. Roland Kirk managed to create wonderful music after a stroke that left him impared on one side.
---
And Django Reinhart created some of the best jazz guitar playing ever with one hand fused by burns.
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