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Re: Left Hand Pinkie Problems

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2015-03-28 22:28

I'm 7 years behind you in age but have been playing clarinet since I was 10. I have definitely developed some slight neurological problems over the past 4 or 5 years (pinched nerves in my elbow and neck) that I'm sure would be causing me far more technical difficulty if I didn't have 50+ years of practicing and skill building to fall back on.

It could, of course, be that your non-dominant hand just isn't stretched out as far as it needs to be.

Regular, concentrated practice using those keys will develop your facility as far as it can be developed. There are exercises for those keys in most beginning method books, or you can just make up your own. Don't overdo to the point where fatigue sets in and be on guard against any build-up of tension in the hand.

The other possibility that you can pursue while you're trying to build more facility through practice is to consult with a highly skilled repair tech to see if he has any suggestions for slightly adjusting the left hand key layout. It could be that a slight shift one way or the other of one or more of the keys or a small extension built onto one or more of them could make the reach more comfortable, since two notes you're finding most difficult are the ones that need the longest reach.

Getting advice from a teacher who can actually see your mechanics is always a good idea. It may be that a slight change of hand position can help, as John suggests, or some other small tweak in what you're doing. But building your strength and facility with those keys may just take time and patient exercise.

Karl

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