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Help with left hand

Author: clarinet50
Date: 2005-01-03 18:27

I have had the most insideous problem creep into my playing (been playing for 40 years). About 6 months ago I began to experience a situation where when moving my left pinky to play those keys that require it (e.g. the three key cluster on left side of lower joint), the ring finger of the left hand will "shift" and slide up toward the Eb/Bb key. It will periodically come into contact with that key, which, in turn, causes the pad on that key to open slightly. This causes notes such as the the "all fingers down" E/B to be choked off/squeak. It also affects the C#/G#, as well.
This all began after the spring was replaced on the Eb/Bb key (but think that it was a coincidence). Have been very conscious about keeping the left arm close to my body and keeping the wrist "low" and concentrating on what's going on "down there", but still the problem persists. Am extremenely frustrated.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

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Re: Help with left hand

Author: BobD
Date: 2005-01-03 18:45

I have a similar problem and it's due to arthritis in the middle finger of my left hand. Depending on the key spacing variation from instrument to instrument it's better or worse. On one clarinet I've removed the "sliver" key and plugged the hole. It could also be associated with left hand pinky F# key being too low. As experts have discussed before the adjustments of both the left and right hand pinky keys are difficult.

Bob Draznik

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Re: Help with left hand

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-01-03 21:01

The little and ring fingers have common ligaments. As a demonstration, put your hand flat on a desk, tuck your little finger all the way under and try to raise your ring finger. It can't be done.

The first attempted solution is free. Hold your clarinet in your right fist at arm's length, reach out with your left hand and "shake hands" with the upper joint keys. You'll probably find that your hand position is different from the way you usually play, with the area from your forearm to your knuckles in a straight line. It's not easy to change ingrained habits to play that way, but it might help.

If you're rolling your left hand up to hit the throat A and Ab keys, try keeping the hand in position and just "nudge" your index finger upward.

The next step is to find a physical therapist who specializes in musicians. I went to one who helped me a lot. The solution may involve bending or extending some keys. Lots of people have this done.

Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

Ken Shaw

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Re: Help with left hand

Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-01-03 22:59

Lemme get this straight...

You play 40 years, without complications - but after having one spring replaced consider yourself suddenly deficient to the task?

It's a machine - it should work for YOU.

Also, try wresting the bell on your knee for awhile - see if it is actually a problem with your position.

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