How to Keep Fingers Low on the Clarinet

Proper hand position will make playing easier and more enjoyable.

Keeping proper finger and hand position on the clarinet is essential for correct technique and facility, especially in fast passages. Breaking the habit of lifting your fingers too high off the instrument can be difficult. It's worth the effort, though. Keeping your fingers close to the clarinet will make it easier and more enjoyable to play.

Things You'll Need

• Clarinet
• Mirror

Instructions

Right Hand Position

1. Hold the clarinet in your left hand. Relax your right hand at your side and note the position of your fingers, thumb and wrist. Maintaining this relaxed position, bring your right hand up and place your thumb under the thumb rest at the knuckle.

2. Imagine that you are going to hold a tall glass of water in your hand. Look in the mirror to see if your fingers are positioned over the tone holes as you do this. The little finger of your right hand should hover over the low F key or gently touch it without pressure.

3. Turn to the side so you can see the space between your fingers and the tone holes in a mirror. The distance from your finger to the tone hole should not exceed a quarter-inch.

4. Play something that you have memorized, or improvise, watching your finger position in the mirror as you do so. Correct yourself as necessary. Experiment with changing notes with the least finger motion possible.

Left Hand Position

1. Hold the clarinet with your right hand. Relax your left hand at your side and note the position of your fingers, thumb and wrist. Bring your left hand up and position your thumb with the tip touching the register key and the fleshy part hovering over the thumb hole. The thumb should work at a slight angle over the hole. Imagine a clock on the back of your clarinet. Point the tip of your thumb between the 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock.

2. Gently place your little finger on the low E key and hover the other fingers over the tone holes. Turn to the side so you can see your fingers in the mirror. The fingers should be no more than a quarter-inch from the tone holes.

3. Play something that you have memorized, or improvise, watching your finger position in the mirror. Be sure to use A and G-sharp to check that you are rolling the index finger, not lifting it up to place it on the keys.

Tips & Warnings

• Forming this habit takes time. Practice diligently, using the mirror to be sure that you are maintaining proper distance to the keys.

• Keep your hands and wrists relaxed to prevent tendinitis and other tension-induced maladies.

References

• Clarinet-Now: Clarinet Left Hand Position
• Clarinet-Now: Clarinet Right Hand Position