Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • April 2013
16
Hand Posi t ion
Since the clarinet is built with open holes and rings,
the curvature, position, and motion of the fingers is
important for technical execution and the quality of
the sound. Maintain curved fingers in both hands that
move from the back knuckle, always maintaining the
curved position as the fingers lift and drop from the
keys. The wrists in both hands should be down, with
minimum movement, to facilitate the curved fingers.
In example 3, the fingers in the left hand should slant
upwards and hover over the A-flat key for the proper
position to roll onto the A-key for a smooth slur over
the break.
The left thumb plays an important role to complete
the left hand position. If the register key points to
“12:00” on the clock, strive to position the left thumb
at “2:00 o’clock.” See example 4 for the left thumb
position as well as the “V” shape formed by the curved
fingers and downward left wrist.
Clarinet Fundamentals . . . Revisi ted !
The fingers of the right hand should be curved in
a “backwards C shape,” with the right wrist down for
maximum curvature. Try having your students hold a
soft drink can to illustrate the “C” shape and curved
fingers! (See example 5 below.)
example 3
example 5
example 4