fast passages alternating between c and B flat

[arazi440]

Having problem's with flapping fingers, any suggestions, I play the standard B flat ie top key both left and right stack, I know there is alternative fingering for B flat, would this help ?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Probably. A fingering with side Bb key (the middle one of the 3 keys on the RH side.

Also the bis is good in some cases (that's B plus the little key just below it using one finger to cover both)

To get over finger flapping I used to glue my fingers to the keys.

 

[Lisa]

Pete - I've seen you mention this twice before, did you really glue your fingers??

hehe!
:laugh:

I have trouble with the side keys when swapping from A to Bb and back again. I think it must just be a case of practice, practice and more practice!

L

 

[rs2sensen]

For finger flapping, I tied rubber bands from the top neck screw to the spatula keys, and then I was able to tie some on the lower stack too, but it was much more difficult to find a good place there.

It really helps. When your fingers come up, they hit the rubber bands. As for placement of the bands, that's dependent on your horn, and how I placed mine might not work for you.


"Having problem's with flapping fingers, any suggestions, I play the standard B flat ie top key both left and right stack, I know there is alternative fingering for B flat, would this help ?"

I've always played standard Bb as the first one Pete mentioned. I typical do Bis Bb as an alternative, and have never had any problems with using these two in any fast passage.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Lisa wrote:
Pete - I've seen you mention this twice before, did you really glue your fingers??

Yes I did

 

[Bobby G]

Pete Thomas wrote:

Lisa wrote:
Pete - I've seen you mention this twice before, did you really glue your fingers??

Yes I did

For very long? With what? And did it work?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Pete Thomas]

With Evostick for several hours. Yes it definitely worked, but does limit what notes ypou can actually play so not something permanent. And don't use superglue.

 

[Linky Lee]

I use the Bb first mentioned. i.e. first finger of both hands. But this is only as I come from a flute background.

I have been working on using the side RH key to play the Bb that way for a while. It just about feels ok now but my speed is no where near that of my long Bb.

It seems the problem you have is moving your two index fingers in one direction whilst moving the middle finger in the opposite direction in a synchronised manner.
The Bb like A with side RH key would therefore seem easier as you only move your two index fingers in one direction from C.

I think this fingering is easier when you feel comfortable with it as it's a smaller movement and needs less co-ordination in a way.

Give it a try.

 

[jadoube]

I used first finger both hands when I first came across Bb. For no good reason, just the first option I saw in the fingering chart.

After a while my teacher introduced me to A plus RH side. It felt uncomfortable at first. After forcing myself to use it bashing lots of appropriate scales it began to feel fine.

Last week my teacher asked me to switch to using the Bis key - because he thought I'd find it more comfortable for a piece, which happens to include a bit of C / Bb work. I can barely claim a gentle medium pace, and the switch has caused much finger flapping, so its not comfortable - yet.

I'd say its worth working on them all.

Anyone have some rule of thumb for deciding which to use in which circumstances? :erm:

 

[AlistairD]

Pete Thomas wrote:
With Evostick for several hours. Yes it definitely worked, but does limit what notes ypou can actually play so not something permanent. And don't use superglue.

I have tried double sided selotape which also works... and tends to be less permanent than superglue.

 

[Linky Lee]

C Bb A passages are made easier with the RH key method.

most fast passages with Bb A or C Bb are easier this way really, though it's not a huge difference, and you can train yourself to play either way.

I think the RH Bb method is the best one to use if you are going to use one.

It is easier more often than the long Bb method. (both stacks)

 

[RedBottom]

How helpful would RH C thing be. I can't imagine it myself, but you never know.

 

[Linky Lee]

the less muscles groups and the smaller the muscle groups you use to make a change, the easier and quicker you will be able to do it.

These ideas are used in physical sport to develop good technique in all sorts of different things.

Using the RH key to change to C uses less muscle groups because of the movement of the fingers. Therefore you should be able to make the change quicker and easier once you get used to it.

It's all very minimal though. You can play any passage with any fingering with enough practise.