Right. It’s possible to press too hard with the right thumb,
rather jamming the flute into one’s mouth/chin.
Actually tone is better if one uses minimal pressure,
just enough to keep it stable, as you say.
I’ve discovered that on a keyed flute,
I now am able to stabilize the flute
by using my rt pinky on the Eb key.
Holding it open improves some notes,
I think, too.
Interesting these different ways of gripping/supporting the flute folks have. I don’t use my left thumb at all or left index finger to support the flute. The headjoint just rests in the bottom of the “U-joint” between my thumb and index finger. Just about the same with my right hand the flute rests in the base of the “U-joint” with the right hand first joint of the thumb pointing, sometimes back under the flute body, towards the headjoint, or sometimes pointing out in the same direcion os the right hand fingertips. That’s to say my thumbs are free to move about. Don’t have my flute here at work to demonstrate but it works.
My flute rests in the web between thumb and index finger of both hands leaving fingers & thumbs free to do whatever. Works for me and feels natural. Haven’t thought about it until this thread came up. The inside base of the left hand index finger keeps the headjoint gently pushed up to my lips. I haven’t analyzed this before but that’s about it.
Mike, that’s it though you will be amazed at just how little pressure you need after a while. I had all sorts of cramps and discomforts from not keeping relaxed enough. If you can keep tenseness out of the equation your fingers can move much quicker. I tended to grip too hard because I felt I needed to press down hard with my fingers to get a seal, but you don’t need to, think of lifting fingers up not putting them down.
Rob
I’ve seen Jack Gilder play both ways during the course of a session. Whatever he’s in the mood for I guess.