So, in another thread, i mentioned some of the problems i’ve been having in using standard grip on my LH (top hand – for some reason my avatar came out backwards). Piper’s grip had been suggested and i’d played around with it a bit – still felt a bit awkward, as i’ve been using standard grip since i started playing flute a dozen years or so ago.
I went away for a long weekend and figured that the time away from the flute would do my hand some good and maybe things would be better when i got back to playing. Well, it didn’t; the problems soon started to return. So i’ve been working at piper’s grip the last few days. I think i’m finally starting to get some consistency with it, though it definitely is still getting worked out.
One of the main problems is the thumbs – especially using the Seery, an hour of playing feels like having performed five hours of shiatsu. The Schultz (sans tuning slide) is definitely lighter and easier to manage, plus the spilt between the two body sections makes for some adjusting ability for more comfortable playing.
One thing i found the other day is this foto from Colin Goldie’s site. It is a foto of Paul McGrattan:
I’ve been looking at his top hand position and sort of basing mine on that. It looks a bit more relaxed than that of some of the other piper’s grip players i’ve seen, and certainly he does great things with it.
So far so good, anyway. I think i may be looking for a fairly lightweight flute with a tuning slide at some point, though the Schultz is fine for the time being.
I probably mentioned that I’ve recently shifted to piper’s grip.
It was clumsy at first, fingers were, but that does
work out in a few weeks. Wrists are straight, the whole
position is relaxed and fluid. Also playing the Bb flute
is easier.
Left hand rolls are easier too. And one can
easily half hole the C natural, as on a whistle.
Also slides are easier and, in my case, sound better,
done as I do them on a whistle.
I expect PG is less good than classical ultimately, but
it’s good enough and it has virtues of its own.
Wonderful pictures on Colin’s site–thanks
for the link.
Very much unfortunately, flute players can be subject to debilitating injuries. There are, however, medical specialists who work with musicians, in regard to music related injuries. And, generally, such consultation is painless.
Edit: Let me add, that over the years I have heard much of the same piece of advise, to not ignore pain, especially chronic pain. Or, a little injury could become a major injury, if ignored.
