POLL: Middle Finger Down?

PhilO · Post by **PhilO** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:11 am

I had been playing the transitions from Csharp and B to high E with the fourth finger down for C sharp and using it as balance finger as always, but when it was pointed out that my note transitions were a bit sluggish, and I should try leaving the middle finger down instead, VOILA, nice clear easy transitions. Took a little while to get used to, but now seems natural, at least in the context of tunes where it really helps.

Philo

emmline · Post by **emmline** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:21 am

I am presently winning, with a "yes," which equals 100% of the vote.

I couldn't answer the question without grabbing a whistle and testing though.
Truth is, I never thought about or planned the middle finger down habit, it was just the easiest method.

MarkB · Post by **MarkB** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 8:20 am

I had to grab a whistle also to test it and I don't. I keep my right index finger on the F# hole for balance, especially playing a tune in A, also do the same on the flute.

MarkB

colomon · Post by **colomon** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:01 am

PhilO wrote:I had been playing the transitions from Csharp and B to high E with the fourth finger down for C sharp and using it as balance finger as always, but when it was pointed out that my note transitions were a bit sluggish, and I should try leaving the middle finger down instead, VOILA, nice clear easy transitions.

If I'm understanding you correctly, this isn't an issue at all if you use your pinky for balance like I do....

(Perhaps it would be easier to figure out if you gave a tune example?)

FJohnSharp · Post by **FJohnSharp** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:26 am

Not sure what you're saying exactly, but when playing a C# and then an E in rapid succession, I'll leave the F# and E holes covered. It gives me a cleaner transition by not having to get five holes covered in time.

kevin m. · Post by **kevin m.** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 2:43 pm

My brain is to sluggish after a monday at work for this one.
I suggest you check out the 'not moving a muscle (or is it a finger?)' section on Brother Steve's site.

JamesF · Post by **JamesF** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 2:57 pm

i use my pinky

Tyghress · Post by **Tyghress** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:28 pm

My pinky doesn't reach easily. I much prefer leaving my lowest finger on that hole as possible.

PhilO · Post by **PhilO** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:59 pm

I was thinking of Tommy People's Jig as rendered by Cathal McConnell; but you're right, probably no matter if you balance with the pinky, which I don't.

Philo

Jennie · Post by **Jennie** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:34 pm

B-E'-B-E'-B...
The beginning of the theme to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly."

A good one to impress the non-ITM crowd. My kids love it!

Jennie

Unseen122 · Post by **Unseen122** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 8:13 pm

I use my pinkie for balance.

izzarina · Post by **izzarina** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:18 pm

oops!!! I voted wrong ( :roll: ) I thought it was asking if we kept it up. Don't ask how I got that out of the question. But anyway, I keep mine up. I think I've spent too much time in the Pub today....

::quietly slinking back to the Pub....::

Chiff and Fipple Forums

POLL: Middle Finger Down?

Do you leave your middle finger down rather than using the fourth finger when transitioning repeatedly from Csharp and B to high E?

POLL: Middle Finger Down?

Re: POLL: Middle Finger Down?