Holding/fingering a low D whistle
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- Impromptu demonstration and discussion of issues affecting reliable tone-hole coverage and comfort in playing large size whistles and a method to approach and solve the problems.
Here's a written description of what I try to explain in the video:
Put the R3 finger pad squarely on the E hole (lowest hole, closing it gives D), then lay R1 & R2 fingers across the tube across their holes and push them forward, pivoting on R3 (pad on hole) until your wrist is as straight as possible. Seal the F# & G holes with R 2 & 3 second joints, wherever they fall, not the finger tip pads. Adjust the R thumb to a comfortable position beneath the tube.
This approach will be very much more comfortable (avoids R wrist pain!) and will free the action of the fingers considerably, and as it is centred on or derived from the R3 on-hole position, should reduce the risk of missing that hole when trying to finger it.
EDIT: I have now (29:6:2021) added a supplementary video ( • Low Whistle support - ... ) dealing with the question of stablility of support when fingering "open" C# and pl;aying "over the break" between the registers.
Thank you for the simple and easy to follow explanation!
Thank you for doing this. I bought a low whistle that arrived in post today and I was struggling with the bottom 3 fingers. Great advise that I'm going to take on board now.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thanks very much for the video, really informative.
Much appreciated
Thank you for this
I needed this! Thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Thank you. Very well done. My right hand isn't liking me, but I assume with practice it will get better.
I can't guarantee anything because everyone's anatomical proportions are unique to them, but if you have a physical problem playing a particular instrument, self observation to analyse why you're struggling or hurting and to try to find ways to improve things is the best way forward. It may be that in the end a low D whistle is just too big for you and if you can't find a way to do it which doesn't hurt you may just have to downsize rather than risk injury. Battling on hoping practice may be all it takes isn't always a solution. But if this video helps you to find a method which works for you, I'm glad to have helped. 🙂
I needed this!!! Thank you!!! My right hand thanks you for keeping me from getting arthritis 😂
James Becker, of Becker Whistles (US) makes a very nice PVC Low D with off set bottom holes which makes finger a bit easier. Michael Burke (US) makes an aluminum Low D with a rotatable low hand joint for the same effect, rather more expansive.
Offset holes suit some people, and most makers will do them to order. But having offset holes doesn't suit everyone or necessarily make anything "easier". Personally I dislike them save on bigger, lower than low D whistles as I tend to find them more awkward to hit and seal accurately. But that's irrelevant to the purposes of this video, the principles of which apply just as much to a whistle with offset holes.
@@Jemtheflute I have found the offset to be a boon. Still, it must be admitted I haven't given the piper's grip a fair try.
Thank you! where did you get the thumb rest please?
I made it to fit the whistle from a scrap of PVC electrical conduit tube. See my answer below to another query, with some links.
Hi can I as where did you get your thumb rest pls regards mick
Hi. I made it - from black pvc electrical conduit pipe - sawed and filed to shape and heat-moulded.
I made a couple for for a friend (cf
m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=804165446396243&id=502882349857889), but I'm not taking orders! I haven't got time and it's not cost effective to offer them for sale. The raw material is cheap, easily available and anyone handy can have a go with common sense, basic hand tools and a hot air gun. It might take a few goes to get just what you want and learn to handle the material, but give it a go! A junior hacksaw, some metal files, abrasive papers for finishing and a hot air gun (to heat the plastic to bend/shape it) are all you need
@@Jemtheflute thank you will look into making one as a beginner on low d I'm finding it awkward to hold with my thumb but practice makes perfect regards mick
@@Jemtheflute no probs already worked it out in my head lol thank you once again regards mick
Make of boxwood whistle?
Jon Swayne: www.jonswayne.com/whistles
One quick correction ..... pipers use that grip on the bottom hand only and not on the top hand . Pipers top hand is played on the pads only .
Thanks for your comment. To what kind of pipes are you referring? I've just double checked images and videos of a selection of well-known uilleann pipers (the most relevant type, what most flute and whistle players think of when they refer to "piper's grip") and they all do the L-hand equivalent of what I explained in this video - pivot on 3rd finger pad, 1st and 2nd fingers slanted further across. What *is* different about uilleann pipes hold to my illustration on low whistle is that their R-hand pivot is the end pad of R4 and, because of the angle they hold the chanter and the need to operate the regulators with the R wrist, their 1st, 2nd & 3rd fingers are more nearly at right angles to the chanter, but covering the holes somewhere on the 2nd knuckle pad.
Guess I should have been a little clearer . Your correct about pipers grip when referring to uilleann pipes but not the GHP of which I play . My mistake @@Jemtheflute
Fair enough. Thought that might be your angle. GHBs don't count! 😉😈
Lol !@@Jemtheflute