100%. Also from what I have been told most are advised initially to go with the pipers grip on low D if they can, partly because of the muscles in fingers being flatter have a faster reaction time than when being bent. Although I don't know if this is true, I'd like to see some science on it but anyway. I myself use half a pipers grip, flat on bottom and tips on top but with more flattened tips if that makes sense. I'm also right handed and use right hand on top which is a bit unconventional. Brian Finnegan from my neck of the woods uses tips for both hands and can play extremely fast and fine, one of the best in the world, so whatever works best is my opinion as well 🙂👍.
Thanks for the great input. I think there is more opinion than science 🤣. It is incredibly impressive to watch Brian play. Interesting that you play with the right hand on top. Again - if it works well it is good.
with you! some makers lije dominic make whistles with the lower part (lower hand) twistable, i might need that but i want to try and find a solution on my howard cause i live ir
My challenge is less covering the holes effectively-as you say, I can accomplish that in several ways-than simply holding on to the whistle. When most or all of my playing fingers are up, I’m struggling with keeping the whistle held stable. Right now I’m bracing it between my thumbs (on the back) and my pinky fingers pressed along the sides. But it’s stressful, and my hands and wrists do get tired and sore pretty quickly. I have read a recommendation that one should “grip” the mouthpiece to stabilize the flute (no biting, just holding firmly with the lips, mouthpiece seated well into the mouth). This does help, but it distracts me from focusing on refining the airflow I’m putting through the whistle for different note ranges. Is this just me? Is there something basic and obvious about supporting the weight of the whistle and keeping it stable when few or no fingers are down on the tone holes, that I’m just missing? And insight or suggestions most gratefully received!
Understood, and great clarifying question. Holding the whistle stable is a challenge, that again can be personal. Yes, the primary way to keep the whistle stable is to use the pinky fingers wherever they land. For me that is about three quarters of the way up the whistle. Some folks even alter their grip so they can rest their little fingers on the whistle to stabilize it. You should not need to cramp your fingers to do this. You might need to alter your grip a little to bring your little fingers higher. Another thing you can do is hold the whistle just a little further out so it doesn’t feel like it wants to fall. The angle at which you hold the whistle can also be personal. The primary concern with the angle is whether you can blow freely into the whistle. I would not recommend holding the whistle with the mouthpiece. This is working to solve a problem that should be corrected in another way. These are great concerns and probably warrant a little video to address it. Thanks again.
You can get thumb rests for low whistles which can help. Some people use silicon guitar pick grips on the back of the whistle to help. Others make neck straps that attached to low whistles for support.
It gets better with practice I dropped whistles at the beginning quite a few times 😄 as you get used to it your brain kinda auto adjusts. I now keep the little finger on the bottom on the whistle as and when needed. Honestly try not to worry too much you'll be amazed at your brains capabilities when left to it. It's a bit like it seems to wrap itself around your cars exterior with practice and knows the dimensions of the thing it sits in
I can understand that. I bet the fingering is confusing too as there's a difference isn't there. I borrowed a sax once 20 yrs or more ago. Was lovely but then I got a piano for a while
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100%. Also from what I have been told most are advised initially to go with the pipers grip on low D if they can, partly because of the muscles in fingers being flatter have a faster reaction time than when being bent. Although I don't know if this is true, I'd like to see some science on it but anyway.
I myself use half a pipers grip, flat on bottom and tips on top but with more flattened tips if that makes sense. I'm also right handed and use right hand on top which is a bit unconventional. Brian Finnegan from my neck of the woods uses tips for both hands and can play extremely fast and fine, one of the best in the world, so whatever works best is my opinion as well 🙂👍.
Thanks for the great input. I think there is more opinion than science 🤣. It is incredibly impressive to watch Brian play. Interesting that you play with the right hand on top. Again - if it works well it is good.
Brian is a whistle god alright 👍
with you! some makers lije dominic make whistles with the lower part (lower hand) twistable, i might need that but i want to try and find a solution on my howard cause i live ir
That’s a good idea. Yes, the Howard is lovable. I’m looking around to see the best thumb rest options.
My challenge is less covering the holes effectively-as you say, I can accomplish that in several ways-than simply holding on to the whistle. When most or all of my playing fingers are up, I’m struggling with keeping the whistle held stable. Right now I’m bracing it between my thumbs (on the back) and my pinky fingers pressed along the sides. But it’s stressful, and my hands and wrists do get tired and sore pretty quickly.
I have read a recommendation that one should “grip” the mouthpiece to stabilize the flute (no biting, just holding firmly with the lips, mouthpiece seated well into the mouth). This does help, but it distracts me from focusing on refining the airflow I’m putting through the whistle for different note ranges.
Is this just me? Is there something basic and obvious about supporting the weight of the whistle and keeping it stable when few or no fingers are down on the tone holes, that I’m just missing?
And insight or suggestions most gratefully received!
Understood, and great clarifying question. Holding the whistle stable is a challenge, that again can be personal. Yes, the primary way to keep the whistle stable is to use the pinky fingers wherever they land. For me that is about three quarters of the way up the whistle. Some folks even alter their grip so they can rest their little fingers on the whistle to stabilize it. You should not need to cramp your fingers to do this. You might need to alter your grip a little to bring your little fingers higher.
Another thing you can do is hold the whistle just a little further out so it doesn’t feel like it wants to fall. The angle at which you hold the whistle can also be personal. The primary concern with the angle is whether you can blow freely into the whistle.
I would not recommend holding the whistle with the mouthpiece. This is working to solve a problem that should be corrected in another way.
These are great concerns and probably warrant a little video to address it. Thanks again.
You can get thumb rests for low whistles which can help. Some people use silicon guitar pick grips on the back of the whistle to help. Others make neck straps that attached to low whistles for support.
Great recommendations!
It gets better with practice I dropped whistles at the beginning quite a few times 😄 as you get used to it your brain kinda auto adjusts. I now keep the little finger on the bottom on the whistle as and when needed. Honestly try not to worry too much you'll be amazed at your brains capabilities when left to it. It's a bit like it seems to wrap itself around your cars exterior with practice and knows the dimensions of the thing it sits in
Yes holding it up is good idea even just lifting it briefly when hitting the c f eg.
I use my finger pads on all my low whistles even the low c I use my little finger to stabilse the whistle.
That’s great. I would like to do that, but I also enjoy using the piper’s grip. That way it doesn’t was with my head when playing the sax.
I can understand that. I bet the fingering is confusing too as there's a difference isn't there. I borrowed a sax once 20 yrs or more ago. Was lovely but then I got a piano for a while
It is a beautiful instrument, but I’ve been playing the whistle much more.