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Alto flute trouble

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Eccentric Chica

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2009 10:16 pm


Hello fellow floutists and other wind players. I have a problem. I have just started playing alto flute-- for fun, mainly-- and I have discovered that my hand cramps up after only a short time of playing it. It is a very noticeable pain-- like I had been gripping something for hours on end. It is ALL on my right hand, and I have speculated it may have to do with the positioning of my hand.

So, the question is-- will I get used to this over time? Will it go away the longer I practice alto flute? If not, can I overcome it through some accessory (e.g. saddle or something similar), or will I just have to bear with it?
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2009 2:38 pm


My experience with teh alto flute is limited, unfortunately...But if I remember correctly, it's heavier than a normal flute, and the keys are spaced farther apart. It's very likely that your pains is just your muscles trying to get used to the stretching and weight. You probably will get used to it as your hand gets stronger. It's also possible that you'll have to slightly tweak your hand's position, but I couldn't tell you exactly how. You might have to experiment a little, see what hurts the least.

If they do make saddles, thumb rests, etc. for the alto flute, they're probably rare and/or expensive. I wouldn't think you would necessarily need one.

Rune WolfHaven


Eccentric Chica

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2009 3:12 pm


Alright, thanks for the advice. biggrin I think I'm looking more for a more temporary fix as I won't see my lesson teacher in another week. She'll know what to do.
PostPosted: Fri May 29, 2009 7:38 pm


when i first started playing trumpet in sixth grade i started getting really bad pains in my right hand so we went to the doctor and he told me i had tendinitis, he asked me if i had started doing something lately that i didn't do before. i told him i just started playing trumpet and he said there's two ways to fix it. either stop playing, or deal with it and my body will get used to it.. so i suggest you go to a doctor if the pain continues or if you can't afford it or don't care enough, just deal with it tell you get used to it

Do mathair


Harmony Whitestone

PostPosted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:55 am


Do NOT just bear with the pain! It can turn into a permanent injury! It sounds like you have been gripping the flute really tightly with your right hand. I have had the same problem on and off. Try to loosen your grip in that hand and let your thumb serve its purpose as a balance point. If you still experience pain, take a break and rest your hand a bit. Also, make sure you aren't collapsing your hand underneath the flute too much. Try and keep your wrist straight and your hand position as natural as possible. If you were to let your hand curve naturally by your side and raise it to the flute, that would be the proper hand positioning. Hope I have been helpful!
PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:31 pm


as expressed by some other people the pain will go away as us get to playing (and practicing) longer. for the time being you could practice a bit less, and it won't hurt as much. everyones hands hurt when you first start, but you will get used to it over time don't worry!

alice_rox_twilight_101

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Woodwinds/Brass

 
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