Pull your finger out!
by workers and drones » Wed Apr 16, 2014 9:14 am
W&D again!
Ok I think I've now reached the point where I can play most of the notes (jury out on this though!) and have started to look at some of the more challenging finger work needed for some tunes. So what are the secrets behind getting your thumb out in time to play some of the lower keyed notes and to return to base before the chanter disappears down your trouser leg!?. I can't hover my thumb in a tune like Bill Charltons fancy for example because when playing the upper G both thumbs leave the chanter and it wants to disappear down your trouser leg!. Another problem occurs when there are a number of repeated notes C to A for example (but not the only combo of notes) with many rapid alterations between the two. It would seem to make sense to leave the finger off the A and waggle the C. Pulling your finger out of the way by removing it from A altogether avoids the difficulty of co-ordinating and alternating between one off whilst the other one returns or has just returned and vicci versa. Are there any tips out there for the next level? I find myself posting on here quite a bit to find help - any other avenues available?. Another issue I have is the ability to stand whist playing. Most seem to do this effortlessly however I began playing with support to my chanter on my leg - this would seem to tie in with the above bit on thumbs!! there is very little support to the instrument when standing if you have to remove thumbs and whoops there it goes again down the trouser leg!. I tend not to go to groups session playing where maybe these sort of tips could be given and problems ironed out however the sessions I have attended focus solely on playing and little or no time is dedicated to playing technique and the issues surrounding this. Perhaps the best players in the group sessions could demonstrate particular playing exercises which could be practiced and worked on to help in the overall progress of players such as myself and others - I might be even tempted to attend more often than I do at present. All technique tips welcomed!.
W&D
workers and drones Posts: 16Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:18 pm