Hi there,

I'm new here but was just wondering if anyone might have any advice!

I've recently returned to flute playing after studying up to Grade 5 at school (about ten years ago!) and have noticed that even after only five minutes or so of playing, the base of my index finger gets really red and sore.

It seems safe to assume that it's due to the pressure of the flute - was just wondering if anyone else experiences this or has any suggestions for easing it?

Very many thanks!

Lina

I used to have this problem. You're pressing your flute onto your finger. Instead, it should just be gently resting there.

Stand up straight and make sure your shoulders aren't hunched. Proper posture helps, as well as realizing what you were doing.

I am afraid you are developing a callus as I did and as did many other people who play the flute for many hours a week.

It is not serious but you should try to avoid too much pressing on that finger.

My teacher plays a lot but has no calluses on her hand, she has a better technique, no doubt. But even the best performers can have this callus problem and not only at the base of the index finger.

I started a thread here some months ago when I first discovered it and did not know what it was. At that time, a couple of pictures of James Galway's left hand where posted here and you could see big calluses on the index and also on the thumb.

But just in case it could be a different thing (an allergic reaction?) I suggest you consult your doctor.

Yes, as mentioned you are pressing too hard with the index finger to try to keep the flute steady on your chin/lip. Try holding it less tightly. Support more from under the flute with that hand not against the side.
Doing this may improve our tone in the long run but you probably also need to do some tone study work.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

I had this problem when i played the flute. You are obliviously pressing too hard.Just don't press as hard.

Some skins are prone to develop calluses as a reaction to pressure or repeated friction. It seems my own skin is that type.

In such a case, even normal, repeated pressure could produce a callus and there's no much to be done and I have to live with it.

I do not think I press too much, I could probably lessen the pressure still a bit and I try, but the callus is already there and does not bother me, now that I know what it is.

It even reminds me that is time to go and practise..

I recall seeing a photo of Sir James Galway where he was showing his left index finger after playing. There was a prominent indentation where the flute rests and it was definitely red. So, even the pros have to deal with finger irritation.

Both pictures (J. Galway index and thumb) had a link posted in an older thread I initiated, some six months ago, maybe more. But I cannot find it (i.e. as almost *any* other older thread).

If someone has enough patience and luck and finds it, please post the link so taht we can see those pictures again.

It takes memory of location. Not so much 'luck'.

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/0O8DS9Uwfp6TkxM6rcZ1SfeJrL1dRjoHlJaebdZI9dL1bjdS0JnCrnzScpf_ahRqmVeUfd5NxvHesARY5aAL4fr8x5oyVLdntw/indentations.jpg

Thanks.

hmmm..when I went back to it. doc not found.
Try going to the GFC Yahoo flute group.
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Galway-Flute-Chat/

and then navigate to the files section and it is the indentations.jpg .

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

<Added>

Try here alternatively,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/stuff/indentations.jpg
In this indentations.jpg, he also is showing his finger indents. This takes some pressure.


From that and from this photo and his comments:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/stuff/IMG_1341_S.jpg
I'd surmise that he has a fair amount of pressure on his chin with the flute based upon the left index indent and the angle of the left wrist.
I don't advocate this as it takes a certain amount of 'tension' or that attempting to achieve this sort of thing is allowing one to be misguided....more than likely. I strongly believe that his tone and playing quality is maintained by a strong constitution-ohysically and mentally and a great deal of practice on a regular basis. This sort of practice that I believe that he employs is beyond the capability of typical 'lesser' players. It is beyond their interest in the instrument and it is generally beyond most people's ability to devote that sort of time on a very daily experience.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

I could see that picture, however, one hour ago. Only the index indentation picture, BTW.

I could not recall that it was you who had posted those links.

The search function of this Forum is practically dead and that was the reason of my comment on luck and patience.


<Added>

But I tried the link just now and it gives a page no found error. It has disappeared or maybe the site it is in temporary maintenance

try my additional comments in the above message Jose Luis.
They may help.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

"I'd surmise that he has a fair amount of pressure on his chin with the flute based upon the left index indent and the angle of the left wrist.
I don't advocate this as it takes a certain amount of 'tension' or that attempting to achieve this sort of thing is allowing one to be misguided....more than likely. I strongly believe that his tone and playing quality is maintained by a strong constitution-ohysically and mentally and a great deal of practice on a regular basis. This sort of practice that I believe that he employs is beyond the capability of typical 'lesser' players. It is beyond their interest in the instrument and it is generally beyond most people's ability to devote that sort of time on a very daily experience."

Do you know who is commenting? and is he/she commenting on James G. technique or on someone's else?



<Added>

Well after re-reading it a few times, I now understand it was your comment. Right?

Yes, I am humbly commenting in Sir James' Technique.

The argument against my statements is...but he's the best.
And I say, yes of course. I'd say that he's fortunate to not have had much joint, tendon issues probably because he is a fairly strong person.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

<Added>

He also plays with the flute embouchure hole rather covered. This can lead to a lot of 'cracked' notes if another student isn't careful or it can lead one to think that one cam play with less embouchure focus....more relaxed aperture. This is where "misleading" comes into what I'm saying.
To get his sort of tone quality AND to play less covered involves a considerable amount of embouchure muscles so that the airstream doesn't become diffuse before the embouchure hole edge.

One way to think of playing your flute is to bring/retract the flute to your lips.
Another is to advance the lips to your flute.
Exploration discovers and consequently develops other muscles.
~bilbo
N.E. Ohio