| Left hand: index and middle fingers all the way around 3rd valve casing, ring finger in the 3rd slide ring and pinky on top of the 3rd slide behind the ring. UNLESS I need to do a lot of 3rd slide work (which happens quite often since I usually play 3rd trumpet), then I will put my pinky in the 3rd slide ring and add the ring finger to the index and middle finger. I find it easier to get the proper reach on the 3rd slide that way (I guess my hands aren;t that large?). Thumb always around the 1st valve casing (no trigger or saddle). Yes, when the playing gets "hot" I sometimes grip the thing as if my life depends on it (yes, bad habit which I am trying to break, without actually changing my grip).
Right hand: pinky in the hook (always), usual fingers on the usual valves, thumb resting against the leadpipe. So, my right hand is more or less "flat". I used to clutch my right thumb around the 1st valve so the fingernail of my right thumb would sit against the bell, but my teacher told me it is better to have the thumb against the leadpipe. It has now become a habit. (Also means that additional flap on my leather specialties valve protector is an unnecessary annoyance, since the only thing touching the leadpipe is my right hand thumb. I am contemplating asking them to make one that does have the bell flap and 3rd slide protector flap, but without the flap on the leadpipe side.)
Regards, Christine |