Alternate B-flat thumb fingering

[Kendall]

I thought I''d take a little
survey... Do you use the alternte B-flat thumb fingering whenever possible? To
answer my own question, yes, I do because an opera flutist I took a masterclass
from named Susan Gall encouraged me too. There is no correct or incorrect use of
the B-flat keys, but it seems the alternate B-flar thumb fingering is more
modern.

[ick27]

Of course there are three fingerings
for B flat. My least favorite is the one-and-one B flat (which is the one most
of us learn first), but it is a good default since it works in situations where
the others do not. I use the B flat thumb key whenever I can (when there aren't
B naturals, high F sharps, etc,) generally this is in the keys of F, B flat, E
flat, and A flat (major). It's good to practice sliding from the B flat thumb
key to the B key so you can use this fingering more often, Walfrid Kujala was
always big on learning this I believe.. The B to B flat trill has the smoothest
connection between B and B flat, so I use it when there are B's and B flat's
together unless the following notes require the first finger on the right hand
(in which case the one-and-one fingering works better). I must admit I like the
B flat trill key a lot, so I'm kind of a sucker for using it. [:)]

[embum79]

I use it a lot too, when it is the
easiest B-flat fingering to use.

[Cleartone]

I use the thumb b flat only during
passages that demand a quick change from a flatted accidental arpeggio to a
natural or sharped filled arpeggio. I believe one should stick to the right
index fingered b flat because it is closely related to the high F. If you
practice the keys of B flat and F. you should be able to become profecient and
fast on these keys using the common b flat fingering. There are some alternative
arpeggio fingerings that don't work with the thumb b flat as well. and as well
flutters that involve jumps of more than one full step. I would stay away from
playing the thumb b flat more than the regular b flat or you might develop a bad
habit. but indeed practice using it especially in arpeggios. Here is a favorite
of mine that is sort of a pentatonic arpeggio using the b flat thumb key. Bb
down to G down to Eb up to G up to Bb up to C up to Eb up to G up to Bb and down
again. You should be able to play this arpeggio at a fast speed using the thumb
Bb. Play around with this, extend the range. You can even make it into a
song!!

[embum79]

It's really individual, and you need
to go through the pieces you play and mark in which Bb you will use. I disagree
however that you should try to stick with the "traditional" fingering.. if
something is going to make the sound better or make it easier on your fingers,
why not use it? You have to KNOW when it is appropriate though. Lots of advanced
flutes have added trill keys and split e's and so forth.. does that mean we
shouldn't use them just for the sake of becoming an expert on the traditional
way?

[jessclark]

Check out this website:
http://www.fluteinfo.com/Doc/Shake/index.html
At the bottom, it talks about the different Bb fingerings and when is the best to use them.

Jesse Clark

[mooseluvr1392]

i only use it when it makes it a lot easier...i find it difficult to switch back and forth between both fingerings

[auletes83]

My teacher (who studied with Bonnie Boyd and Walfrid Kujala) says that you should use the Bb thumb key whenever possible, since it's the truest fingering: no holes covered that really shouldn't be. If you can't use that use the Bb side lever, and if you can't use either of those, then use the "long" Bb. Just be sure never to have the Bb thumb key depressed when you play high F#: makes the note sound AWFUL!

[FruityFlutie]

Yeah, I constantly use the thumb b flat in symphonic and marching band. I'm not too wild about the other alternate b flat, but it sometimes comes in handy. I've discovered that a lot of people in my class do NOT use alternate (and easier) fingerings and I wish they did because it would really help playing, you know?

[H. Blanchard]

I generally use the thumb b flat when I can but my teacher says don't play scales and exercises with it because it is too easy. The one I really like the sound of is the b flat trill key. it has a very sweet sound I think.
Then the fingering most students learn first is the standard one. hat's the one I use on exercises.
I hope any of this helps.

Hannah

[Schof]

I use alternate fingerings fairly often, the only one I rarely use for be flat is that trill key near your first finger. Some things will tell you to use the alternate or not, but in most cases you have to decide. If you think it's messy with the regular fingering, use the alternate. No one really is strict about it.

[Band_Geek]

Im still using the default Bb fingering. However, every now and then, I try to use the Bb fingering that has a key right about the one you would normally use the play Bb.

[Amateur_Flautist]

I was taught the thumb fingering for the note, but I later found that using the one-and-one fingering really helps it be more in tune (for me and my flute; your situation may be totally different of course). I use the thumb whenever I have fast runs or something of that sort with a B flat, but I prefere the one-and-one fingering most times (especially during sightreading) so I can be prepared to quickly play a natural B if I get caught by surprise, and it helps prevent finger fumbling.

[CaperFlutist]

i never use one and one fingering...


I use both thumb and the "trill" key way

[flutegurl2009]

i only use it when absolutly necessary.