Bb original fingering vs. its alternate (thumb Bb)

[sakuramimato]

I've been debating and wondering about this issue. I guess it can be called a bad habit of mine for using the alternate fingering ever since I started playing (which would be 7 years up to now), but what's the benefit of using the original fingering (with the right pointer fingering) as opposed to the alternate?

- their tones don't sound different (like the F# alternate and original)
- the original only seems useful for runs that have a D, F, Eb, etc fingering that require the right pointer finger, but evenso, the alternate fingering is about equal (or even less) effort for me to play with other notes that require the right pointer key (probably since I've used the alternate so long)
- the alternate fingering is easier to use with fast runs since the original fingering adds an extra finger which can confuse or muddle up technique
- the original fingering is better for the Bb to B trill

Also, especially for chromatic, I use the alternate going up and the original going down the chromatic scale to practice both, but I'm wondering if I should just use the original going both ways.

I'd love to hear your input and preference of which fingering. Thank you!

[sherbert789]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using thumb Bb. I use it as much as possible because I like it so much and it has pretty stable intonation. Using 1 and 1 is slightly flat on many instruments (mine included), so if you can't use your thumb Bb, you should use the little lever that is near your first key on your right hand. It's more in tune. But there are some times when you just can't avoid using 1 and 1.

Hope this helped!!

[MeLizzard]

In the first two octaves, we can use any of three B-flat fingerings---one-and-one, thumb, or lever (that thing near your trill keys that looks like a little quarter note). We need to learn which fingering is appropriate for a given passage. For example, it's usually considered inapropriate to slide the thumb off and on for consecutive notes. I do this on rare occasions, but it just feels (usually) awkward. For most players, this manner of fingering B to B-flat is just too slow. Based on this generally-accepted rule, either the one-and-one or the thumb fingering should be used in playing the chromatic scale. Don't feel shameful about using what you may consider "alternate" fingerings; rather, always use the fingering combination which proves most efficient, just as, when writing essays, we should employ economy of language--too many words isn't necessarily better! The trill can be accomplished with the one-and-one or the lever (more agile).
*Regarding pitch/color, while the difference isn't so blatant as the F# as you mentioned, there are differences. When fingering B-flat with the traditional, "fifth-grade" one-and-one, balance can be easily maintained, but this fingering is theoretically less in-tune than the other two because more keys are closed. The key which creates B-flat is the one next to the C key, but of course we don't put a finger on it, so we close it by using the F key (right-hand first finger), or the lever, or the B-flat thumb key. Any of these fingerings is correct, but each is situationally correct. At least we don't have as many choices as clarinetists!!!

[c_otter]

For the piccolo, the 'alternative' fingerings are preferred. The one and one fingering tends to be flat.

[MeLizzard]

Absolutely! Sometimes it's really hard to get students to use one of those, at least initially.

[Sleeping Turtle]

You need to learn F sharp scale and play it more often! I always did all scales with the cross fingering, and then often used the thumb B flat in pieces and playing. It's quite a hard discipline, but if you practice the cross fingering then you can do the thumb with no effort; the same is not true the other way round. If you never cross finger it will hold you back when you get more advanced.
T

[fluteguy18]

I use it whenever it is the most useful. If I have some runs with cross fingerings, I usually use the thumb version (unless I use a cheat with the one one fingering). Then, sometimes, if I have a sustained b flat that then turns into a b flat trill (to b natural), I will use the b natural fingering and hold down the b flat trill key (the little lever by the right pointer key), and then trill.

[flutepicc06]

Yes, as mentioned above, the alternate fingerings for each note all have their own situations when they are the right one to use. The best thing to do is practice using them all, so when you can't use your default easily (mine is the 1 and 1 fingering for Bb), the other options are easily within reach. Just like clarinetists with their millions of alternate fingerings, you have to learn where one fingering holds advantage of the others and apply that knowledge to your music.