Is your clarinet thumb rest in the optimal position?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your hands or wrists while playing clarinet, your thumb rest might not be in the optimal position!
Even though the clarinet is not very heavy (about 1.5-2 pounds, or about 680-900 grams), it all starts to add up after you multiply the hours, days, weeks, months, and years spent holding and playing it. This is why it’s so important to develop and utilize proper posture and ergonomics, including customizing equipment to make playing easier and more comfortable for you.
(Before we dive in, I want to remind you that I’m a classically trained clarinetist – not a doctor. Please consult a trusted medical professional for any specific issues related to pain or discomfort while playing clarinet.)
One way to improve comfort while playing clarinet is to make sure that your thumb rest is in a good position. Most advanced and professional clarinets come with an adjustable thumb rest, and there are several thumb rests you can purchase to have installed on your clarinet. You can also work with a qualified clarinet repair technician to move and adjust the thumb rest to your preferred position.
How do you know where the thumb rest should be?
Here’s a simple test I use for myself and my students – let your arms hang naturally by your sides. Make sure your hands and fingers are fully relaxed. Now, look at the position of your right thumb compared to your right pointer finger. Most of the time, these will be nearly even. However, most clarinet thumb rests cause the thumb to be positioned considerably lower than the index finger, adding extra strain and tension in this area when playing.
Once you’ve determined your natural hand position, adjust your thumb rest to match this as closely as possible. If your adjustable thumb rest does not accommodate this, contact a trusted repair tech to inquire about possibilities and their recommendations.
What about neck straps?
Neck straps are also a great way to alleviate tension, and I encourage you to try a few to see if they work for you. Using a neck strap is a completely personal preference, and it doesn’t make you any less of a clarinetist. (This is a common rumor I’d like to dispel once and for all – neck straps have no correlation to ability level!)
Read more about clarinet neck straps and my advice to clarinetists.
Even if you are using a neck strap, I would still advise you to adjust your thumb rest to its most comfortable position so you can play freely.
Final remarks
Like so many other aspects of the clarinet, the thumb rest position is a personal preference and will depend on each person/clarinet. I encourage you to spend some time experimenting what works the best for you!