How do I strengthen my left Pinkie for Clarinet Playing?

Question

My left hand pinkie finger is the weakest of my other fingers and I was wondering if anyone has any techniques that can help strengthen my pinkie finger? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

haha. lift weights with that pinkie?

i'm just kidding.

i too play clarinet, and i know what you mean.

you just simply need to pratice.

the more your practice, the easier it gets to put that finger down, etc.

Answer 2

Have you tried JeanJean's book of exercises called Vade Mecum?  Daily exercises to strengthen every finger.  Highly recommend it if you're going for that perfect technique!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Ahh.. that is the hardest... I really hate those notes. What I do is when my pinkie starts to hurt I keep playing the interval that has the evil fingering over and over until my pinkie stops wanting to bend. Then I stop playing and the next day no problems :) And if you start loving using the pinkie, start to play the bassoon... It's  even worse.

Answer 4

Pick up some racquet balls at the local sports store ( even WallMart ) and carry it with you all day. Squeezing it in your hand will definitely strengthen your fingers.