Which is less tiring - Flute OR Clarinet?

Question

Im considering taking up a woodwind instrument, but kind of torn between flute and clarinet. With the flute, the arms will get tired easily with such an awkward position. And as for the clarinet, the heavy weight is also taxing on the wrists. Any advice?

Answer 1

Hi Frederick,

It does not really matter which one you choose..... if you spend little time practicing or playing, neither will be tiring for you.    And if you spend alot of time practicing... both could cause you to get a little taxed.  

I really don't think this is going to be much of an issue for you, because you will  be spending just a short amount of  time in the beginning getting to know the instrument and then practicing it.  Before long, you will not  pay attention to the hand position or weight.  The arm position for the flute is not really that awkward once you get into it.  And I have never heard anyone say they felt it was awkward...  so just choose the instrument you like the sound of better...  because if you choose one based on what you think is going to be uncomfortable and then you find you don't like playing it,  you have wasted time for an unsubstantiated reason.

Hope that made a little sense to you.

Best of luck finding that one that suits you.

Answer 2

Sounds to me like you really don't want to play an instrument. They all take some effort.

Pick an instrument that you like the sound of, and learn it. There will be some difficult times no mater what you choose. If you are concerned about getting tired, I would compare that to,

You won't learn to drive a car because your hands might get tired holding on to the steering wheel.

Answer 3

both is equally tiring.  If you want something easy to hold try clarinet.  it is the most comfortable instrument to hold, because your arms stay right by your sides.  when playing flute, you hold your arms out awkwardly.  trust  me i am in band!!!

Answer 4

I've played flute for 7 years now and you really don't notice the "awkward" position at all. Believe me, compared to bigger brass instruments the flute weighs nothing. On top of that, you don't have to spend extra money on reeds, and the metal isn't prone to cracks like wood is.

If you're leaning toward clarinet however, you can always wear a neckstrap.  

Answer 5

I think you should chose one that you like the sound of.  Better yet, go to a music store and try a few different instruments and then chose one that FEELS good to you.

That being said, the flute isn't awkward after you get used to it, but it does take some practice to keep your arms up.  Also, it takes a LOT of air, so be prepared for some dizziness at first.

With clarinet, the only thing that gets sore is your right thumb.  If this becomes a problem, they do have neckstraps for the clarinet ($20).  Also, your mouth and face hurt when you first start... you have to build the muscles in your face and mouth (embouchure), but it gets easier.

Whatever you choose though, you need to be prepared to work a little bit... you won't get anywhere with playing music if you're not willing to put in the time and effort.

Anyways, good luck with whatever you choose! :)