Technical Clinic

Right Hand Position

Why do we put the right hand in the bell?

            The early technique of the horn (before the invention of the valve) involved using the right hand to cover the bell, allowing notes that weren’t possible to play open. The hand has stayed in the bell, even though we all have valves now, for 2 main reasons. First, it darkens the sound of the instrument, giving us that beautiful rich tone that is the defining characteristic of the horn. Second, it allows us great control over the pitch. After the trombone, horn is the instrument with the least excuse for playing out of tune.

Basic Right hand position.

            Exact hand positions will vary, depending on the size of the bell flare of the horn, and the size of the horn players hand, but a few basic characteristics will always be the same. In order to do any good the right hand has to “get in the way” of the sound, but not so much that it makes you sound stuffy. To do this, first hold your right hand like you’re about to shake hands with someone, then put your thumb right up against your hand. (Another way to think of this same position is to cup your hand, like you would to drink water out of a fountain, but hold you fingers out flat.) Now put your hand into the bell, with the back of your hand against the metal of the bell.¹ Choose a position that allows you to carry some of the weight of the horn on your thumb, or between your thumb and first finger. The palm of your hand should be towards your body. Insert your hand far enough into the bell that you can have a noticeable effect on the pitch with small movements of the palm of your hand, but not so far that it covers your sound. If you feel like the sound is rolling across the palm of your hand and up your arm when you play, then you probably have a good position.

            Here are a few pictures that I hope will make this description more clear.

This is an example of good right hand position, except that the forearm has been moved out a little so you can see the hand more clearly.		This is the same picture from the other side. Notice how flat the wrist is. That may vary for some people, but I find it makes holding the horn much easier
	This is an example of the most common mistake I see in young students. There is no musical situation in which this is a good hand position. There is no possible way for you to effect the sound and/or pitch of the instrument from this position.

¹ The back of your hand doesn’t all have to touch the bell. How much of it is in contact with metal is one of the major differences caused by individual differences in bell and hand size. In my case most of the back of at least 3 fingers are in contact with the bell most of the time. (back to text)

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