[Shtona]

I have a horrible habit of locking my left thumb in when I play. In small doses it's doesn't really bother me, but after a long practice session it's pretty painful. The obvious fix is to curl my thumb and try to relax it while I play, but I just subconsciously lock it in every time I start.

So I was wondering if there were some tricks you all have found to help break bad habits...the one above to start, but others as well.

 

[NissanVintageSax]

Join the Military Band! They broke 6 years of bad habits in 3 months!

Aside from that, a good private instructor should yield similar results, so as long as you yield to the demands and suggestions needed to improve and break those habits .

 

[patmiller]

I'm trying to visualise your problem. If I've got it right, my solution would be to put a Band Aid around the thumb knuckle. This might not "cure" you, but it could give you the feedback to remind you to relax.

 

[Shtona]

I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes. Thanks Pat!

 

[Shtona]

It definitely helped. No quick fix though, that's for sure. Ended up putting the band-aid just above the knuckle (closer to the hand) to keep my thumb from sliding off the octave key. Still reminded me about my thumb, and kept my hand from slipping out of place...

Thanks for the help!

 

[patmiller]

Hey, no worries. I thought of it because whenever I need to wear a band aid myself I can't stop noticing it. I figured that if it stayed in your mind you might remember to unlock. Even if it's only partially effective at least it's CHEAP!

 

[NissanVintageSax]

Literally a Band-Aid solution! Solves the symptoms, but not the cause. It might solve the cause if you do it long enough I suppose though.