harpcolumn

News

Extras

Listings

The Print Edition

Subscribe

harpcolumn

Double Jointed Thumb
Return to forums

Log in to your Harp Column account to post or reply in the forums. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to email us to set one up.

Home › Forums › Teaching the Harp › Double Jointed Thumb

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • March 21, 2008 at 2:29 am #86828
    Laura Wilson
    Participant

    Hello! I’ve taken harp since September 2006, and I recently found out I had double jointed thumbs. I know there are different styles of playing; I’m learning the one where you bend your finger when plucking. I play classical music and hymns. How big of a problem are double jointed thumbs for a harpist?

    Thanks.

    March 22, 2008 at 6:26 pm #86829
    unknown-user
    Participant

    Bend it which way? I find the thumb joints need to be slightly flexed when playing.

    March 25, 2008 at 8:55 pm #86830
    Laura Wilson
    Participant

    Yes, I flex it.

    April 3, 2008 at 9:51 am #86831
    liath-hollins
    Member

    I have this problem – not just in my thumbs either! All my fingers are double jointed.

    Basically, ‘double jointed’ means that your ligaments are too stretchy,
    allowing the joint to move out of what should be a normal range of
    motion. I have to be careful not to injure myself, so I spent a long
    time concentrating on precise technique and not allowing my fingers to
    bend the wrong way.

    Luckily, as I’ve got older, my ligaments have tightened up a bit, which
    helps. Also, as I’ve built up the muscles in my hands, they work to
    hold my joints in better positions.

    Go carefully, make sure your hands are staying in a strong position and be patient :-)

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Recent Replies