How to hold the recorder

Most squeaks are not caused by the breath. They are caused by a finger that does not quite cover its hole.

Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight. Hold the recorder at about forty-five degrees from your body — not pointing straight down, not horizontal.

Hand position

The left hand is always on top. The left thumb covers the back hole; the first three fingers cover the top three front holes. The right hand sits below, covering the bottom four holes. Your fingers should be relaxed and curved.

This is universal. There is no left-handed recorder. Reversing the hands will sabotage your progress permanently.

Finger technique

• Use the flat pads of your fingers, not the tips. Tips leave gaps.
• Cover holes completely. Even a tiny air leak makes a squeak.
• Keep unused fingers close to the recorder, ready to play.
• Stay relaxed. Tension causes mistakes and fatigue.

Common mistakes

• Hunching the shoulders. Keep them relaxed.
• Gripping too tightly. Hold gently but securely.
• Right hand on top. Always left hand first.
• Pointing the recorder down. Aim for forty-five degrees.

Practice exercise

Before playing any note, practise covering all the holes silently. Hold the recorder up to a light: no light should pass through any covered hole. This silent fingering builds the muscle memory that lets you play later without thinking about it.

Next: Making your first sound.