Little Finger Lock

[red]

Over the last few days I've noticed my left little finger locking into a curl and having to be flicked free. Is this a known condition amongst Anglo players or should I look for a completely different cause for the condition. My calling is that of a woodworker and I've used handtools most days for the past forty years. I've been learning the anglo for the past two. Any thoughts, ideas, dire warnings or instant cures gratefully received.

[Dave Weinstein]

I have the opposite problem -- my right little finger will often lock and not want to bend if I'm reaching for a note.

 

However, in my case, it is due to lingering damage from a pickup game of American football 20 some odd years ago (the joint does a little dogleg).

 

--Dave

[JimLucas]

Over the last few days I've noticed my left little finger locking into a curl and having to be flicked free. Is this a known condition amongst Anglo players or should I look for a completely different cause for the condition?

Various problems can occur as the result of overemphasizing some aspect of the way you hold or manipulate a concertina... or any other instrument... or hand tools... or just about anything else you manipulate. I don't recall hearing of that particular problem specifically in conjunction with the concertina, but I have heard of it in other contexts.

 

I think one crucial element of your description is that it's suddenly started happening, though you've been playing the anglo for two years. So unless you've just recently gotten a new instrument or started doing something in a noticeably different way (e.g., have you just begun using the low E/F?) -- and even if you have -- you should probably consult a specialist. Still, there are things you might try to examine in what you do. When the problem occurs, is it accompanied by pain or by unusual tension? If it is, can you relax the finger? Also try to be aware of the position and movement of your finger just before it happens. If it's a result of a tendon becoming displaced, avoiding certain movements and orientations of the hand and finger (those which cause the displacement) could be enough to "cure" the problem.

 

Best of luck.

[red]

Thanks for the replies, I wonder whether F#GA triplets may be the cause. It is the most peculiar feeling when it happens, I am going to see how it develops over the next week before taking action, thanks again.

[JimLucas]

Thanks for the replies, I wonder whether F#GA triplets may be the cause.

Hmm. Are you doing that with bellows reversals, or do you use the pull G in the 3rd row?

[red]

Well Jim. Have to admit I was doing bellow reversals, contrary to my tutor I now see. It is certainly smoother and less traumatic using the third row G. But I now doubt whether my condition has concertina origins. Many thanks for your help.