Learning to play without an oboe fingering chart be challenging, especially when it comes to memorizing all the finger positions for each note.
These quick reference charts should be able to get you up and running in no time.
How to read a clarinet fingering chart
A fingering chart is a diagram representing the oboe. There are circles to represent the keys that initiate its notes and elliptic shapes to depict the pinky keys, trill keys, and octave keys.
Fingering charts normally have the note written on the treble staff with the map indicated above or under it. The keys being pressed down for each note will contain a solid color.
Some notation has significant fingering choices. Select the one that makes the most sense for you based upon the model of your oboe, what a passage demands, or what your teacher suggests.
Make sure you look out for charts indicating notes that use a half hole.
What to do when your right thumb hurts
After a long period of playing (and especially when you’re new to playing), you might find that your right thumb will start to hurt eventually. No big deal; this is a pretty common issue.
To relieve this pain, try to use a thumb rest designed specifically for the oboe. I highly recommend one of these as you’ll be able to play for longer periods instead of stopping due to pain.
Top 5 oboe thumb rests
I’ve found that music store thumb rests for the oboe can be far too expensive for what they are, so here is a list of cheap options on Amazon that have the highest reviews. Check out our other articles on recommended Oboe cases and Oboe reeds.
- Soft Silicone cushion support relieves the pressure on your thumb.
- Cushions fit thumb rests up to 15mm wide (up to 0.59 inches).
- It takes only a few seconds to complete the installation and disassembly.
- Provides extra thumb rest and protects your instrument and hands.
- Comes with 5 pack thumb rests(5 Colors), suit for most Clarinet Oboe.
- Flexibility & Comfortable: The clarinet thumb protector is made of rubber material, Which is soft & comfortable when used, tear-resistant and durable
- Universal Size Set: Includes 5 pack thumb rests (5 Colors), Universal finger rest approx. 22 mm/ 0.87 inch in length, 20 mm/ 0.8 inch in width, 10 mm/ 0.4 inch in thickness, suit for most Clarinet Oboe
- Functional: Clarinet thumb protector eliminate sore thumbs, alleviating the fatigue and stress of long-term playing, Protect your thumb from pain
- Unique Shape Design: The shape of our clarinet soft thumb rest is curved shape design to fit your instrument greatly, help maintain correct finger position
- Easy to Use: Installation and disassembly are very simple, Just takes only a few seconds to complete it
- German quality,trustworthy
- Body Material:Redwood
- Gold plated keys;Semi automatic
- The parts include:2 reeds,1 cleaning cloth,1 oboe swab,1 thumb rest,1 pair of gloves,1 screwdriver,1 case
- Warranty period:1 year
- Package Content: You will receive 5 pieces of silicone thumb pad for clarinet and oboe, coming with 5 colors, including pink, black, yellow, blue and purple. Sufficient quantity and assorted colors can satisfy your using demands.
- Product Size: Each silicone clarinet thumb rest measures about 22mm / 0.87inch in length, 21mm / 0.83inch in width and 13mm / 0.51inch in thickness, which is suitable for most clarinets and oboes.
- High Quality: Our clarinet thumb rest is made of premium silicone, soft and comfortable to use, sturdy, wear resistant and durable, not easy to break, ensuring a long-term service. Easy to install and remove, very convenient.
- Unique Curved Shape: The curved design of the clarinet thumb rest can well fit your clarinet or oboe, keeping your fingers in the correct position.
- Strong Practicality: Our thumb rest pad for clarinet can reduce thumb soreness, relieve the stress of long-term playing and protect your thumb against pain when playing for long periods of time. They are nice tools for clarinet and oboe players.