Ideas for a musical instrument to learn that is easier on the fingers

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I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions, please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, and the same goes for stretching.



I tried the piano, but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, and I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! (I tried these two as I had access to them.)



I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.



I would like to learn for only my own pleasure as I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really won't mind... I will be happy with the achievement for achievements' sake!



Thank you all very much for the wide variety of suggestions, there are many ideas that I just never considered. You have all given me a lot of food for thought and the 'out of the box' instruments look very interesting and fun.
Regarding the drums, does anyone know how hard the steel drums are on your hands? I looked at YouTube to see some players and the sticks look quite loosely held and not involving the fingertips very much.
Finally, can anyone tell me how important the tension/grip is for the mallet instruments? Could they be played with padded gloves or would that mess up the sound?
Thank you again.






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  • 1




    Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
    – 11684
    5 hours ago














up vote
13
down vote

favorite












I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions, please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, and the same goes for stretching.



I tried the piano, but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, and I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! (I tried these two as I had access to them.)



I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.



I would like to learn for only my own pleasure as I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really won't mind... I will be happy with the achievement for achievements' sake!



Thank you all very much for the wide variety of suggestions, there are many ideas that I just never considered. You have all given me a lot of food for thought and the 'out of the box' instruments look very interesting and fun.
Regarding the drums, does anyone know how hard the steel drums are on your hands? I looked at YouTube to see some players and the sticks look quite loosely held and not involving the fingertips very much.
Finally, can anyone tell me how important the tension/grip is for the mallet instruments? Could they be played with padded gloves or would that mess up the sound?
Thank you again.






self-learning physical-limitations







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  • 1




    Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
    – 11684
    5 hours ago












up vote
13
down vote

favorite









up vote
13
down vote

favorite











I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions, please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, and the same goes for stretching.



I tried the piano, but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, and I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! (I tried these two as I had access to them.)



I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.



I would like to learn for only my own pleasure as I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really won't mind... I will be happy with the achievement for achievements' sake!



Thank you all very much for the wide variety of suggestions, there are many ideas that I just never considered. You have all given me a lot of food for thought and the 'out of the box' instruments look very interesting and fun.
Regarding the drums, does anyone know how hard the steel drums are on your hands? I looked at YouTube to see some players and the sticks look quite loosely held and not involving the fingertips very much.
Finally, can anyone tell me how important the tension/grip is for the mallet instruments? Could they be played with padded gloves or would that mess up the sound?
Thank you again.






self-learning physical-limitations







share|improve this question









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Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions, please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, and the same goes for stretching.



I tried the piano, but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, and I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! (I tried these two as I had access to them.)



I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.



I would like to learn for only my own pleasure as I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really won't mind... I will be happy with the achievement for achievements' sake!



Thank you all very much for the wide variety of suggestions, there are many ideas that I just never considered. You have all given me a lot of food for thought and the 'out of the box' instruments look very interesting and fun.
Regarding the drums, does anyone know how hard the steel drums are on your hands? I looked at YouTube to see some players and the sticks look quite loosely held and not involving the fingertips very much.
Finally, can anyone tell me how important the tension/grip is for the mallet instruments? Could they be played with padded gloves or would that mess up the sound?
Thank you again.






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  • 1




    Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
    – 11684
    5 hours ago












  • 1




    Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
    – 11684
    5 hours ago







1




1




Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
– 11684
5 hours ago




Would you consider singing an option? I understand that technically it’s not an answer to your question since you are asking for an instrument, but to me it seems the most straightforward option to make music without resorting to very obscure instruments. I’m not very familiar with psoriasis but I would think that singing completely evades any issues relating to it.
– 11684
5 hours ago










13 Answers
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I would like to suggest a theremin.



It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.



I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.



However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.



As user Guy G correctly commented:




One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.







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  • 3




    One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
    – Guy G
    yesterday










  • Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
    – Tim
    yesterday






  • 2




    @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
    – leftaroundabout
    yesterday










  • @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
    – Guy G
    yesterday










  • You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
    – Doktor Mayhem♦
    yesterday


















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What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.






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  • 1




    I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
    – Gaultheria
    yesterday










  • FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
    – Carl Witthoft
    yesterday










  • If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
    – Tracy Cramer
    yesterday






  • 1




    By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
    – bta
    yesterday

















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Panpipes, although typically handheld, are played without putting pressure on the fingers.



You can even play them hands-free by using a neck rack:



Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.



— Image source: Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.






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  • 2




    Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday

















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You asked about 'saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute' and I can play all of these (some better than others!), so here are the biggest pros and cons of each, specifically considering finger tips:



Trumpet



Pro: The valves only need three fingertips on the right hand



Con: Strong fingers are needed to support the weight of the instrument



Clarinet



Pro: The right thumb tip isn't needed, as the instrument's weight sits on the knuckle joint



Con: Several of the holes on the clarinet are 'open' meaning that you have to cover them with your fingertips rather than with covered keys like on a saxophone, leading to even more pressure on the finger tips



Flute



Pro: When compared with the other instruments in this list, the flute requires the least force through the finger tips when playing - it's a more 'delicate' instrument, if you will.



Con: The fingers take the full weight of the instrument - there's no option for a weight-baring neck strap like with a saxophone or clarinet



Saxophone



Pro: A neck strap takes the weight of the instrument and the thumbs are used very little - the right thumb hooks under a thumb rest, and the left thumb has a pad to rest on and one large button to play



Con: A lot of pressure can be needed to press the keys, especially if you are naturally quite tense



If these four instruments are your only options, I would recommend avoiding the clarinet and the trumpet. I'd lean towards trying the flute and the saxophone, but even these may be too much for your finger tips to handle.



(As an aside, the flute and the saxophone have very similar fingering patterns so if you do learn one, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the other and then you can play two instruments!)






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  • Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
    – Ian Goldby
    yesterday










  • Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
    – Ian Goldby
    yesterday






  • 1




    Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
    – ErikE
    yesterday

















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A harmonica might work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are very cheap, so there's no real problem if you don't like it. Chromatic harmonicas extend the range and keys available, if you decide you do like it.






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  • FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
    – Mathieu Guindon
    yesterday










  • @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
    – Graham
    yesterday










  • Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
    – Mathieu Guindon
    yesterday

















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Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.






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  • I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
    – Guy G
    yesterday










  • Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
    – leftaroundabout
    yesterday











  • @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
    – Tim
    yesterday

















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Have you considered a Hammered Dulcimer or a Cimbalom? They are sometimes included in orchestral works - although I can't name one off the top of my head - and there are also "Dulcimer Orchestras" around - look on YouTube.



I also agree with @Marzipanherz that a Theremin might be suitable.






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    Maybe a harmonica to begin with? If the problem you have focuses on finger tips this should work fine, worst case you might have a problem to produce effect.



    And another option, I have never played this instrument so my opinion here is not worth much but, how about lap-steel guitar? I do not know if during your attempt at guitar you found trouble with the fretting hand or the strumming one (or both) but if it's the former this could be a suitable option, it can also be played with fingerpicks which help get a louder sound while putting less strength in your plucks






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      up vote
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      When you tried piano, was the pressure on your fingertips a problem mainly when you played loudly?



      You could consider learning to play the electronic organ. Most organs have a very light touch compared to piano - indeed, learning to play with a light touch is greatly beneficial to your technique and will in time help you play faster and more accurately.



      You could also consider saxophone. On a properly set up instrument very little pressure is needed to operate the keypads. The same would be true of any woodwind instrument that uses keypads exclusively. But I would avoid anything like the recorder or clarinet where you need to seal your finger tip against a hole because I expect this would require more pressure.



      You could also consider any brass instrument. Again, little pressure is needed to operate the valves. I have even seen trumpet players pushing the valves with the middle segment of their finger rather than their fingertips, though I've no idea if this is good technique or not.



      Don't forget that your voice is also a musical instrument.



      Definitely avoid any stringed instrument (including guitar) as these are the worst for putting pressure on your fingertips.






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        You could try something more unusual, like Pipe Drums.



        As you can see in this example, you use your foot and, unlike standard drums, you hold the sticks with your whole hand, not with your fingers.






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          up vote
          0
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          If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments. Maybe not even with a kit, but with other percussion instruments.






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          • 3




            I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
            – Dekkadeci
            yesterday










          • @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
            – Tim
            yesterday











          • This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
            – Nuclear Wang
            yesterday











          • As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










          • Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
            – rlms
            1 hour ago

















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          Play the trumbone. need no fingers at all.
          Is a lot of fun an covers a broad variety of musical directions.






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            up vote
            -2
            down vote













            How about the recorder?



            It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!






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            • 8




              Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
              – Tim
              yesterday






            • 2




              Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
              – mcadorel
              yesterday









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            13 Answers
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            up vote
            20
            down vote













            I would like to suggest a theremin.



            It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.



            I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.



            However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.



            As user Guy G correctly commented:




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.







            share|improve this answer


















            • 3




              One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
              – Tim
              yesterday






            • 2




              @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday










            • @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
              – Doktor Mayhem♦
              yesterday















            up vote
            20
            down vote













            I would like to suggest a theremin.



            It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.



            I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.



            However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.



            As user Guy G correctly commented:




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.







            share|improve this answer


















            • 3




              One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
              – Tim
              yesterday






            • 2




              @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday










            • @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
              – Doktor Mayhem♦
              yesterday













            up vote
            20
            down vote










            up vote
            20
            down vote









            I would like to suggest a theremin.



            It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.



            I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.



            However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.



            As user Guy G correctly commented:




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.







            share|improve this answer














            I would like to suggest a theremin.



            It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.



            I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.



            However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.



            As user Guy G correctly commented:




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.








            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



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            edited yesterday

























            answered yesterday









            Marzipanherz

            650313




            650313







            • 3




              One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
              – Tim
              yesterday






            • 2




              @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday










            • @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
              – Doktor Mayhem♦
              yesterday













            • 3




              One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
              – Tim
              yesterday






            • 2




              @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday










            • @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
              – Doktor Mayhem♦
              yesterday








            3




            3




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
            – Guy G
            yesterday




            One potential issue is that playing the theremin requires precise repetitive movement of the fingers which may count as stretching, depending on how severe the OP's psoriasis is. But it's a fun instrument and definitely worth having a try at.
            – Guy G
            yesterday












            Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
            – Tim
            yesterday




            Out of interest, could a Theremin be played with gloves (of any sort) on, or even something like a table tennis bat?
            – Tim
            yesterday




            2




            2




            @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
            – leftaroundabout
            yesterday




            @GuyG although you're right that standard theremin technique uses finger movement, this is not really necessary. Theremin can indeed be played with any electrically conductive object. The fingers make it easier to lock in correct intonation positions, but this doesn't require any force whatsoever. I think it's in fact mostly a mental help.
            – leftaroundabout
            yesterday












            @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
            – Guy G
            yesterday




            @leftaroundabout - I agree that it doesn't require any force, but it may be the case that repeatedly bending and extending the fingers could be an issue for the OP. But as you say, it's a standard, not a necessity.
            – Guy G
            yesterday












            You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
            – Doktor Mayhem♦
            yesterday





            You don't need to bend the fingers at all Guy. In fact you don't need fingers.
            – Doktor Mayhem♦
            yesterday











            up vote
            18
            down vote













            What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
              – Gaultheria
              yesterday










            • FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
              – Carl Witthoft
              yesterday










            • If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
              – Tracy Cramer
              yesterday






            • 1




              By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
              – bta
              yesterday














            up vote
            18
            down vote













            What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
              – Gaultheria
              yesterday










            • FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
              – Carl Witthoft
              yesterday










            • If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
              – Tracy Cramer
              yesterday






            • 1




              By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
              – bta
              yesterday












            up vote
            18
            down vote










            up vote
            18
            down vote









            What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.






            share|improve this answer












            What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            Jamie

            35613




            35613







            • 1




              I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
              – Gaultheria
              yesterday










            • FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
              – Carl Witthoft
              yesterday










            • If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
              – Tracy Cramer
              yesterday






            • 1




              By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
              – bta
              yesterday












            • 1




              I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
              – Gaultheria
              yesterday










            • FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
              – Carl Witthoft
              yesterday










            • If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
              – Tracy Cramer
              yesterday






            • 1




              By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
              – bta
              yesterday







            1




            1




            I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
            – Gaultheria
            yesterday




            I think the slide hand would be okay. The way I carried my trombone, though, there was a substantial amount of contortion required of the hand supporting the instrument's weight, and this stretched the skin at the base of the fingers. If this would be a problem for the OP, then it might be possible to build up that part of the trombone, using something like bicycle handlebar padding for a more manageable grip.
            – Gaultheria
            yesterday












            FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday




            FWIW, there are slide-saxophones out there, but these are now rare, expensive collectors' items - and difficult to play as well.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday












            If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
            – Tracy Cramer
            yesterday




            If a regular trombone is too heavy there is a soprano trombone which is also known as a slide trumpet.
            – Tracy Cramer
            yesterday




            1




            1




            By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
            – bta
            yesterday




            By the same logic you can also suggest the French horn. Rotary valves are relatively easy to activate with the first knuckle and not the fingertip. The instrument itself is supported by the palm of one hand and the back of the other, and the fingers don't have to stretch much.
            – bta
            yesterday










            up vote
            7
            down vote













            Panpipes, although typically handheld, are played without putting pressure on the fingers.



            You can even play them hands-free by using a neck rack:



            Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.



            — Image source: Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.













            • 2




              Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
              – Todd Wilcox
              yesterday














            up vote
            7
            down vote













            Panpipes, although typically handheld, are played without putting pressure on the fingers.



            You can even play them hands-free by using a neck rack:



            Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.



            — Image source: Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.













            • 2




              Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
              – Todd Wilcox
              yesterday












            up vote
            7
            down vote










            up vote
            7
            down vote









            Panpipes, although typically handheld, are played without putting pressure on the fingers.



            You can even play them hands-free by using a neck rack:



            Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.



            — Image source: Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            Panpipes, although typically handheld, are played without putting pressure on the fingers.



            You can even play them hands-free by using a neck rack:



            Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.



            — Image source: Dom Flemons, using panpipes held in a neck rack.







            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer






            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            answered yesterday









            Gaultheria

            1712




            1712




            New contributor




            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.





            New contributor





            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.






            Gaultheria is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.







            • 2




              Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
              – Todd Wilcox
              yesterday












            • 2




              Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
              – Todd Wilcox
              yesterday







            2




            2




            Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday




            Similar style of choosing notes: harmonica!
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










            up vote
            6
            down vote













            You asked about 'saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute' and I can play all of these (some better than others!), so here are the biggest pros and cons of each, specifically considering finger tips:



            Trumpet



            Pro: The valves only need three fingertips on the right hand



            Con: Strong fingers are needed to support the weight of the instrument



            Clarinet



            Pro: The right thumb tip isn't needed, as the instrument's weight sits on the knuckle joint



            Con: Several of the holes on the clarinet are 'open' meaning that you have to cover them with your fingertips rather than with covered keys like on a saxophone, leading to even more pressure on the finger tips



            Flute



            Pro: When compared with the other instruments in this list, the flute requires the least force through the finger tips when playing - it's a more 'delicate' instrument, if you will.



            Con: The fingers take the full weight of the instrument - there's no option for a weight-baring neck strap like with a saxophone or clarinet



            Saxophone



            Pro: A neck strap takes the weight of the instrument and the thumbs are used very little - the right thumb hooks under a thumb rest, and the left thumb has a pad to rest on and one large button to play



            Con: A lot of pressure can be needed to press the keys, especially if you are naturally quite tense



            If these four instruments are your only options, I would recommend avoiding the clarinet and the trumpet. I'd lean towards trying the flute and the saxophone, but even these may be too much for your finger tips to handle.



            (As an aside, the flute and the saxophone have very similar fingering patterns so if you do learn one, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the other and then you can play two instruments!)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday










            • Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday






            • 1




              Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
              – ErikE
              yesterday














            up vote
            6
            down vote













            You asked about 'saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute' and I can play all of these (some better than others!), so here are the biggest pros and cons of each, specifically considering finger tips:



            Trumpet



            Pro: The valves only need three fingertips on the right hand



            Con: Strong fingers are needed to support the weight of the instrument



            Clarinet



            Pro: The right thumb tip isn't needed, as the instrument's weight sits on the knuckle joint



            Con: Several of the holes on the clarinet are 'open' meaning that you have to cover them with your fingertips rather than with covered keys like on a saxophone, leading to even more pressure on the finger tips



            Flute



            Pro: When compared with the other instruments in this list, the flute requires the least force through the finger tips when playing - it's a more 'delicate' instrument, if you will.



            Con: The fingers take the full weight of the instrument - there's no option for a weight-baring neck strap like with a saxophone or clarinet



            Saxophone



            Pro: A neck strap takes the weight of the instrument and the thumbs are used very little - the right thumb hooks under a thumb rest, and the left thumb has a pad to rest on and one large button to play



            Con: A lot of pressure can be needed to press the keys, especially if you are naturally quite tense



            If these four instruments are your only options, I would recommend avoiding the clarinet and the trumpet. I'd lean towards trying the flute and the saxophone, but even these may be too much for your finger tips to handle.



            (As an aside, the flute and the saxophone have very similar fingering patterns so if you do learn one, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the other and then you can play two instruments!)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday










            • Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday






            • 1




              Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
              – ErikE
              yesterday












            up vote
            6
            down vote










            up vote
            6
            down vote









            You asked about 'saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute' and I can play all of these (some better than others!), so here are the biggest pros and cons of each, specifically considering finger tips:



            Trumpet



            Pro: The valves only need three fingertips on the right hand



            Con: Strong fingers are needed to support the weight of the instrument



            Clarinet



            Pro: The right thumb tip isn't needed, as the instrument's weight sits on the knuckle joint



            Con: Several of the holes on the clarinet are 'open' meaning that you have to cover them with your fingertips rather than with covered keys like on a saxophone, leading to even more pressure on the finger tips



            Flute



            Pro: When compared with the other instruments in this list, the flute requires the least force through the finger tips when playing - it's a more 'delicate' instrument, if you will.



            Con: The fingers take the full weight of the instrument - there's no option for a weight-baring neck strap like with a saxophone or clarinet



            Saxophone



            Pro: A neck strap takes the weight of the instrument and the thumbs are used very little - the right thumb hooks under a thumb rest, and the left thumb has a pad to rest on and one large button to play



            Con: A lot of pressure can be needed to press the keys, especially if you are naturally quite tense



            If these four instruments are your only options, I would recommend avoiding the clarinet and the trumpet. I'd lean towards trying the flute and the saxophone, but even these may be too much for your finger tips to handle.



            (As an aside, the flute and the saxophone have very similar fingering patterns so if you do learn one, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the other and then you can play two instruments!)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            You asked about 'saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute' and I can play all of these (some better than others!), so here are the biggest pros and cons of each, specifically considering finger tips:



            Trumpet



            Pro: The valves only need three fingertips on the right hand



            Con: Strong fingers are needed to support the weight of the instrument



            Clarinet



            Pro: The right thumb tip isn't needed, as the instrument's weight sits on the knuckle joint



            Con: Several of the holes on the clarinet are 'open' meaning that you have to cover them with your fingertips rather than with covered keys like on a saxophone, leading to even more pressure on the finger tips



            Flute



            Pro: When compared with the other instruments in this list, the flute requires the least force through the finger tips when playing - it's a more 'delicate' instrument, if you will.



            Con: The fingers take the full weight of the instrument - there's no option for a weight-baring neck strap like with a saxophone or clarinet



            Saxophone



            Pro: A neck strap takes the weight of the instrument and the thumbs are used very little - the right thumb hooks under a thumb rest, and the left thumb has a pad to rest on and one large button to play



            Con: A lot of pressure can be needed to press the keys, especially if you are naturally quite tense



            If these four instruments are your only options, I would recommend avoiding the clarinet and the trumpet. I'd lean towards trying the flute and the saxophone, but even these may be too much for your finger tips to handle.



            (As an aside, the flute and the saxophone have very similar fingering patterns so if you do learn one, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the other and then you can play two instruments!)







            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer






            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            answered yesterday









            Rae

            611




            611




            New contributor




            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.





            New contributor





            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.






            Rae is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.











            • Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday










            • Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday






            • 1




              Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
              – ErikE
              yesterday
















            • Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday










            • Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
              – Ian Goldby
              yesterday






            • 1




              Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
              – ErikE
              yesterday















            Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
            – Ian Goldby
            yesterday




            Re saxophone, as I wrote in my own answer, you should be able to play with a very light touch. If you can't then the instrument is in need of servicing. If you are quite tense you need to work on reducing that or it will hinder your technique and make fast playing impossible.
            – Ian Goldby
            yesterday












            Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
            – Ian Goldby
            yesterday




            Good points about supporting the weight of the instrument. I would not have thought the weight of a flute would be an issue. But for heavier instruments you can always add some padding to spread the load. There's nothing wrong with taping a piece of foam to your instrument. It's true that some sax players find the thumb hook can be sore. I've seen instruments with a pad attached here, which works quite well.
            – Ian Goldby
            yesterday




            1




            1




            Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
            – ErikE
            yesterday




            Holding a flute effortlessly and in a well balanced manner normally takes years of practice. It may be easy on the fingertips but more than makes up for this for the rest of the hands/arms - until a proper technique is learned.
            – ErikE
            yesterday










            up vote
            6
            down vote













            A harmonica might work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are very cheap, so there's no real problem if you don't like it. Chromatic harmonicas extend the range and keys available, if you decide you do like it.






            share|improve this answer




















            • FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday










            • @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
              – Graham
              yesterday










            • Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday














            up vote
            6
            down vote













            A harmonica might work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are very cheap, so there's no real problem if you don't like it. Chromatic harmonicas extend the range and keys available, if you decide you do like it.






            share|improve this answer




















            • FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday










            • @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
              – Graham
              yesterday










            • Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday












            up vote
            6
            down vote










            up vote
            6
            down vote









            A harmonica might work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are very cheap, so there's no real problem if you don't like it. Chromatic harmonicas extend the range and keys available, if you decide you do like it.






            share|improve this answer












            A harmonica might work for you. Diatonic harmonicas are very cheap, so there's no real problem if you don't like it. Chromatic harmonicas extend the range and keys available, if you decide you do like it.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            Graham

            1,498410




            1,498410











            • FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday










            • @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
              – Graham
              yesterday










            • Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday
















            • FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday










            • @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
              – Graham
              yesterday










            • Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
              – Mathieu Guindon
              yesterday















            FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
            – Mathieu Guindon
            yesterday




            FWIW bending and overblowing/overdrawing on a diatonic also gets you the full chromatic scale.
            – Mathieu Guindon
            yesterday












            @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
            – Graham
            yesterday




            @MathieuGuindon Sure, although that's getting a bit more advanced.
            – Graham
            yesterday












            Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
            – Mathieu Guindon
            yesterday




            Well, who said playing harmonica was easy? Cheaper than other instruments, sure. But they're not toys (don't buy $10 harmonicas, these are toys), and take several years to master.
            – Mathieu Guindon
            yesterday










            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.






            share|improve this answer




















            • I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday











            • @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
              – Tim
              yesterday














            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.






            share|improve this answer




















            • I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday











            • @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
              – Tim
              yesterday












            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote









            Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.






            share|improve this answer












            Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            Tim

            92.4k1094233




            92.4k1094233











            • I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday











            • @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
              – Tim
              yesterday
















            • I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
              – Guy G
              yesterday










            • Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
              – leftaroundabout
              yesterday











            • @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
              – Tim
              yesterday















            I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
            – Guy G
            yesterday




            I think an instrument in the xylophone family is the best suggestion here. The OP says it's just for their own pleasure, and those are the only polyphonic instruments (which I always find better for playing alone) suggested so far.
            – Guy G
            yesterday












            Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
            – leftaroundabout
            yesterday





            Most of the wind instruments do put considerably less mechanical stress on the fingertips than guitar or piano though, don't they?
            – leftaroundabout
            yesterday













            @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
            – Tim
            yesterday




            @leftaroundabout - true - and trumpet only incorporates three fingers! However, with splitting and bleeding possible, I discounted anything which involved pressing in any way with fingers/hands.
            – Tim
            yesterday










            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Have you considered a Hammered Dulcimer or a Cimbalom? They are sometimes included in orchestral works - although I can't name one off the top of my head - and there are also "Dulcimer Orchestras" around - look on YouTube.



            I also agree with @Marzipanherz that a Theremin might be suitable.






            share|improve this answer


























              up vote
              3
              down vote













              Have you considered a Hammered Dulcimer or a Cimbalom? They are sometimes included in orchestral works - although I can't name one off the top of my head - and there are also "Dulcimer Orchestras" around - look on YouTube.



              I also agree with @Marzipanherz that a Theremin might be suitable.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                3
                down vote










                up vote
                3
                down vote









                Have you considered a Hammered Dulcimer or a Cimbalom? They are sometimes included in orchestral works - although I can't name one off the top of my head - and there are also "Dulcimer Orchestras" around - look on YouTube.



                I also agree with @Marzipanherz that a Theremin might be suitable.






                share|improve this answer














                Have you considered a Hammered Dulcimer or a Cimbalom? They are sometimes included in orchestral works - although I can't name one off the top of my head - and there are also "Dulcimer Orchestras" around - look on YouTube.



                I also agree with @Marzipanherz that a Theremin might be suitable.







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited yesterday

























                answered yesterday









                JimM

                1,72147




                1,72147




















                    up vote
                    2
                    down vote













                    Maybe a harmonica to begin with? If the problem you have focuses on finger tips this should work fine, worst case you might have a problem to produce effect.



                    And another option, I have never played this instrument so my opinion here is not worth much but, how about lap-steel guitar? I do not know if during your attempt at guitar you found trouble with the fretting hand or the strumming one (or both) but if it's the former this could be a suitable option, it can also be played with fingerpicks which help get a louder sound while putting less strength in your plucks






                    share|improve this answer








                    New contributor




                    ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote













                      Maybe a harmonica to begin with? If the problem you have focuses on finger tips this should work fine, worst case you might have a problem to produce effect.



                      And another option, I have never played this instrument so my opinion here is not worth much but, how about lap-steel guitar? I do not know if during your attempt at guitar you found trouble with the fretting hand or the strumming one (or both) but if it's the former this could be a suitable option, it can also be played with fingerpicks which help get a louder sound while putting less strength in your plucks






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.



















                        up vote
                        2
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        2
                        down vote









                        Maybe a harmonica to begin with? If the problem you have focuses on finger tips this should work fine, worst case you might have a problem to produce effect.



                        And another option, I have never played this instrument so my opinion here is not worth much but, how about lap-steel guitar? I do not know if during your attempt at guitar you found trouble with the fretting hand or the strumming one (or both) but if it's the former this could be a suitable option, it can also be played with fingerpicks which help get a louder sound while putting less strength in your plucks






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        Maybe a harmonica to begin with? If the problem you have focuses on finger tips this should work fine, worst case you might have a problem to produce effect.



                        And another option, I have never played this instrument so my opinion here is not worth much but, how about lap-steel guitar? I do not know if during your attempt at guitar you found trouble with the fretting hand or the strumming one (or both) but if it's the former this could be a suitable option, it can also be played with fingerpicks which help get a louder sound while putting less strength in your plucks







                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer






                        New contributor




                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                        answered yesterday









                        ipop

                        411




                        411




                        New contributor




                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                        New contributor





                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                        ipop is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            up vote
                            2
                            down vote













                            When you tried piano, was the pressure on your fingertips a problem mainly when you played loudly?



                            You could consider learning to play the electronic organ. Most organs have a very light touch compared to piano - indeed, learning to play with a light touch is greatly beneficial to your technique and will in time help you play faster and more accurately.



                            You could also consider saxophone. On a properly set up instrument very little pressure is needed to operate the keypads. The same would be true of any woodwind instrument that uses keypads exclusively. But I would avoid anything like the recorder or clarinet where you need to seal your finger tip against a hole because I expect this would require more pressure.



                            You could also consider any brass instrument. Again, little pressure is needed to operate the valves. I have even seen trumpet players pushing the valves with the middle segment of their finger rather than their fingertips, though I've no idea if this is good technique or not.



                            Don't forget that your voice is also a musical instrument.



                            Definitely avoid any stringed instrument (including guitar) as these are the worst for putting pressure on your fingertips.






                            share|improve this answer
























                              up vote
                              2
                              down vote













                              When you tried piano, was the pressure on your fingertips a problem mainly when you played loudly?



                              You could consider learning to play the electronic organ. Most organs have a very light touch compared to piano - indeed, learning to play with a light touch is greatly beneficial to your technique and will in time help you play faster and more accurately.



                              You could also consider saxophone. On a properly set up instrument very little pressure is needed to operate the keypads. The same would be true of any woodwind instrument that uses keypads exclusively. But I would avoid anything like the recorder or clarinet where you need to seal your finger tip against a hole because I expect this would require more pressure.



                              You could also consider any brass instrument. Again, little pressure is needed to operate the valves. I have even seen trumpet players pushing the valves with the middle segment of their finger rather than their fingertips, though I've no idea if this is good technique or not.



                              Don't forget that your voice is also a musical instrument.



                              Definitely avoid any stringed instrument (including guitar) as these are the worst for putting pressure on your fingertips.






                              share|improve this answer






















                                up vote
                                2
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                2
                                down vote









                                When you tried piano, was the pressure on your fingertips a problem mainly when you played loudly?



                                You could consider learning to play the electronic organ. Most organs have a very light touch compared to piano - indeed, learning to play with a light touch is greatly beneficial to your technique and will in time help you play faster and more accurately.



                                You could also consider saxophone. On a properly set up instrument very little pressure is needed to operate the keypads. The same would be true of any woodwind instrument that uses keypads exclusively. But I would avoid anything like the recorder or clarinet where you need to seal your finger tip against a hole because I expect this would require more pressure.



                                You could also consider any brass instrument. Again, little pressure is needed to operate the valves. I have even seen trumpet players pushing the valves with the middle segment of their finger rather than their fingertips, though I've no idea if this is good technique or not.



                                Don't forget that your voice is also a musical instrument.



                                Definitely avoid any stringed instrument (including guitar) as these are the worst for putting pressure on your fingertips.






                                share|improve this answer












                                When you tried piano, was the pressure on your fingertips a problem mainly when you played loudly?



                                You could consider learning to play the electronic organ. Most organs have a very light touch compared to piano - indeed, learning to play with a light touch is greatly beneficial to your technique and will in time help you play faster and more accurately.



                                You could also consider saxophone. On a properly set up instrument very little pressure is needed to operate the keypads. The same would be true of any woodwind instrument that uses keypads exclusively. But I would avoid anything like the recorder or clarinet where you need to seal your finger tip against a hole because I expect this would require more pressure.



                                You could also consider any brass instrument. Again, little pressure is needed to operate the valves. I have even seen trumpet players pushing the valves with the middle segment of their finger rather than their fingertips, though I've no idea if this is good technique or not.



                                Don't forget that your voice is also a musical instrument.



                                Definitely avoid any stringed instrument (including guitar) as these are the worst for putting pressure on your fingertips.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered yesterday









                                Ian Goldby

                                1938




                                1938




















                                    up vote
                                    0
                                    down vote













                                    You could try something more unusual, like Pipe Drums.



                                    As you can see in this example, you use your foot and, unlike standard drums, you hold the sticks with your whole hand, not with your fingers.






                                    share|improve this answer










                                    New contributor




                                    Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                                      up vote
                                      0
                                      down vote













                                      You could try something more unusual, like Pipe Drums.



                                      As you can see in this example, you use your foot and, unlike standard drums, you hold the sticks with your whole hand, not with your fingers.






                                      share|improve this answer










                                      New contributor




                                      Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.



















                                        up vote
                                        0
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        0
                                        down vote









                                        You could try something more unusual, like Pipe Drums.



                                        As you can see in this example, you use your foot and, unlike standard drums, you hold the sticks with your whole hand, not with your fingers.






                                        share|improve this answer










                                        New contributor




                                        Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        You could try something more unusual, like Pipe Drums.



                                        As you can see in this example, you use your foot and, unlike standard drums, you hold the sticks with your whole hand, not with your fingers.







                                        share|improve this answer










                                        New contributor




                                        Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer








                                        edited yesterday





















                                        New contributor




                                        Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        answered yesterday









                                        Alex Grigore

                                        13




                                        13




                                        New contributor




                                        Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                        New contributor





                                        Alex Grigore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments. Maybe not even with a kit, but with other percussion instruments.






                                            share|improve this answer


















                                            • 3




                                              I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                              – Dekkadeci
                                              yesterday










                                            • @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                              – Tim
                                              yesterday











                                            • This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                              – Nuclear Wang
                                              yesterday











                                            • As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                              – Todd Wilcox
                                              yesterday










                                            • Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                              – rlms
                                              1 hour ago














                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments. Maybe not even with a kit, but with other percussion instruments.






                                            share|improve this answer


















                                            • 3




                                              I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                              – Dekkadeci
                                              yesterday










                                            • @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                              – Tim
                                              yesterday











                                            • This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                              – Nuclear Wang
                                              yesterday











                                            • As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                              – Todd Wilcox
                                              yesterday










                                            • Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                              – rlms
                                              1 hour ago












                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote










                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote









                                            If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments. Maybe not even with a kit, but with other percussion instruments.






                                            share|improve this answer














                                            If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments. Maybe not even with a kit, but with other percussion instruments.







                                            share|improve this answer














                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer








                                            edited yesterday

























                                            answered yesterday









                                            user45266

                                            1,273223




                                            1,273223







                                            • 3




                                              I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                              – Dekkadeci
                                              yesterday










                                            • @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                              – Tim
                                              yesterday











                                            • This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                              – Nuclear Wang
                                              yesterday











                                            • As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                              – Todd Wilcox
                                              yesterday










                                            • Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                              – rlms
                                              1 hour ago












                                            • 3




                                              I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                              – Dekkadeci
                                              yesterday










                                            • @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                              – Tim
                                              yesterday











                                            • This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                              – Nuclear Wang
                                              yesterday











                                            • As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                              – Todd Wilcox
                                              yesterday










                                            • Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                              – rlms
                                              1 hour ago







                                            3




                                            3




                                            I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                            – Dekkadeci
                                            yesterday




                                            I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
                                            – Dekkadeci
                                            yesterday












                                            @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                            – Tim
                                            yesterday





                                            @Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
                                            – Tim
                                            yesterday













                                            This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                            – Nuclear Wang
                                            yesterday





                                            This was my first thought as well. I agree that finger control is important for drum technique, but there's less emphasis on individual finger dexterity, and does not require as much pressure on individual fingertips like pressing valves/keys on wind instruments. Finger technique in drumming I find becomes particularly important when playing quickly or performing rolls. I suggest a subset of percussion instruments, the mallet instrument family, which typically does not play as many notes as a drum set, for example, and uses a rolling technique that doesn't use the fingers as much. Plus, pitch!
                                            – Nuclear Wang
                                            yesterday













                                            As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                            – Todd Wilcox
                                            yesterday




                                            As a beginning drummer, I have voted this down. There’s tons of finger work used in typical drum technique.
                                            – Todd Wilcox
                                            yesterday












                                            Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                            – rlms
                                            1 hour ago




                                            Drumming uses fingers, but not fingertips as far as I know; I think this is a good answer.
                                            – rlms
                                            1 hour ago










                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            Play the trumbone. need no fingers at all.
                                            Is a lot of fun an covers a broad variety of musical directions.






                                            share|improve this answer
























                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote













                                              Play the trumbone. need no fingers at all.
                                              Is a lot of fun an covers a broad variety of musical directions.






                                              share|improve this answer






















                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote










                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote









                                                Play the trumbone. need no fingers at all.
                                                Is a lot of fun an covers a broad variety of musical directions.






                                                share|improve this answer












                                                Play the trumbone. need no fingers at all.
                                                Is a lot of fun an covers a broad variety of musical directions.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered 5 hours ago









                                                WeSee

                                                348312




                                                348312




















                                                    up vote
                                                    -2
                                                    down vote













                                                    How about the recorder?



                                                    It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!






                                                    share|improve this answer


















                                                    • 8




                                                      Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                      – Tim
                                                      yesterday






                                                    • 2




                                                      Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                      – mcadorel
                                                      yesterday














                                                    up vote
                                                    -2
                                                    down vote













                                                    How about the recorder?



                                                    It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!






                                                    share|improve this answer


















                                                    • 8




                                                      Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                      – Tim
                                                      yesterday






                                                    • 2




                                                      Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                      – mcadorel
                                                      yesterday












                                                    up vote
                                                    -2
                                                    down vote










                                                    up vote
                                                    -2
                                                    down vote









                                                    How about the recorder?



                                                    It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!






                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    How about the recorder?



                                                    It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!







                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                    edited yesterday

























                                                    answered yesterday









                                                    Richard

                                                    33.7k672140




                                                    33.7k672140







                                                    • 8




                                                      Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                      – Tim
                                                      yesterday






                                                    • 2




                                                      Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                      – mcadorel
                                                      yesterday












                                                    • 8




                                                      Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                      – Tim
                                                      yesterday






                                                    • 2




                                                      Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                      – mcadorel
                                                      yesterday







                                                    8




                                                    8




                                                    Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                    – Tim
                                                    yesterday




                                                    Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
                                                    – Tim
                                                    yesterday




                                                    2




                                                    2




                                                    Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                    – mcadorel
                                                    yesterday




                                                    Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
                                                    – mcadorel
                                                    yesterday





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