Left Elbow Restriction Options

The left elbow is used in a fairly static 45° open position and supports the body of the instrument. The One-handed Chanter can be played with either hand.

The left elbow is used in a fairly static 90° angle across the body to support the instrument. Floor stands are available to support the instrument.

The left elbow is used in a 90° angle turned 45° away from the body. The clarinet can be supported with a Claritie. Or use a right-hand only instrument with support.

Place an instrument in a table height stand where the left-hand can reach the strings to select the notes. Or Use a Chapman Stick/Artiphon Instrument 1 one-handed.

The left elbow is used in a 90° angle across the body with the hand upwards. Vertical head joints bring the flute into a vertical position Or use a right-handed flute.

French horns can be rewound so that valves are operated exclusively by the right hand.

Specific modifications can be made to key work to allow individuals to reach all keys comfortably. Bespoke work can be relatively expensive, but addressing an issue with a specific key or keys can be much cheaper than purchasing a whole new instrument. The images give examples of work previously undertaken. Although the images are all demonstrating oboe modifications, similar work has been undertaken on bassoons.

This ocarina has the same range as a regular ocarina but the whole instrument can be reached with one hand.

The left elbow is usually held in a 90° angle with the hand across the body. If this isn’t possible use a right-hand only instrument.

The left elbow is used in 90° angle across the body. If this is not possible use a right-hand only instrument with a support stand.

The left elbow is used in a fairly static 90° angle with the hand upwards to support the instrument. Floor stands are available to support the instrument.

The left elbow is used in a fairly static 90° angle with the hand upwards to support the instrument. Floor stands are available to support the instrument.

Strings are plucked with digit(s) on one hand and the note(s) selected with the other. Strumming can be undertaken with one digit as a minimum. Chords need one digit per note in the chord. A Strum Buddy allows a ukulele to be played with one hand or an Artiphon Instrument 1 can be used to play chords in ‘Smart Strum’ mode with one digit on each side. The instrument can be placed in any position to suit the player.

Instruments can be placed in a support stand to facilitate fingering/bowing. Or Use an Artiphon Instrument 1 in ‘Tap’ mode to emulate these instruments.

Key work has been added to a regular whistle to create a version that covers the full range of the instrument with one hand alone. They are available in right or left-handed versions.

Here are some ideas on other instruments you could try.