Whistle With Your Fingers
You've heard that sound—that sharp, clear whistle that grabs the attention of anything with ears. You've tried, but it's just not happening, right? This article will show you how! If you get it just right, it'll be loud and clear as a bell. Once you get the hang of it you'll be whistling just to hear the beautiful sound of it!
Contents
Steps
Experimenting With Finger Positions
- Use the middle and index finger combo. The first finger positioning you can try uses both the middle and index fingers from both hands.
- On each hand, stick the middle and index fingers together, while the thumb holds back the other two fingers.
- Turn your hands so your thumbs are facing towards you, then touch both middle fingers together to form an "A" shape.
- Try using your pinky fingers. The second finger positioning is a little simpler.
- Stick out the pinky finger on each hand, using your thumbs to hold the other fingers down.
- Turn your hands so your thumbs are facing towards you. Touch your pinky fingers together to form an "A" shape.
- Do a one-handed whistle. It is also possible to whistle using the fingers on just one hand.
- Make an "OK" sign, by touching either the thumb and index finger of one hand together, or the thumb and middle finger of one hand together, whichever feels most comfortable for you.
- Although you can use either hand to whistle with, you may find it easier to use your dominant hand, at least in the beginning.
Practicing Your Whistle
- Position your lips. The first thing you need to do is moisten your lips to "wet your whistle". Then, pull your lips back over your teeth, as if imitating a toothless old man. Keeping your teeth covered by your lips is essential for successful finger whistling.
- Place your fingers under the tip of your tongue. Regardless of which finger position you're using, place the tips of your fingers underneath the very tip of your tongue.
- Push your tongue back. Use your fingers to push back the tip of your tongue, so that the first 1/4 rolls back on itself. Keep pushing until the first knuckles on your fingers reach your bottom lip.
- Close your lips tightly around your fingers. This step is essential when it comes to producing a clear, high-pitched whistle. There should be no gaps around your fingers at all, your lips should be completely sealed except for the hole in the middle, between your fingers. This is where the sound comes out.
- Blow. Now everything is in position, there's nothing left to do but blow! Blow softly at first, making sure that the air is only escaping through the gap between your fingers. If you feel it coming out anywhere else, you'll need to adjust the seal. Also make sure that your tongue doesn't pop up and block the gap, or this will prevent any sound from escaping.
- Once you start hearing a sound similar to blowing over the top of a bottle, you'll know you're getting closer. Start blowing harder - this will help you to produce a more high-pitched sound.
- Practice. Whistling through your fingers won't come automatically, you'll need to keep practicing, experimenting with different finger positions and angles and making adjustments to your lip and tongue placement. Eventually, you'll find that "sweet spot" that produces a clear, loud whistle. Enjoy!
Tips
- Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work on the first try. This technique can be hard to learn at first. Just keep practicing!
- Moving the tip of your tongue closer to the roof of your mouth when you blow out gives your whistle a higher pitch.
- This may be difficult for some people, especially those with missing teeth, gaps, or even with dentures, partials, or other oral hardware. Don't be discouraged - be patient with yourself, and above all, have fun with it! Watch your attempts in the mirror and make corrections when needed. If the whistle doesn't work, the faces are good for a laugh!
- Be sure to practice somewhere secluded. You don't want to drive friends and loved ones crazy with your whistling attempts.
- Wash your hands before whistling. This will prevent germs from getting into your mouth. Wait until your hands are dry, and then try to whistle.
- Don't put your fingers directly under or against your tongue, but try to put it somewhat to the sides.
- When you wolf whistle (with 2 fingers on each hand) make an A shape and play with the angle of your fingers, the better lung capacity you have, the better sound you'll get out - keep practicing and don't give up!
Warnings
- If it doesn't work at first, don't keep trying till you pass out. Constant blowing can lead to hyperventilating and dizziness. If you start to feel light-headed, rest for a couple minutes before trying again!
- Make sure to wash your hands before attempting.
