If you extend your arm outward, your fingertips should just about touch the pitch antenna. [2] X Research source Your pitch antenna-side foot should be angled slightly to the right, so your toes are pointing toward the pitch antenna.

If you are left-handed, you will need a left-handed theremin. Most theremins are built for right-handed people, but you can assemble some theremins (such as the popular Moog Etherwave) yourself. Instructions on how to assemble a left-handed rather than a right-handed theremin will be included. [3] X Research source

If you hover your non-dominant hand just a bit over the volume antenna, your arm should be horizontal. If this is not the case, raise or lower the height of your theremin so you can hold your non-dominant arm out straight. [5] X Research source

When the theremin begins to sound less like it’s playing a solid tone and more like it’s vibrating or humming, you’ll know that you’ve found the lowest note.

The theremin produces an electromagnetic field that makes sounds when you disturb it with your hands. By adjusting the size of the field, you’ll ensure that you can access every possible pitch the instrument can make in the area between the pitch antenna and your body. [7] X Research source

Your knuckles should be facing forward and slightly towards the pitch antenna, and the back of your hand should be facing the pitch antenna. [10] X Research source

If you have small hands, you may not reach middle c until your fist is closed. If you have larger hands, you might reach it earlier.

Though the basic 1st and 8th positions tend to be somewhat similar for most theremin players, the exact positioning of your fingers that produces each note in between will differ based on the size of your hand. No specific finger position corresponds to an absolute pitch. [14] X Research source

The downward movement of your volume hand towards the end of the note will cut the sound short and make it feel sharp and clipped.

To perform a glissando – or a smooth, quick run of notes – you can vibrate your hand slightly while smoothly extending your fingers from Position 1 to Position 8. [17] X Research source

Clara Rockmore, a famous theremin player and pioneer of electronic music, published a free book of instructions and exercises for beginning theremin players. Visit https://zwentzen. files. wordpress. com/2010/10/thereminmethod. pdf for simple, short tunes that will help you build your skills.