Why can't I 'snap' my fingers? I go through the correct procedure, but all I make is a feeble sort of noise which is nothing like the sound that other people manage to produce. Is it just me? I've tried for YEARS but it never sounds any better. Is there a physiological flaw in my fingers that makes them flappy, not snappy?

Try to "snap" when your hands are a little sweaty or clammy. If your fingers are too dry it won't make the right sound. Hope that helps!

I've tried everything - wet, dry, it makes no difference...

I can only snap my fingers if I use my ring finger and thumb, if I try with my index or middle fingers it kind of just doesn't happen ...

It doesn't work with ANY of my fingers. I remember my son telling me (when he was VERY small) that I should use Tommy Thumb and Ruby Ring, and it just doesn't make any sort of noise at all.

Hmmm wish I could help, but it's kind of hard to give a 'tutorial' on finger snapping. I can only do it when my hands are dry, but not bone dry - a slight coating of your body's natural oils is necessary. I press the pads of the thumb and ring finger together very hard, keeping the thumb rigid, until the ring finger slides off the thumb with a snap. Poor you!

If it's any comfort my son is currently frustrated at not being able to blow bubble gum bubbles, try describing that technique to a seven year old!

Are there any other flappers, not snappers out there? Am I the only one?

You are worrying about this Maggie, I can tell. Think of the positive. I am sure there are so many things you can do that others can't, and a lot more productive than snapping the fingers. Aren't they?

Maggie, don't worry about it, my son can't snap either. I figure it's sort of like rolling up your tongue, not everyone can do it.

How interesting to read this ! I thought that, maybe, I was the only one who couldn't *snap*. I'd given up even trying to years ago (but, o' course, had to try again after a glance at this thread --- still no luck).

Small compensation, though, in my situation. As means of compensation? You oughta see how 'snappily' I've learned to roll my eyes. Less noisy and attention-grabbing, I know ... but the results are usually just as good .

Snapping is overrated. I can do it with 3 fingers on each hand, but it doesn't give me any advantage over non-snappers, except I can join in the Addams Family theme song, and you can't

Well, I can't whistle. Have tried for years. I can snap my fingers. Thumb and ring finger on left hand, thumb and finger next to the forefinger on my right..go figure.

The best noise comes by using my ring finger and thumb, and they are dry as I cannot bear my hands to be sweaty or moist.

I can get a small snap with my middle finger and thumb but nothing from my index finger and thumb nor my little finger and thumb.

I have the perfect angle on my middle finger but a quieter one with the ring finger. I'd assumed the sound came from the thumb but it appears to be coming from when the finger hits your hand after flicking off the thumb as hard as you can. Get the right angle first then flick your finger parallel with the edge of your thumb and it ought to make a noise if hard enough whichever finger is best for you.

I can't burp to order unlike nearly all my friends, and barely whistle with my fingers. I'll live...

I am taking great comfort from the fact that I am not alone! And Molly Grue's remark about rolling your tongue reminded me that I can click quite loudly with my mine. I am attempting now to synchronise clicking my tongue when snapping my fingers in order to disguise my inadequacies - it's not quite the same sound, and I won't be able to sing and click when 'snapping' but I expect that will be a great relief to the rest of the world!

Try snapping with your middle finger rather than the ring. (The sound from my ring finger is pathetic...) Also (studying my hand) put the ring and little fingers on your thumb mound whilst snapping middle...I hope this has been of some help...

Yup I do what Quiz Beagle does also. I also noticed that my snap is louder if I start with my thumb pressing hard on my middle finger not on the side and swiping over the finger like others do. I just press them really hard together till my thumb slips off and that's when the click comes.

I can't whistle, I have been trying to whistle for years and just get a sad windy sound that makes the cat stare at me funny.

Actually, we were talking about snapping and we realized something that maybe might help. The snap sound is almost two separate noises. First when the finger slides off the thumb and second, the loudest part that most call the actual snap, is when the finger hits the base of the thumb (or in my case it hits my ring finger because my ring finger is held at the base of my thumb) I figured out the reason I can't snap with my ring finger is because going through the motions with that finger, my ring finger doesn't quite smack the base of my thumb. So maybe go through the motions and see if your finger hits your thumbs base. My fingers are very long and so the ring finger overshoots the base avoiding the smack that makes the snap so maybe there really is a reason some people cannot snap!

What interesting threads we have in these forums. Well, I never knew people used their ring finger to snap! I've only ever used my middle fingers until today. I just tried with my ring finger ~ what a weak, pathetic sound. I will stick with the middle, it works for me.

Furthering the interest of science here... I just discovered there is a slight difference in pitch between my left and right snap. How does that compare with the other posters here? Slight difference? Major difference? Or exactly the same?

As for whistling, I've a 50% chance of producing a sound. Either it comes out quite strong, or not at all. Not good if I'm whistling for the dog to come. I will say though, I'm a champion whistler with a blade of grass between my thumbs. Anyone else here do that?

I notice no difference between my left and right, and wasn't aware I could snap with my ring fingers until yesterday.

At whistling I'm terrible, but I'm pretty good with the blade of grass - when I can find one wide enough. Sounds more like a trumpet than a whistle though.

I use my middle finger. My right hand makes a lower noise than my left. I think maybe because more air is trapped in my hand when it snaps.

I use my ring finger on my right hand and my middle finger on my left hand. The sound coming from my right handed snap is very sharp, loud and clipped, while the sound from my left is dull and weak. How funny, I never really gave this a thought before.

I have a very loud piercing whistle. It comes from lots of practice from when I was a child and had to call in the horses from the fields.

Snap with thumb and middle finger, either hand. I can wiggle my ears, whistle best after drinking a bit of milk, hold one eye steady and make the other go around.
Darn, I'm talented!