Pitch Fingering Systems and the Search for Perfection

In the search for better designs, one tool is to specify the design problem such that globally optimal solutions can be found. I present a design process using this approach, its strengths and limitations, and its results in the form of four pitch fingering systems that are ergonomic, simple, and symmetric. In hindsight, I emphasize the subjectivity of the design process, despite its reliance on objective quantitative assessment.