May I add a related question? I have problem with these lower notes on a tenor, too. I will try the above suggestion. I wondered if it is acceptable to use a piper’s grip for the right hand?
I have a childhood injury that means I can’t bend the top joint of my right index finger. It is OK for soprano, but it is almost impossible for the tenor. If I use a RH piper’s grip (tin whistle style) I can get to D quite well, though I have to be very accurate. Is it acceptable to play this way? If I start taking grades, will I be penalized or fail for bad style? Will I have to unlearn this later, when things get more chromatic? Thanks for any thoughts. First post.