Klarinet Archive - Posting 000853.txt from 2000/02

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Newbie Question on Intonation
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:56:31 -0500

Gil writes>>>>>
<<The issue: when I play mezzo-forte, I'm pretty much in tune with the tuner that I'm using (have one on my computer that uses a computer mic)>>

I dont know what software you are using, but if it's Tuneit, it is incredibly sensitive and completely demoralizing. It shows minute discrepancies as if they were major, HORRIBLE, problems. Get a korg tuner, easier on the ego, and more realistic picture of what is going on.

<< except for low E and F, which are pretty flat.>>

Low E and F are flat on most clarinets, for acoustical reasons. It's hard to lip them up to tune and still keep a decent tone quality

<<When I play forte, I seem to be pretty flat all the way across the board, although again low E/F
are much flatter. Does anybody have any thought on why this might be? >>

This is a fairly common problem for a beginner/early intermediate. As you blow more air into the instrument, you subconsciously drop your jaw to allow all this air to pour though the mouthpiece. This causes flatness across the board.

<< I've tried to "lip it up" a bit, but I guess because I'm so new, I don't have enough fine control over my embouchure to do this without squeaking. >>

Concentrate on breath support from the diaphragm and keeping a firm yet open embouchure. Biting is NEVER the answer. You may be surprised to know that your lip muscles are as strong as they will ever need to be, you just need to play enough to build up endurance.

Don't be so hard on yourself, the fact that you are listening for pitch at this stage is great. Give yourself some time.

Walter

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