 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mattahair
Date: 2005-01-17 02:23
Why is it so much more difficult to tongue well the higher you play?
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2005-01-17 03:47
The higher notes require a vary narrow airstream. Are you playing with an open throat? If you are, try raising the back of your tongue to narrow the airstream.
Another possibility is that your reed is too soft.
Just my thoughts...
Post Edited (2005-01-17 03:53)
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2005-01-17 03:56
In my experience as learner, then teacher, and then teacher AND learner, it's not the tonguing that's the problem but what happens to the embouchure when you tongue.
When playing a higher register note, you are playing an overtone of the lower note that has the similar fingering. For example:
High D is (almost) the same fingering as low B flat. You're playing the 4th overtone of that B flat;
High E is the 4th overtone of C;
High F (left-hand-only fingering) is the 4th overtone of C sharp;
High F (both-handed fingering) is the 6th overtone of the low G.
When you're playing those high notes, the low sound you hear before the real one comes out is the low note that has that fingering. It doesn't sound exactly like that note because of the slight fingering changes you've made for the high note.
It happens because the embouchure is not as firm, or the air flow not as strong and continuous, or the lower lip biting the reed too much, or a combination of these, for the overtone to sound immediately. Heavy tonguing can also exacerbate it.
My solution is a combination of more "smile" (firmer embouchure), pushing directly upward into the top teeth a bit (has the effect of releasing the lower lip enough to let the reed vibrate), and strong "warm air" (more air flow, and again less lower lip pressure).
This might sound strange, but in teaching I'd have a bit more time to work and explain.
And after reading Dan's post, I'll clarify that I don't mean the lower lip should be relaxed, just that it should not be pressing up. I think of it as "pulling sideways", the same way a rubber band becomes more firm when stretched.
Post Edited (2005-01-17 03:59)
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