 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-02-20 00:59
Does anybody have advice on reaching the notes above the staff? The highest note above the staff I can hit perfectly is a high C (on the 2nd leger line). Perfectly as in I don't need to run up to the note; I can play it right on the spot. But the rest of the higher notes I struggle and have difficulties with.
Thanks
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-20 01:02
Half-holing helps with those altissimo notes. Give that shot (keeping your index finger covering about half the hole instead of lifting it all the way off)
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Dano
Date: 2005-02-20 01:15
How long have you been playing? What mouthpiece reed combination do you use? I got to the higher notes by holding them for a very long time and learning to make them sound right. Then try octaves, holding the notes until they sound perfect and controled. I think it is mostly practice that makes you able to play the higher notes without thinking about it. I am not a clarinet teacher and I am sure that there are clarinet teachers that have more concrete ideas on playing the higher notes.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2005-02-20 01:16
Since you talk of "reaching" the note, I'd guess you are "trying" pretty hard. You're likely tightening up your face and your airstream, making it difficult for the note to sound. Relax. Play it like you would play any other note, except that the pitch that comes out is higher.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-02-20 01:23
ok I tried the alternate fingerings for them and now they seem to be playing "okay" kind of sqeaky but I guess I just need practice.
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2005-02-20 03:23
I wish I had a magic bullet for you but I don't. Playing above the altissimo break introduces a new set of challenges, but here are some thoughts.
Dano asked some salient questions. The MP, reed, clarinet, mouth all form a unit and any segment can cause issues. The easiest solution is to get with a good instructor who can help you work through those issues. Failing that, let us know what your using.
Personally I found that it just took lots of practice, a better MP and harder reed and better embrouchure to play from D-G above the staff fairly confidently and put quotes around the fairly...g
Best
Rick
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-02-20 03:37
I'm wondering if any of you have heard of the brand Atlantis? But I'm using an atlantis Clarinet with it's original mouth piece. This clarinet is made out of wood and was for 250 dollars which was an extremely reasonable price. But the reed I'm using is a Vandoren 2 1/2. And I'm pretty sure I have a good embouchure. Is the problem I need a thicker reed?
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2005-02-20 03:50
Practice... and I would recommend using a harder reed. I use a Gonzalez 3.25 or 3.5, and they work well for me. Vandoren 3.5s would be what I would suggest if you like that brand, but I don't have much experience with them. I usually don't have problems with my soprano cl and high notes, but on my bass, a harder reed makes a noticeable difference, especially above the staff.
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Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2005-02-20 19:00
In order for your altissimo notes to follow naturally out of the clarion register, try playing long tone series of 3 notes with related fingerings., chalumeau, clarion and altissimo, for example
chalumea A, clarinet E, altissimo C#
chalumeau Bb, clarinet F, altissimo D, etc.
That will help get your altissimo notes more grounded in what you are doing in the lower ranges of the instrument.
Good luck!
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2005-02-21 00:51
A suggestion I have been told is to make sure your tongue is high in the roof of your mouth and to be breathing out through the clarinet with a 'heeee'. Throwing the 'h' in front of your 'eeee' breathing actually helps you breathe from the diaphram. You can try thinking ou want to make the clarinet squeek. And as mentioned already, do not try too hard. Relax when trying to play these notes.
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Author: kal
Date: 2005-02-21 00:55
I'll take "CSO with stock mouthpiece" for $1000, Alex.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2005-02-21 01:26
yeah sure, definately a cso. i finally located an 'atlantis' clarinet via a web search. only found 1 hit.
this is gonna sound harsh, but, send the horn back and buy a real one...
failing that, get a decent mouthpiece , say a fobes debut or vandoren 5rv-l and and try some good reeds on it, say vandoren traditional #3's to start.
no telling what (if anything) brand/strength of reeds will work on whatever it is mouthpiece you have. for that matter, no telling if a good mpc will help on your horn.
if you absolutely cant afford to change your setup, try 1/2 strength harder reeds.
-paul
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-02-21 03:48
My dad wanted to buy me a cheap one for now to see if I liked the clarinet. But now that I"m getting more serious I'd like a more better quality one. But then again he'll probably just say what's wrong with the one you already have. But my birthday is coming up so maybe I'll buy a new mouthpiece for now. But the notes above the staff is no longer been a problem anymore since yesterday. I tried the alternate fingerings for a high D (after 2 leger lines) and it worked perfectly fine. Even so I think your right pewd.
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