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tuning troubles

Author: Wyatt Evans
Date: 2005-04-28 00:35

Ok another question...Ive finally gotten better in tune, and Im playing much better with 4 strength reeds but now my lower notes are flat and the higher I go the sharper they get. Is this natural? If so what can I do to help. I know you're supposed to drop your jaw when you start going sharp like that but I was just wondering if there was anything else I could do to help. Thanx.

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Re: tuning troubles

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-04-28 01:28

My best guess is that you like the sound with the harder reed, but are subconsciously biting a bit down on it in order to get a "fuller" sound (perhaps your embouchure isn't QUITE as ready as you thought it was), and it's causing the higher notes to sharpen up. I experience this with a harder reed on my mouthpiece (which I'm working to get used to).

Also, as a general rule of thumb (although as most people here would know, that phrase should really not be used EVER in a clarinet society), the higher strength reed, the sharper the high clarion/altissimo notes become, the lower the low chalemeau notes become.

I'd focus (and I mean FOCUS) on tightening the embouchure the lower the note, and keeping it very loose and relaxed on the higher notes (which may make it a little more dificult for them to speak, but hopefully you'll adjust and be in better tune).

Alexi

Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!

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