 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: blokecalledpaul-drums-clarinet
Date: 2007-02-04 16:23
Yeah im new to this and i can get lower E up to middle A and even though i can easily get my fingrs in position i find it very difficult to get on to the middle B. Im using a scales fingering chart, Bflat Clarinet and a 1.5 reed. Any tps?
I got my first lesson on Tuesday but i was hoping to do the whole scale before then.
paul
If the world didnt suck we would all fall off ![[up]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley24.gif)
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2007-02-04 16:37
Paul,
Perhaps you have tried this already, but instead of moving up incrementally (from the throat A, to Bb, to B, to C, etc.), you might instead go first to the clarion D (two scale degrees above the "long" B). It doesn't require the pinky keys, and is therefore comparatively easier to sound.
When you can reliably sound the D, then try the C below it, and then the B.
In my experiencve, the long B, in particular, can be very balky, even on a well-adjusted clarinet.
Susan
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Author: pewd
Date: 2007-02-04 17:33
learn the low octave F major scale first (low F to first space F).
once that is mastered, add the register key and use the same fingerings, which gives you the 2nd octave c major scale (starting on 3rd space C up to high C)
after that is mastered, work on 3rd line b
consider a harder reed. 1 1/2 is way too soft. i start students on a fobes debut or vandoren 5rv-l mouthpiece and a number 3 reed.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-04 17:57
For what it might be worth - I was taught to use the RH "C" pinky and the LH "B" pinky for the long B, until my fingers have built-up a reasonable strength and the pads have all found their seats.
Per the reed - I started with an 1.5 as well. Moved to 2 within one week, to a 2.5 within two more weeks. I was told I'd find out myself when it'd be time for a harder one. (and if you buy #3 reeds and learn to "condition" them till they're a mere 1.5 I see no point in not using 1.5 from the beginning). But I'm sure you'll find out what works best with your equipment.
--
Ben
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Author: D
Date: 2007-02-04 18:14
Are you putting down the first three fingers of the right hand for the notes G,A,Bb? this helps me get up to B and C as there are fewer fingers to move and thus less potential to get one in slightly the wrong place and cause a leak. The reason the C and B are hard to get is because there is a big pressure change in the instrument between A or G and notes where you are covering all the holes. That is why the techniques suggested above are so effecting (coming down from a D rather than going up, and playing the F scale with the register key open turning it into C.) Be very sure that none of your fingers are nudging the side of any keys or levers that they shouldn't be - that can stop those notes from sounding. Try looking in the mirror when you play to make sure your fingers are where you think they are. Your teacher on Tuesday will be able to check the instrument is working properly and can reassure you that the notes are in there somewhere, they are just hiding from you at the moment.
Try playing low E and then just easing onto the register key with your thumb. Absolutely nothing else should need to move to get B - especially not in your mouth.
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Author: blokecalledpaul-drums-clarinet
Date: 2007-02-04 18:49
Absolutely cock on advice from all of you. Your describing the absolute specifics of the solution and i like that. Well its 19:46 on Sunday evening and i am on Aus Red wine bottle no. 2 so i will be able to digest all this info the morrow. Keep it coming though...hey if you guys have a problem on your drums just ask and i will advise?............no? ok.
Paul
If the world didnt suck we would all fall off
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Author: diz
Date: 2007-02-04 22:10
Australian Red wine will not help you with a c major scale !!
diz, Sydney
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2007-02-05 20:21)
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2007-02-05 12:42
...But it'll sure make it sound better.....
On the matter of covering the right hand holes in "jumping" from Bb to B:
I can hear a VERY slight change in tone when playing A, say, with the right fingers up vs. down.
Is this a significant problem? (I am a (re-)beginner with no "plays-well-with-others" experience at all.)
When (if-?) I get better I presume I'll be able to make micro-tone adjustments to compensate via embrochure changes, but should I worry?
JDS
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-05 13:33
The throat tones change ever so slightly while the RH fingers are down.
That's not necessarily a bad thing and I think that the change in tone colour is more apparent than the change of pitch.
My teacher recommends to keep the RH fingers down for everything from open G up.
--
Ben
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-02-05 15:44
Gustave Langenus in his clarinet methog books (3 volumes) advocates putting the right hand down to expedite register jumps. He even marks the places in the music where you can put your right hand down without (much) affecting the tone/intonation.
His suggestions make life easier for the student learning to go over the break, but I think that we outgrow the need when our fingers have been thoroughly trained.
Adding fingers while playing the throat tones can clear up your sound. See recent threads on "resonance fingerings."
Bob Phillips
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2007-02-05 16:29
b-d-c
It sounds like you're solid on low E and low F. Try sustaining low E and adding the register key. The pitch should result in a third line B.
Also try low F, add register key to move up to third space C.
In each case wait until you have a solid tone on the lower fingering.
Some day we'll talk about udu drums.
Good luck!
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