The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: gboro
Date: 2007-05-10 18:57
I have been anchor tonguing for most of my playing life. This problem was discovered in my undergrad when my teacher pointed out that my articulation, particularly in the lower register sounded thuddy and dull. Since then, I have always kept the generic comment "tip of the tongue on the tip of the reed" in the back of my mind. My problem is this: I recently discovered that though I am tonguing with the tip of my tongue, the middle of my tongue (the part that touched the reed with while I was anchor tounging) is still getting involved by touching the roof of my mouth. It's as if I am now doing a hybrid between "correct" articulation, where the tip of my tongue is touching the reed, and anchor tonguing, where the middle of my tounge is being jammed up on the roof of my mouth with each attack. No matter how much I try, I can not seem to uninvolve the this middle section of my tounge that I used so often when I was anchor tonguing. I was just wondering if anyone knows what I am talking about or has had any similar experiences. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks guys!
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Author: pelo_ensortijado
Date: 2007-05-10 19:11
but. does it make your articulation sound bad?
or is it going to slow?
if not. and your can't play any other way. stay with it!
whatever works for you is the best!!
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-05-10 19:20
By the description it sound as if you are blocking the flow of air from the mouthpiece with each attack. THIS IS BAD no matter how you look at it since a good tone can only be achieved with the free flow of a constant stream of air. Articulation is merely damping the reed so it does not vibrate....you are NOT stopping the flow of air!!!
You must concentrate on.......doing nothing. The best tongue position is closest to what we do at rest. If you want to think anything, think saying "EEEEE." Just practice good position VERY SLOWLY at first before building up ANY technique. You will be able to tongue properly if you're executing half notes at 40 beats per minute.
Just relax.
............Paul Aviles
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