 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-08-07 02:37
No matter which instrument I play, the B to C# are about 25% more resistant than the mid clarion or the mid to upper chalemeau. So far, my solution is to feel like I'm blowing all the way to the bell, and even more importantly, trying not to apply much jaw pressure which might tend to pinch the reed to the table causing additional resistance. In a way, learning to get a nice open and resonant tone in those low clarion notes helps to correct pitch problems that I was having in the altissimo and lack of resonance in the throat tones. However whatever I do, I still find that I have less volume and less relaxation in the those few notes right about the bridge. What other tricks can I apply to get a more free flowing lower clarion? Would using a reed with a stiffer heart but a flexible tip make it less likely for the reed to collapse against the mouthpiece table?
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
Post Edited (2013-08-07 10:46)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-08-07 06:49
Are you keeping your RH fingers down when going from the throat notes (open G to 'pinch' Bb) to the B or C over the break?
That will add more substance and resonance to the throat notes which will blend in better with the more resistant upper register B or C. Practice slurring between throat A and upper B slowly and continuously, gradually building up speed after you can go between both notes smoothly.
Don't use reeds that are too hard as they will make the lower register stuffy and also make articulation less well defined.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2013-08-07 07:58
Yes, you will do
With B, C, C# just over the break you are closing off most of the holes and so the column of air in the clarinet extends (more or less) all the way down to the bell
This means that you need to give more support with your stomach but without tensing up your jaw otherwise you can bite
It's a difficult one going over the bridge and something I still work at to try and get it ever more smooth. You are putting down more fingers down, supporting the air more and trying to stay relaxed without biting and changing the embouchure - lots going on all at the same time
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The older I get, the better I was
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-08-07 14:45
First off make sure your clarinet does not have even a slight leak, especially on the break notes or they will always have more resistance. As already said, they are already the most resistance notes because of the air having to move the entire length of the clarinet. Keeping some holes covered in the right hand on the throat tones may help even the pressure but if you're already getting too much resistance from the break notes that won't help much. Pracitce slowly going from a lower note to a break notes, quarter notes than eigth notes several times each keeping your fingers close to the clarinet so you don't have a lot of movement. Start on your low C and play C to Break B, C to Break C, than C to C# than C to D, repeat starting on the low C# then start of the low D and do the same thing. etc. until you get to the throat Bb to the above notes. Take your time, think about what you're doing.
Try to equalize the air presure as much as possible and relaxed fingers so the don't "slam" down. Curved fingers and as little embouchure change as possible. Do it with air and relaxed throat not with your embouchure.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
Post Edited (2013-08-07 14:48)
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2013-08-08 08:56
Ed Palanker wrote:
> Curved fingers and as little embouchure change as possible.
I'd definitely emphasise Ed's bit about embouchure.
I spent ages changing my embouchure (subconciously) quite radically as I went over the break - otherwise it squeaked or I couldn't get a note out. When I finally realised what I was doing, and then stopped changing my embouchure, I suddenly found everything a lot easier!
The reason I was changing my embouchure was because my fingers didn't really know where they were going - I didn't have the muscle memory to do it quickly and smoothly. If I was starting again I would spend a lot of time playing transitions across the break very slowly, to make sure that the movements are ingrained in your fingers
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The older I get, the better I was
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-08-08 13:40
As Ed P. says, the first thing to suspect is a leak or misadjustment of the crowsfoot.
Once you have ruled out the hardware problem, work on minimizing your finger movements. Begin on the upper note, B, C or C# and go down to the throat Bb. Repeating what I wrote yesterday in another string:
Your problem is almost always caused by too much movement in the left hand.
You were probably told to "roll" your left index finger up onto the key A key. For me, this is terrible advice and leads to many problems. I've seen beginners rotate their entire left hand so that the palm is facing down toward the bell.
Instead, keep your left hand motionless and just "nudge" the A key with the upper edge of your index finger, raising it or moving it very slightly to get it off the tone hole. The same goes for your left thumb. Raise it just enough to open the hole and nudge the register key.
Watch in a mirror and work on keeping your left hand movement as small and quiet as possible. Think of making the movements invisible to someone watching.
Also, keep your left ring finger down. That anchors your hand in place and prevents excess movement. Keep your right hand fingers down, too. That way, the only movements are in your left hand.
Begin the exercise very slowly. Play and hold the upper note. Image the finger movements you will make to get to the lower note and then make them neatly and smoothly. Hold the lower note, image the (reverse) movements to go back to upper note and then make them. Never work faster than perfect. Slow practice is even better than fast practice. You're engraving the proper movements into your muscle memory.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2013-08-08 14:28
As Ed said, "...First off make sure your clarinet does not have even a slight leak, especially on the break notes or they will always have more resistance...."
Slight leaks for the F/C and E/B pads are almost standard on new clarinets, and also older ones that have not had expert attention. The same goes for the other keys that are sprung open. The pads typically close at the 'back" of the pad before they seal at the front.
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