 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ChrisSlipps
Date: 2019-01-31 04:36
Hi all,
I have been playing clarinet since the 7th grade, so for a few years now, and I've developed some very nasty habits over those years. One of the biggest ones pertains to my embouchure. The positions that my tongue is, in my mouth, is very low. I did some research and found that I'm supposed to be "using an e sound." I'm having trouble accomplishing this. It's also making it difficult for me to articulate. Any suggestions are welcome.
-Chris
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-01-31 05:05
Yes - if you were comfortable with your sound and with your articulation, forget about "using an e sound" and play the way you're used to.
I should say that changing your tongue position to an "e," if you do it effectively, shouldn't cause the problems you describe. But if you're exaggerating it or tensing your tongue and mouth in the attempt, the tension is going to cause all sorts of trouble.
If you're deliberately pushing your tongue into a "very low" position in your mouth, that may also be interfering with articulation. Your tongue should be relaxed.
So for the time being play comfortably and get back in control. "Supposed to be" has caused much trouble in the world. There are many different approaches to embouchure and tone production in clarinet playing. None is necessarily better than another if you like the result. If you want to change something, the change shouldn't cause tension or contortion to accomplish it.
Karl
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-01-31 07:27
Karl has this precisely. I have made a lot about the "EEEE" position of the tongue in many posts but I also tell students that using the natural, relaxed position of your tongue (how it sits in there when you're not playing and NOT thinking about it) is just as good. The idea behind getting the tongue in a neutral position or an "EEEE" position is just to make the air flow more pointed toward the tip of the reed/mouthpiece. But that really all about efficiency and may not make a huge difference.
Avoiding the down position, or "AHHHHH" posture is meant to prevent the back of your tongue from causing any partial blockage of the air stream from your trachea. One way to check on this (don't just take my word for it) is to go running and start breathing heavy. Try that while positioning your tongue as if you were saying "AHHHH." You'll give that up in a hurry.
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-01-31 07:36
ChrisSlipps, "Supposed to be" caused me a lot of trouble all my professional career. Forming an "e", I struggled with altissimo staccato and getting a roundness in my sound but I didn't change, because it was the correct way.
After retiring in 1986, I dropped clarinet until 2008 for full retirement. When I put the clarinet together, I said I would do it my way and finally all those difficulties were gone. I found that having the back of the tongue down, altissimo staccato was easy, because what matters most is the results. If the results are good, the way you get them is correct. Anyone who asks you to play that way, ask why? What is better that way? If you can match what is asked of you and you can do it a different way, go for it. We may have a different size or shape tongue and must do it a different way. Results, results, results, go for the results!
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2019-01-31 08:51
So the question to ChrisSlipps needs to be: what is it about your playing that caused you to look into this? What actual problems are you experiencing? You may want to post some sound clips if you want to get the most useful feedback from the membership here.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2019-01-31 17:43
I have an article on my web page that deals with this. What to many teachers forget when trying to get all their students to do what they do is that not everyone has the "Perfect" size tongue like they may. Some tongues are longer, some shorter, some thicker than other. There is NO supposed to be, there is only lets experiment and see what works best for you. Read my webpage I make some good suggestions. I've learned through personal experience. I can also brag that I've taught many students to tongue much faster and cleaner by helping them find what was best for them, not me.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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