The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: High Note Trouble

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-06-20 06:32

BGBG wrote:

> Someone reminded me I did not say "how high". I would say C5 to
> C6 range. Also my seldom playing notes that high may be part of
> he problem...just need more practice.

My students rarely have a problem producing the notes from G5 down to C5 or B4 even with their entry level mouthpieces and #2 reeds. The problems normally begin with A5. And, yes, it does take some kind of systematic or at least regular practice. Every basic method book has pages that introduce the notes "over the break" - usually starting with G5 by playing C4 and then pressing the register key while playing it. Then they have the student move downward - G5-F5-E5-D5-C5 and B4 - and then give several pages of short tunes and exercises to practice both playing and reading those notes.

> Sometimes I forget how to
> finger them. Had to look up fingering for an Eb5 the other day
> for I forgot how to form it. Usually play the lower register
> and not nearly enough of the higher I believe.

My impression is that you play mostly songs, and it may be that you choose the songs to play partly by how high they go, which may be why you don't play over the break often enough even to reliably remember the fingerings.

> After reading all this I think a stiffer reed and more high
> note practice is what I need.

Yes, absolutely. You may be fine with #2.5 instead of the #2 reeds - better not to jump over strengths. The 1/2 strength higher may help with A5 to C6, which do tend to be more difficult at first until you get the feeling of slightly extra firmness you need in your embouchure.

> I also notice I have been playing
> sitting in a desk chair with arms and found that definitely
> interferes because of tendency to rest arms on the chair. I do
> better in a folding chair so arms are free.

Yes!

Karl

Post Edited (2019-06-20 09:52)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics