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Author: IHL
Date: 2001-09-23 10:16
What's the best way to get this effect? Should I hum above or below the played note, and at what interval approximately?
Also, how can I remedy the instability that comes over the upper notes (upper clarion and altissimo) when growling up there?
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Author: William
Date: 2001-09-23 17:16
The "growling " effect that I think you desire is produced by a gargle in the back of the throat, not humming behind the tone. Takes a bit of practice if your not a "natural" on first attempt. Good Growling (& clarineting!!!!!!)
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Author: chris howard
Date: 2001-09-23 18:41
I am assuming that the type of growl that you are referring to is the one that you hear often in pop and modern swing saxophone. This effect can also be achieved on the clarinet. The best way to do it is, as you stated, to hum a pitch behind the note as you are playing. There are many variables and the best combination of these variables varies depending on the player. Like anything else, you just need to spend time doing it and experimenting with different pitches, intensity of the pitch and hummed note, and intervals. I have found that the larger the interval between the sung and played note, the more "grinding" the growl is. Obviously you shouldn't be singing the same note that you are playing; I have found a major 7th to be the dirtiest sounding of all the intervals. Also, experiment with different volume levels in your humming, it is all trial and error and there is no standard technique. Finally, the altissimo and upper clarion registers will come with time and practice--just be patient and keep trying.
I have found this technique to be very effective in improvisation, especially when used in a context of more avant-garde, or "outside" playing.
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Author: IHL
Date: 2001-09-24 06:49
what do you mean by a 'gargling'? Do you mean something like a rolled 'R'?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-09-24 16:36
Here's what works for me, IHL...
Don't mess with the 'technicalities'. That just confuses things. Relax. Hum as you play, more or less in tune with what you're playing. It works for about the same playing range as your voice. Do that for a while and it'll become very easy in a very short time. Have fun but don't over-do it. It's a nice 'special effect'.
- ron b -
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Author: Allison
Date: 2001-09-25 01:24
This subject came up in June when I was at International Clarinet Conference in Boston. It was described as similar to rolling your R's when speaking french, or similar to a scottish burr. Gets fun when you have a whole room full of clarinets trying it!
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