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 problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: nahya^^ 
Date:   2002-08-04 20:21

when i try playing G(3), i get a higher note, like one octave more, i think. so, to get G(3), i have to play C, then go down to G(3) step by step.

sometimes i can get it without playing the higher notes first, but it's really hard. why is that and what am i doing wrong?

and my lower lip feels like it's been bruised or something. it's not swelled yet but it sure feels like it.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: Dee 
Date:   2002-08-04 21:01

Problems like this are typical for beginners. As far as getting the higher note when you want the lower, you may be pinching the reed or your fingers might be off a bit allowing a small leak. The lip thing sounds like you are pinching the reed.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: John O'Janpa 
Date:   2002-08-04 21:01

Nahya,

My opinion is that your lips are suffering from fatigue.
It's nice to see your enthusiasm, but it's a little like getting a sun tan. It's best to start out in short sessions. If you over do it at first, you can cause damage to lips, fingers, thumbs, etc.

Probably best to give it rest and go back at it tommorrow.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: diz 
Date:   2002-08-04 22:42

There is a VERY simple solution to all your problems (well, the clarinet based ones anyway). Get a Teacher - they don't bite, they're generally good humoured and, if you get a good one, they might even TEACH you something!

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: nahya^^ 
Date:   2002-08-04 22:48

pinching the reed? how do i avoid it? and if my lips suffer from fatigue from practicing for less than like 30 straight minutes, how can i even play a piece?

or does my lip get used to it?

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: nahya^^ 
Date:   2002-08-04 23:23

ya this guy said that he'd give me lessons. but he's not a real teacher. he's a same-aged kid from my high school's band.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: msroboto 
Date:   2002-08-04 23:49

Lessons from him might be better than no lessons. I basically was self-taught and take lessons now. We spend a lot of time correcting what I should have learned in the first year.

The real question is does this guy play well. That might be hard for you to judge. Has he had lessons. So he can impart some of that knowledge on you.

When you get you mouth position set and develop the embouchure a lot of your problems will go away.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: William 
Date:   2002-08-05 01:58

Suggestions:


1) Be certain to cover all of the tone holes. The slightest leakage can act as a register vent and cause the clarinet to play an overtone. Hold your clarinet in a firm grip for a few moments and then look at your finger tips to see if there are uniform impressions left by the rings.

2) Put slightly less mouthpiece in your mouth and use less "bite". Play a bit closer to the tip and let the reed vibrate freely--do not close it off. Closing one side of the reed and blowing through the other causes sounds that may stun small animals.

3) Does your A3 play ok?? If so, try producing that pitch and slurring down to G3 by just adding your rh 3d finger without tongueing. If that works, then go for F3 and E3.

It's hard to diagnose problems via cyberspace. Perhaps your high school friend could be of help if a clarinet specialist/teacher is not available. "On site" is so much better than "off site" via Sneezy. But if you have more questions and a better description of what you are experiancing, I'll try to offer further advice. Good luck.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: Karel 
Date:   2002-08-05 07:17

Have you tried talking to your high school band's director for "on-site" help with problems that really need practical demonstration of what is going wrong? He might also be able to put you in touch with a teacher, because the other kids in the band are apparently managing to learn somehow. There is no way that you can get satisfactory tuition over the net the way you are trying to do it. Have you had a look yet at "Sherman Friedland's corner" which you reach via the "home page"? You will find a lot of helpful information there, but you will have to go and look it up. Karel.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2002-08-05 11:14

There could be a dozen different flaws in your way of playing that could cause your problem.

Likewise there are at least a dozen possible causes from the possible state of your instrument. It could well be that the technican did superficial free work because he knew that you would sooner of later be coming back for the major work that he saw that needed to be done.

So repsonses to your problems in this forum tend to be rather wild guesses because of insufficient information.

You really do need an experienced player/teacher to sort out these basic things. For example an experienced player, using their own mouthpiece will know whether it is an instrument problem within a few seconds.

To ascertain the REAL cause of your problems by forum correspondence could take hours of contributer's time, all to no avail!

Most of us loke to help here, but there are limits as to when this is appropriate.

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 RE: problem w/ playing low notes like G(3)
Author: ~ jerry 
Date:   2002-08-05 17:28

Sounds to me like you are listening only to the answers that want to hear, here.

How long have you had your clarinet?

I bet it will be a while before you play a "piece", without some professional guidance. Sometimes my mouth tires after 20 minutes, if I have not practiced for a couple of days -- especially if I use a harder reed.

Face the inevitable -- get a teacher now.

As a matter of fact, I'm looking for a new teacher myself.

~ jerry

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