 The Fingering Forum
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Author: help
Date: 2002-06-06 05:10
I have a clarinet and know most of the fingerings...however, I have noticed in the upper altissimo register listed in the clarinet fingering section that some of the fingerings are the same as the lower octave. I was wondering how to play those notes. If anyone has any knowledge on how to play these notes...I would greatly appreciate your assistance.
Thanks a lot
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Author: Gnomon
Date: 2002-06-06 21:14
For the really high notes, embouchure is much more important than fingering. Get the embouchure and breath pressure exactly right, there are many different fingerings that will give the note you want.
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Author: saxy boy
Date: 2002-06-06 21:57
The reason the fingerings are the same, is kinda the same reason that woodwinds squeak alot. I don't really want to confuse you too much, but i'll tell you anyway. Low notes are compiled of overtones, and the higher you get the less the overtones. What this means is that each pitch,say a C, is compiled of the C above that(octave) ,then the G(fifth), the C(octave), The E(third), The G, and so on. The intervals get smaller as you go up. So basically, lip pressure, air pressure, and breath control are certainly things to consider when trying to reach these notes.
Saxy boy
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Author: help
Date: 2002-06-07 03:11
thanks for all your replies...I just wondering...so do I put on a lot more pressure on to the mouthpiece to get to those notes (I mean...basically squeak) or should I use more of the mouthpiece to play the notes?
Thanks again
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2002-06-07 10:02
A firm embouchure is needed. This doesn't mean you apply an awful lot of pressure: that would stop the reed vibrating. You just have to keep all those muscles around your mouth rock-solid. If you are only a beginner, you won't be able to do this. You will need to be playing for a year or so before your cheeks will be strengthened up enough (going on my experience).
Breath support rather than breath pressure is the other important thing. You should tighten up all the muscles around your stomach before playing the high notes. This ensures that you produce a very consistent, even breath pressure, although it doesn't necessarily have to be high pressure. After all, you want to be able to play soft up there as well as loud.
Two other things for high notes are to put the reed fairly far into your mouth and to use a hard reed.
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