The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

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

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Can't seem to get any sound from middle B/C

Author: olena
Date: 2009-10-30 11:42

I'm fairly new to clarinet and have been working on attempting to cross the break for a week now.

Things to note:

* I am able to play notes above and below middle B/C just fine.
* Bottom E/F work fine, which would lead me to believe that it's not a mechanical problem.
* I have tried slurring from above and below to see if my breathing or embouchure was changing, and noticed nothing different - it just switches to empty air!

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Reply To Message

Re: Can't seem to get any sound from middle B/C

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-10-30 12:18

olena -

The link between the F/C and E/B keys (called the crow's foot) may need adjustment. That is, if you press the left-hand E/B key without also pressing the right-hand F/C key, the F/C key may not close completely. To check, try keeping both little fingers down (on E/B and F/C) as you go up over the break. If that works, the connection needs a simple adjustment to make the pressure on the two pads equal.

Also, learning to go over the break is easier if you start by moving down from B to A., rather than up from A to B.

Start with third-line B and go to A moving just your left index finger and thumb, with the minimum amount of movement. Keep all your right-hand fingers down, and also keep your left middle, ring and little fingers down. Then "nudge" up with your left index finger so that, in a single movement, you uncover the hole and open the throat A key, and raise your left thumb to release the register key and open the thumb hole. Pretend you're trying to keep anyone from seeing what you're doing, by barely moving two fingers.

Then reverse the movement to go up.

The A will be flat, but don't worry about it. This is only a one-time exercise.

Once you get it smooth, add your left middle finger to the movement (which will correct the intonation) and then add your left ring finger and then your left little finger. Finally, add all your right-hand fingers, making a single coordinated movement.

Good luck. We all go through this problem when we're learning.

Ken Shaw

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.