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: Beginners Embrochure

Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-01-12 16:39

You'd do much better to get a few lessons, really!

You say you can't get a consistent noise, but you don't say what noise you do get. Playing the first few notes is actually very easy. Most of the advice on this board is about improving your embouchure once you can play a little; as a beginner, you don't need to get every detail right on day one. Moreover, it is wrong to assume that there is one correct embouchure; mouths are not all the same.

But the following points are essential:

- The reed mustn't be too hard. If you borrow reeds from an accomplished player, they may well be too hard for a beginner.

- The reed must be damp. If you attach a dry reed and try to play, nothing much will happen. You should wet the thin end in your mouth for 20 or 30 seconds, then wipe off any droplets before you attach it.

- The reed must be properly positioned. Exactly central, and just a fraction of a millimeter short of the end of the mouthpiece.

- Having put the instrument in your mouth, you must squeeze a little on the reed with your lower lip. If the instrument is flopping around, your embouchure is too loose. If your jaw aches after a minute, it is too tight.

- You need to blow steadily but not very hard. If you blow like you were playing a recorder, not much will happen. But neither should you huff and puff like you were trying to blow the house down. Inhale a reasonable amount of air, but not so you feel like you are going to burst. Blow steadily, not like a kid trying to blow out all his candles at once.

As soon as possible, you need to learn to tongue, not just blow. But you should be able to get an acceptable sound without tonguing.

-----------

If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.

To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics