 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RichA
Date: 2006-12-08 11:39
I'm a new player and I am very interested in learning to play traditional jazz. In listening to some of the "masters" very often I hear passages with a "growling" sound which is very effective, particularly for the blues. As a learning amateur, how can I generate this sound?
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2006-12-08 11:50
The way that I do it, and I'm sure there are many ways, is to hum really loud into the clarinet while playing the instrument.
Don't try to hum what your playing, because the growl comes from a distortion between the notes the clarinet is playing and what you are humming. So hum something different. I usually hum the same note unless it does not distort enough...then I change.
To learn:
take a deep breath
put instrument in mouth and set embouchure
begin humming loud
begin blowing strong enough to activate the clarinet
Sometimes it takes a while to move from step 3 to step 4.
Are you sure what you're hearing is growling and not flutter tounging? (just curious)
Good luck
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-12-08 12:50
Took me a while to get comfortable with growling (along the lines of James' suggestions) - it's not all that easy to open your vocal chords and at the same time maintain a steady air flow. Don't be discouraged by initial unsuccessful attempts.
--
Ben
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-12-08 13:47
Keeping on a similar subject, how do you do a waiver? I was listening to Buddy DeFranco yesterday and he did a few that were pretty darn great, added a lot to the song.
Thanks!
Jim
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-12-08 14:39
Humming never has much effect for me. Growling had a bit more effect, as did making a rough "CH" (as in the German word "ach"), but I think it works better on brass instruments. Certainly I've never been able to get the Cootie Williams quality.
Buddy DeFranco's waver is possible using a regular setup by dropping your jaw, arching your palate, raising the back of your tongue and loosening your embouchure. It also helps to have a wide open mouthpiece and a soft reed.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2006-12-09 14:07
To supplement Tobin's post I would suggest open mouth humming with your hand in front of your mouth (say 4 inches) Your main concern should be creating air flow with the humming. The mouth will not be very open or you will not succeed. It will be like a large flute embouchure aperture. (size of your smallest finger, "Pinky".)
Freelance woodwind performer
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