Woodwind.OrgThe Clarinet BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard Equipment Study Resources Music General    
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 
 Tuning with finger height
Author: TJTG 
Date:   2014-07-20 23:30

As I strive to get better with my tuning I'm noticing that I have to keep my fingers at certain heights (generally closer than I'm used to) over tone holes to keep the pitch from going high in the 2nd register. Would you say that you use your fingers for tuning as much as you rely on your keyed tone holes being in good adjustment?

I've noticed on several clarinets that they play their top-of-the-staff E sharply, and this can be corrected by keeping the third finger close to the tone hole.

Am I on to something? Because tuning with the barrel doesn't really help much; it throws the clarinet out of adjustment in my throat tones too quick if I try to correct the other problems that way.

RC-Prestige Bb
R13 A

Vandoren B40 13 MP
Chadash barrels, 660mm Bb, 650mm A

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Tuning with finger height
Author: johng 2017
Date:   2014-07-21 07:16

I use finger shading as an essential part of playing in tune. My clarinets are pretty stable and in tune over all, but there are times when tuning in the woodwind section where a note needs to be quite a bit lower - example: playing the 3rd of a major triad. There are other times when it is best not to shade because it tends to muffle and alter the tone quality. I would be interested to hear how other players use this, or not.

John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Tuning with finger height
Author: AAAClarinet 
Date:   2014-07-21 09:14

The only time I have found it t.o be essential to tune with finger height is on altissimo A tr OXXlOOO with left pinky. I touch all three rings on the right hand; touch not press. I have had to do this on every clarinet I have played.

AAAClarinet

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Tuning with finger height
Author: Eric V 
Date:   2014-07-21 18:27

Play chalumeaux range long tones decrescendo while watching tuner, tendency is to go sharp. Finger shading helps.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Tuning with finger height
Author: kdk 
Date:   2014-07-21 18:57

Tune with whatever is available that provides a repeatable, predictable adjustment and doesn't cause tone to deteriorate. And the last thing about tone is, I think a little less important if you're playing in a tutti situation where bad pitch will be more damaging than off-color tone.

I do use finger height when I can't make a needed adjustment with embouchure pressure or oral shape. The trouble is that it's less reliably repeatable than other available options, so for me it's not a first choice.

Karl

Reply To Message
 Avail. Forums  |  Threaded View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

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.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org