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Tips learning to play partials

Author: faltpihl ★2017
Date: 2015-02-24 14:23

Hi,

I've decided to work on my altissimo recently, after realizing that I need to be more confident with some high notes for my orchestral playing.
(Note that I am more or less a beginner)

I've so far managed to find the lower altissimo (up to ~E) notes to work quite well, through doing these exercises:

http://miamiclarinet.blogspot.se/2009/01/developing-your-altissimo.html

(The exercises are basically starting on low A, adding register key, and then adding altissimo "register key" through venting. Doing these exercises I find that I can get the lower notes to speak rather well with little effort)

Aiming to improve my higher notes (I need to go up to at least g#) I came across multiple sources that state how important it is to learn to voice the first few partials with basic low note fingerings to learn how to adapt embouchure and voicing to the different ranges.

I'm having a hard time getting more than one partial.

I'm attempting to use double lip all the time, and have tried to use a rather relaxed embouchure (not pushing the clarinet so hard so I get pain after a short playing time).

I noticed that the high notes were easier if I used alot more pressure than I am used to (trying not to bite, but to "snug the clarinet with my thumb" as per Ridenours double lip instructions).

Any way I try, I have not managed to get more partials any way.

I read somewhere that you could shove a rag in the bell for this exercise, I will try that later today.
I also read somewhere that playing partials was very dependent on voicing, and not so much on lower lip placement.

I guess my question is, is this skill of playing partials the right way to go with improving altissimo security and tone?

Or should I perhaps just experiment more with playing the notes fingered until I "get the feel for it"?

Any tips and tricks regarding this topic are very appreciated

Regards
Peter

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Re: Tips learning to play partials

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-02-24 16:58

I would say right ........on both counts.

If you get the "partials" thing down, you will be able to take that 'feel' and use it to your advantage in getting the altissimo with ease.

My version of the partials exercise is to be able to get the clarion notes from the chalumeau notes WITHOUT using the register key. This becomes "easier" if you start with the "G" two ledger lines below the staff pushing with more air to get the clarion "D" (and on up from there to the throat "F" pushing to the "C" above the staff). For me, you need only increase air speed. You should be able to 'huff' your way up to the clarion (there is a bit more embouchure control needed as well, but just slightly).

As for the "voicing," this is really just a way to modulate air speed. I prefer to do this purely with the abdominal muscles (gut), pushing more for the higher notes.

...............Paul Aviles

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Re: Tips learning to play partials

Author: faltpihl ★2017
Date: 2015-02-24 17:08

Thanks Paul.

I will absolutely try your approach as well.

I have tried the exercise you talk about, especially with holding the clarion notes but starting them with the key sometimes.

But I have never thought of the extra speed in the way you describe it.

Regards
Peter

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Re: Tips learning to play partials

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-02-24 17:50

Yeah, thinking of bumping up air speed is the key to starting those notes without the register key.........which is the important part of the exercise.

.............Paul Aviles

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Re: Tips learning to play partials

Author: faltpihl ★2017
Date: 2015-02-24 21:42

I got great results (getting two overtones on some fingerings) by doing a few things.

I focused on the air, used some of my softer reeds and most importantly i found that i could relax the bottom lip away from the reed.

Looking forward to managing the overtones with more fingers now. 1-3 fingers went ok, right hand was more tricky.
Seems to need more air.

Regards
Peter

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