 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nux
Date: 2019-12-19 15:25
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to have some piece of advice for the clarinet. I am actually trying to play a song using the register key, and it's working well when pressing the button.
I want to play star wars' theme and i need to play C G F E D highC and back to G.
The matter is not going high, but going back down. When i release the pressure onto the high register key, there's delay before it goes back to the low register, and the blow gets all weird, it sounds like some sort of animal shout (no kidding). Idk if i'm doing something wrong, so i was just asking you guys.
Keep in mind that i'm really new to the instrument, so my question might look dumb, but I'm coming back to the clarinet after health issues, with the ferm idea to make it sound well !
Thanks for your help
Post Edited (2019-12-19 15:26)
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-12-19 16:48
Could you post a photo of the music, maybe make an arrow to the problem note? A 'bubbling' note can be a loose pad or moisture in a hole, but it isn't clear what is happening.
Post Edited (2019-12-19 16:52)
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2019-12-19 17:22
When you press and then release the register key while not playing, does it close immediately or with a delay? If there is a delay, first thing to try would be to loosen the screw holding the register key a little bit.
The register key screw itself isn't causing any pressure which could restrict the register key movement, but sometimes a release of it may nevertheless ease up that movement.
If you have a wooden clarinet which hasn't been used for long, it's also possible that the wood has dried and caused the posts for the register key screw to press too much against the register key and thus restricting its movement. When the humidity of the clarinet body is restored, the problem will disappear.
Post Edited (2019-12-19 21:06)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-12-19 19:54
I will assume that by "new" to the clarinet, you are not playing into to the "clarion" register yet (the notes from the middle line "B" on the musical staff, on up for an octave).
I'd say that it's much easier to learn those notes NON-SEQUENTIALLY first. Treating the middle "B" or the "C" (you need) as just the "next note" can at first be frustrating. I suggest starting out just playing a nice medium loud low "C" (the note you are starting in in Star Wars). That should be easy. Now while that note is sounding nice and clear, press the register key and simultaneously push more air (a sudden 'puff'). You should get a high "G." This is the note that sits on top of the musical staff and it is one full octave about the "G" in Star Wars.
Once you are comfortable getting the high "G," I'd suggest working your way........DOWN. Play the lowest "B" you have.....hold it.......register/puff.......you should get high "F#." Then the "A;" and you get the high "E;" low "G" and you'll get high "D," low "F"........and you'll get your Star Wars' "C," low "E" and you'll get high "B."
The point is train yourself to get used to the FEEL of the upper register first. It is more than just a next note (like pressing keys on a piano). It is more akin to the recorder (if you've ever played one) where you need to push more air to get the next high group of notes.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2019-12-19 20:50
Are you slurring all the notes, i.e., not separating each note from the next, either by using your tongue or giving each note a new puff of air? If you are slurring, try going from the high C to notes that don't use the register key without slurring. Jumps from register key notes to non-register key notes sometimes require re-articulation, i.e., stopping the air flow between the high note and the low note.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-12-19 22:14
Not all upper register to lower register notes will pop out just by releasing the speaker key - you'll have to tongue the lower register note instead of relying solely on releasing the speaker key.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: LFabian
Date: 2019-12-19 22:46
Have you tried another clarinet? Or switch out mouthpieces? Is it only now in winter is this occurring (humidity)?
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Author: johnnydodds
Date: 2019-12-22 06:35
I would try tounging those notes first before slurring them, then isolate 3 or 4 notes in the "problem area," and practice them with your metronome starting at tempo, then slowly decrease your speed until you are playing it painfully, painfully slow. Then, slowly work your tempo back up with great patience, and when you hit the tempo that the problem comes back, back off your speed again slowly 5-10bmp and slowly work back up, over and over until you smooth it out. Then tongue lighter and lighter until you are so close to slurring that it's unnoticeable. If that doesn't work then you may need to experiment with different equipment, starting with the reed, then mouthpiece, then the horn. Good luck!
Post Edited (2019-12-22 06:36)
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