Reeds Str
I need help with my clarinet?
Ok, so something is probably wrong.. I can’t seem to play the high notes (b and up) well, I can play them but not very well. Umm, so, I tried playing B,C#,C in succession but there’s an unpleasant delay and I feel like something is blocking the way.. I can play it an octave lower but.. Oh, and I played them using the four pinky keys.. So, what could be wrong? Also, I use 2 1/2 str. rico reed.
Ok well It could be a few things
1) Reed strength: To get high notes to sound good reeds usually need to be a little harder. Have you tried going up to the size 3? It could just be a simple case of needing a stronger reed
2) Breath support: High notes need to be supported by your triangle muscles! Google breath support if you don’t know what I mean. You might need to learn how to support these notes
3) Fingering: The fact that there is a delay could mean that your fingers haven’t caught up with your air. You change your embouchure and the fingers have to catch up with them. So for a few seconds your ‘high note’ embouchure is in place but your fingers aren’t. These particular notres are called ‘ crossing the break’ It takes a while for students to master this! Do some slow practice in front of the mirror start your metronome at ,say, crotchet = 30 and play A and then B. Gradually use the metronome to get faster. But do it gradually making sure the notes are even! Use the mirror to make sure that your fingers are close to the keys so that don’t have to travel far to get back. But slow practice is the key! You can try it with other note combination as well. Like G-B, A-C# etc. Its boring practice but necessary for even notes. If you cant play it slow there is no way that you will be able to play it fast!
4) Instrument: It could be the pads on your instrument so get your Clarinet teacher to check if any air is leaking!
You also might like to try playing those notes in front of your teacher. It is much easier to diagonse problems when the student is right in front of you!
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