embouchure - beginner

[stephen_cowan]

help!!!!!!!!!!!!
taking lessons, seems to be going ok, then my bottom lip goes hopeless on me, i lose any reasonable sound. i think the problem maybe that my teeth do not meet in line, so my bottom teeth are probably 1/4" behind my top teeth so maybe i can't form a proper embouchure. losing motivation quickly , then i found this forum, so........ anyone with any suggestions would be grateful.

 

[Linky Lee]

you're teeth not being in line is not a problem. Your front teeth aren't supposed to be inline. The bottom teeth are meant to sit behind the front teeth. Ask an orthodontist!

Because you are a beginner the muscles in your mouth aren't developed into efficient and strong muscles.

Your lips are tired basically. Give them a rest, then go back to it later.

Practice is superb in lots of short bursts. i.e 30mins to 2 hours.
After that most people loose focus and don't practise efficiently either.

Go do something and come back to it, and you'll be freshened and your lips will of had a rest.

Don't loose motivation sax is great!

 

[pauloalto]

Hi Stephen,

Although it's frustrating at first, in time you will notice you can play for longer and longer, or on a harder reed, without your lip getting tired.

Paul

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Stephen and welcome to the Breakfast Room.

Another thing is to try and not bite down on the mouthpiece, it's more a case of just resting your top teeth on the moithpiece, or applying maybe a little pressure.

Keep at it, good luck, things should improve quite quickly.

Cheers, Bob

 

[griff136]

All sax players would have gone through what you have described unless they practised in 20-30 min sessions and then rested their "chops".

Keep at it and for good lips and a good tone, long notes my friend or really slow ballads or hymns even

slightly boring but I find its the best way to get your embouchure strong and achieve a sustainable tone.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[stephen_cowan]

thanks very much for all your positive comments, it has lifted me and i will keep at it now.

you've all been a big help!!!!!

 

[Bobby G]

Good man yerself Stephen.

Being a rabid agnostic (once more on the fence 😉 ) I'd never thought of playing hymns! Good tunes, an aid to harmonic sense and modulation, and the neighbours couldn't possibly complain.

Nice one, Griff!

Cheers, Bob