low notes

[wavygravy]

hi all
hope someone can help with this problem ..its driving me mad
i`m probably not describing this very well but what happens is...when i play a low note..D,C or B the note sounds high for a second before dropping to the correct pitch....please dont get to technical on me i`m fairly new to this
cheers

 

[jadoube]

Yup, happens to us beginners 🙂

My teacher goes for very slightly dropping the jaw as you play the low note - to stop yourself hitting up an octave. Different schools of thought on this I understand. Others are against any such movement and solve it with more breath control and stronger embouchure. So, long notes.

As far as I, another beginner, can tell both work.

Somebody will hopefully wade in with a more knowledgble answer.

 

[biker1941]

Hi Niel
I think we beginners attack the note too much, that is release a puff of air as we release the tongue from the reed, I have found that very gentle but constant air pressure is required for the low notes, they sound loud enough without trying to force them, When I asked the same question one of the guys said use a fu! in tongueing rather that a tu! it works.
rgds
Clive 😉 😉

 

[wavygravy]

thanks for the replies......not sure i`d look good in a tutu though.....its good to know that its not just me that has this problem
neil

 

[jools]

OOh - no, it's not just you. Listen to Stan Getz or Art Pepper (plus many other 'famous' types) on any of their live recordings. Those low notes are a real trick. Sad to say - LONG note tone practice will help. See Pete's main site for practice tips. The deep end is a scary place (as is the top end) and requires a lot of gentle coaxing. 😉

 

[Col9]

I was told either on here or by my teacher cant remember now, to blow high notes and breathe low notes, with a really relaxed open throat. In other words breathe hot air into a low note.

It works for me. most of the time 8| 😉

Col.

 

[Pauline]

Hey, Wavygravy I come from Hull too!

Live in Hornsea at the moment though. I've been attempting to play the tenor for the last few months.
:laugh:

Welcome!

 

[nick_cook]

[color:green]I always get that when I start a scale on D, Wavy - but when I've gone up and down once, it's usually ok after that.

Pauline - I'm sure your Tenor playing isn't that funny!!!![/color]

 

[Pauline]

Thanks Nick, that's really kind of you!
Been in the doldrums lately but I'm back in business now!

Strange how a few days off from playing can make a difference.

 

[philthd]

i find it really helps to "visualise" the sound of the notes in your ears before you play them. its good advice all round, but particularly in this instance