Clarinet/Clarinet Basics/Tone/Creating Good Tone Quality
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Contents |
[edit] Basics
Good tone production has a lot of factors in it when playing the clarinet. All the factors this book as already talked about are what create a good tone, but there's still more to think about when trying to create a good sound. All of this stuff might seem overwhelming, but it is not meant to be learned all at once, just try taking these ideas one at a time. Soon you will not have to think about it, and by that time you'll know that you'll be ready for the more advanced steps.
[edit] Tight and correct embouchure
Keep your embuchure steady, pucker your chin muscles to make a nice flat chin, this is super important for quality tone production. Sometimes using a mirror will help you keep your embouchure positioned correctly.
[edit] High and forward tongue positioning
Make a Shhhhh sound without the clarinet in your mouth, to do so notice that your tongue is positioned high and forward to make the sound. This is the way your tongue should be positioned at all times throughout the clarinet register. Doing this will speed up the air, and aim the air flow at the reed so that it will vibrate more steadily, resulting in a steady and velvety tone output. This is the real deal for proper tone production; this is really the most important aspect in clarinet tone production along with air support from the diaphram and good embouchure, that a lot of teachers will not mention.
[edit] Good Posture
Make sure you are sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor, and sitting on the front end of the chair. This will help basic tone quality.
[edit] Reed Hardness
Use the correct reed hardness. Reed hardness is measured on a scale from one to five. The problems is reed manufacturers don't use a uniform scale. If you are beginning, try about reed size two, intermediate, size three, and advanced is size 3 and 1/2.
[edit] Mouth Piece
The mouth piece that came with your clarinet is probably of less than superb quality. Invest in a good rubber mouth piece that will cost around $50-$100.
[edit] Develop your mouth
As you progress in becoming a clarinetist, your mouths muscles will become stronger, allowing one to play the instrument with better tone.
[edit] Fast Air
Do NOT PLAY WITH WIMPY AIR! Wimpy air can cause a plethora of bad things such as bad tone and bad technique. Always play confidently, not loudly, even after you mess up (the natural reaction is to tense up and drop the air support). Never play with slow air moving through the instrument. Play on the air!
