Middle Low register

W
Way0501
Posts: 5
Joined: Sep 04, 2024

by Way0501 »

Hello, I am new here. I have a question which is already struggling me a long time. From the Bb down to F this mddle low register for me always can’t find the center and the sound. Can anyone help me please? I already struggle for some years….
A
AtomicClock
Posts: 1094
Joined: Oct 19, 2023

by AtomicClock »

I struggled with that for many years. I suspect there are many ways to get it wrong, each with its own solution. Mine probably won't help you, but I offer it anyway. I was relaxing the whole embouchure to descend. The flabby lips were actually blocking the airflow. Keeping the corners firm allowed them to vibrate properly. Imagine the low strings on a piano. The tension is low, but they are still firmly held in place by the steel frame.
D
Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

I think most players don't really understand how that same range works on their chops. You need a certain openness of sound without losing the core of the sound. You need a big enough mouthpiece without going too big. And the mouthpiece needs to be a good match to the horn you're playing.

I work with players all the time on this subject, both teaching online lessons and help with mouthpiece choice.
T
TomInME
Posts: 315
Joined: Jan 03, 2024

by TomInME »

You can try some air attacks at a full forte but not fortissimo - I find this works the combination of firm foundation and relaxed center. And include enough rest.
T
timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

That range (well, F in the bass clef staff and below) fell apart completely for me a couple years ago. I couldn't reliably start a note. I did a couple lessons with Doug and got back on the right track; it still took some time to recover. Also reviewing my notes from previous lessons, and trying harder to do what he'd said, helped.

I think, and this is totally speculation, I had been trying too hard to get low range on the jHorn with a small mouthpiece and taught myself some bad habit in compensation.

(why play the jHorn? because I'd injured my shoulder and wrist. why play a small mouthpiece? to play it in tune)
D
dershem
Posts: 117
Joined: Aug 16, 2018

by dershem »

Heh. Next thing you'll say you discovered where 5th position really is! :)

It's all just finding where the horn and the sound and the player come together. I've had students who had trouble in that register because the position was a bit off for that partial, so they were forcing the sound. Play with it, and find out where it sounds and feels right, and then work from there.
W
Way0501
Posts: 5
Joined: Sep 04, 2024

by Way0501 »

[quote="Doug Elliott"]I think most players don't really understand how that same range works on their chops. You need a certain openness of sound without losing the core of the sound. You need a big enough mouthpiece without going too big. And the mouthpiece needs to be a good match to the horn you're playing.

I work with players all the time on this subject, both teaching online lessons and help with mouthpiece choice.[/quote]

Thanks for replying! How can I contact with you?
W
Way0501
Posts: 5
Joined: Sep 04, 2024

by Way0501 »

[quote="TomInME"]You can try some air attacks at a full forte but not fortissimo - I find this works the combination of firm foundation and relaxed center. And include enough rest.[/quote]

I already did it but I still don’t know how’s going with this<EMOJI seq="1f972" tseq="1f972">🥲</EMOJI>
W
Way0501
Posts: 5
Joined: Sep 04, 2024

by Way0501 »

[quote="dershem"]Heh. Next thing you'll say you discovered where 5th position really is! :)

It's all just finding where the horn and the sound and the player come together. I've had students who had trouble in that register because the position was a bit off for that partial, so they were forcing the sound. Play with it, and find out where it sounds and feels right, and then work from there.[/quote]

The 5th position for me it’s the worst
D
Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

Semd me a PM here with your contact info.