Any Clarinet Players Here?

[Aj23]

Well I recently started play it in band, and I really suck lol. I can make sound with it, but my cheeks have to puff out when I play or else I'm just getting a loud squeal from it or even no sound at all. Any tips or techniques on playing the clarinet and making it easier?

Btw, I'm pulling my lip over me teeth and then putting the instrument into the back of my mouth and trying to play (lol had to edit it)...well that's what my band instructor told me to do.

[Hairball]

I used to play the clarinet in high school, you gotta blow it delicately. Try having your lips in a position that is like the one for whistling, you don't want to blow with your cheeks filled with air.

[najibs]

[QUOTE=Aj23;9437599] my cheeks have to puff out when I blow or else I'm just getting a loud squeal from it. [/QUOTE]

That would make a great sig :twisted:

[Hairball]

I'm sure fact that this thread talks about "blowing" will bring out the best or RFD. :rolleyes:

[crackheadpakman]

he does.

[IMG]http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/966/455897-250px_squidward_tentacles_large.jpg[/IMG]

[jory29]

[QUOTE=Aj23;9437599]my cheeks have to puff out when I blow or else I'm just getting a loud squeal from it.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=najibs;9437730]That would make a great sig :twisted:[/QUOTE]


Najibs, you're so bad!! You missed another sig. though, I'm surprised at you :razz:... The [I]last[/I] line the OP wrote could also be used as another sig. Just see OP's original post below :twisted:

[QUOTE=Aj23;9437599]Well I recently started play it in band, and I really suck lol. I can make sound with it, but my cheeks have to puff out when I blow or else I'm just getting a loud squeal from it. Any tips or techniques on playing the clarinet and making it easier?

Btw, I'm pulling my lip over me teeth and then putting the instrument into the back of my mouth and blowing...well that's what my band instructor told me to do.[/QUOTE]




Sorry, OP. I know you're serious, but it's hard to stay serious on threads, sometimes! Good luck with all of it, though. :)

[mcg]

Use a lower rated reed or whatever it is, lol... using those high # ones really had me huffing and puffing, but the lower ones were so easy!

[ndrew029]

I played clarinet over 6 or 7 years ago in high school but I've long forgotten any technique. It's hard to describe. I could probably pick one up and play it by instinct though.

[firefly767]

clarinet sounds annoying, i hate the bubbly sound and i just want to slap the player

[monty613]

[QUOTE=Aj23;9437599]
Btw, I'm pulling my lip over me teeth and then putting the instrument into the back of my mouth and blowing...well that's what my band instructor told me to do.[/QUOTE]

this one time...at band camp

[skysong]

How do you tune to oboes?... You shoot one.

Woodwind instruments are difficult to play. I played piano and clarinet when I was younger, and my sister was in the enrichment bands for Alto Saxophone. Your conductor is correct, you're lips should be over your teeth so that it (1) prevents air leaks, (2), prevents damage to the reed. Squeaking is a combination of things from an improper air flow, a lack of tension in the facial muscles and air leaks when from the keys. Your reed should be the correct size for your mouth piece and damp. Don't guber on it, just keep it moist I damped mine while I assembled my clarinet. You're cheeks should never puff out, because you're losing air pressure then. The technique for getting distinction between multiple notes (e.g eighth notes) is to touch the tip of your tongue to the edge of the reed, while continuing the airflow. You're noob if you have to 'honk' every note.

oh the innuendos, back to my thesis snickering

Good luck and keep practising

[Aj23]

lol thanks for the help to some of you guys..but yea I'm seriously asking here. Any real help is appreciated.

[Jon Lai]

Like someone said, go for softer reeds. Lower number means softer. Beginners should start with #3 and work your way up to #4 or 5. Heck, start with #2.5 if you can find them.

Do NOT play with your cheeks puffed out. This is just something you'll have to practice, because it's the first step for playing any woodwinds properly. Make sure you have correct posture, sit up straight all the time.

Make sure your reed is thoroughly moist before playing. Blowing on a dry reed makes it more susceptible to cracking, which means to squeaks.

To avoid squeaking, blow fast, consistent air, and not little chunks of it. Also try to play with "ha" instead of "ta". "Ta" blows cold air while "ha" blows warm air - try it on your hands. Warm air works much better on a nice and moist reed compared to cold air.

In the end, it's all up to practice.

[aplayaz2000]

dont put your mouth too far in the reed or it will squeek
put a little bit of your bottom lip against the reed

i personally never tongued my notes because it generates lots of spit lol, the clarinet is a pretty easy instrument to play if you get over the correct form

i played for my 2nd last year of elementary then one year in high school gr 9... only annoying part is soaking the reed