It squeaks whenever I play below a three finger C on a 2 1/2, 3, or 3 1/2. That's all I've tried. I just started this summer so that I could be in marching band. I played oboe before that. The high notes are pretty difficult too. Is something wrong with my instrument? Do I need to soak the reed longer?
2006-08-09 08:52:42 · 6 answers · asked by *smartess 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Especially since you'll be huffing and puffing around the field, you'll want a very wet reed to start with. Use something medium (2 1/2 probably) weight and beware that your ambishure (why can't I remember how to spell that?) is forming around the mouthpiece properly (the oboe technique can cause some gaps in the coverage which will cause squeaks).
Other than that, your director ought to be able to help you troubleshoot when you get to band camp.
Have fun!
2006-08-09 08:58:21 · answer #1 · answered by Mister Bob the Tomato 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to soak it longer, just try a softer reed something below a 2 until you build up the strength in you mouth and can play on the harder reeds. The clarinet is also notorious for squeaking in the higher ranges, just be careful and practice and you'll be fine.
2006-08-09 08:59:28 · answer #2 · answered by daredevilninja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The higher the number of the reed, the harder it is. You may need a softer reed until you get used to the horn.
Also, your emburchure is quite differnt than an oboe. I went from clairnet to alto clarinet to bass clarinet to sax to bassoon- all three required practice and adjustments to playing. I remember lower and upper register being a bit hard.
You could have a leak in your horn as well, but you will squeek until you get used to the new emburchure.
Check the positioning of your ligiture as well, if it's too high or low, you may have problems.
2006-08-09 09:03:08 · answer #3 · answered by katkis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to buy a thinner reed if you are a beginner. I would try a 1 to a 1 1/2 to start off with. That will be easier for you to hit the notes that you want. As you progress and your lungs get stronger and your aperture becomes more refined you will be able to move up to thicker reeds.
2006-08-09 09:02:06 · answer #4 · answered by Zach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should start playing with a low number such as 2 1/2. As you improve you should go up in reed sizes. The higher sizes are thinner so they are harder to play on until you know how. If you are having trouble with the higher octives a higher reed isn't a bad idea as long as you are ready for that level of playing. If I were you I would ask the band director for their opinion.
2006-08-09 08:58:42 · answer #5 · answered by lexie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i play saxophone so i know what could be the problem.
1.the reed could be too dry , chipped or broken
2. your clarinet might have leaks (if second hand)
3.try blowing air through a few times without making a noise(if possible dunno clarinets) this is like a warm up stops squeaks
2006-08-09 08:59:26 · answer #6 · answered by cinnamonscentedbear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋