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Possible Problem |
Possible Solution |
| Saxophone ⇒ Clarinet |
| Sound: Embouchure |
- Hollow Sound
- Spread Sound
- Unfocused Sound
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Same embouchure as on saxophone can be used, but steady, consistent embouchure must be employed; do NOT move/adjust for different registers. Pressure from the jaw/lower teeth may be increased for firmer embouchure. |
| Sound |
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Squeaking is caused by an unbalanced vibration of the reed. Other type of squeaking is a misplayed overtone caused by misfingering or improper voicing. First, make sure the fingers are naturally curved, and sealing tone holes. Check balance between jaw pressure and amount of lower rolled in mouth. Too little lower lip rolled often causes squeaks. Also see articulation-toguing. |
| Articulation: Tonguing |
- Noise
- Squeaking
- Heaviness
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Tip-to-tip tongue is highly recommended. Though, tip of tongue contacts slightly under tip of reed. Saxophonists tend to have clarinet angle more horizontal like saxohone causing listed articulation problems, but try holding clarinet more vertically by pulling instrument in. |
| Finger Technique |
- Key/Finger Noise
- Squeaking
- Throat Tone
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Saxophonists are so used to dealing with haevy, metal keys. However, the gentlest finger motion must be employed for clarinet playing to achieve absolute legato. When not completely sealing tone holes, it will result in squeaks. Operating throat tone keys is new to saxophonists, spending 5 min a day on practicing throat notes will make a difference. |
| Clarinet ⇒ Saxophone |
| Sound: Embouchure |
- Squeaking
- Inconsistent Intonation
- Low Response
- Vibrato
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Simply, it is difficult to squeak on saxophone. If it happens, possibilities are: too much pressure (biting), too much mouthpiece taken in mouth, too little lower lip rolled over teeth. Do use same embouchure for saxophone, less pressure will work perfectly. Playing saxophone in tune demands a large amount of pitch adustment. As opposed to clarinet playing, jaw pressure should vary for EACH NOTE. EVERY saxophonist struggle with low response, as well, for which amount of air must increase, even heavy articulation may be needed. Exercising vibrato may help relaxing embouchure. |
| Finger Technique |
- Palm Key Set
- Special Key Table
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Fingerings to saxophone is INCREDEBLY easy. You can press any part of key. You may need to lighten key springs, though. Just work on high notes on palm keys and low notes on spacial keys using scales. Cross fingering between middle B and C may be awkward.
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| Articulation: Tonguing |
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Do same way as clarinet tonguing, it will be the lightest and clearest articulation. For low register, you may have to use further back part of tongue.
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