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? asked in Arts & HumanitiesPerforming Arts · 8 years ago

My clarinet sounds very airy?

My clarinet sounds very airy and I think my tone kinda sucks. I can't really figure out why. My higher octave notes sound pretty good, and so do my lower notes. It's only when I play open G to about Bb does it sound airy and dry. Any suggestions?

If it helps, I've been playing clarinet for 3 years and use a 2 1/2 reed. Oh, and I also play bass clarinet and contra-alto clarinet.

2 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Well, those notes (also known as the throat tones) are a problem that even the most advanced Clarinetist works on... daily. Although your equipement may be providing a bit of an obstacle, it's more about you. Look at famous Clarinetist whose claim-to-fame is their ability to project "their" sound through literally any horn. (ex. Michele Zukovsky, Principal of the LA Phil)

    To help fix these problems (mostly) without replacing your entire horn, really try to focus on strong breathe support and using "good" air. I recommend meeting with a skilled private instrutor in your area. Have them really focus on strengthening your embouchure, proper use of the breathing and support muscles, and the use of quality air.

    I hope this helped, but without seeing and hearing you play I can't really say more. Best of luck!

    Source(s): Clarinet Performance major and internationally-ranked music school & private lesson instructor
  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    The reed purely desires to be damaged in. make sure this is moist. and also you ought to no longer be used to the thickness yet because you went up a touch. it is going to go away very right away. And it ought to easily be a foul reed that you get carry of.

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