Middle Low register

[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….

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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)

[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.

[Way0501]

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.

Thanks for replying! How can I contact with you?

[Way0501]

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.

I already did it but I still don’t know how’s going with this

[Way0501]

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.

The 5th position for me it’s the worst

[Doug Elliott]

Semd me a PM here with your contact info.