How To Fix Common Clarinet Tone Mistakes with Michelle Anderson

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  • Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
  • This free clarinet lesson will help you to identify the most common challenges young clarinet players have in producing good tone, and show you how to correct them.
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    The Backun Educator Series presents Michelle Anderson, founder of Clarinet Mentors (www.clarinetmentors.com), in a series of videos designed specifically to help school band teachers to teach clarinet more easily and effectively. Would you like to help your clarinet students play with better tone? This educational video will help you to identify the most common challenges young clarinet players have in producing good tone, and show you how to correct them. This video identifies three things that can make a big difference in how easy it is to play the clarinet and produce a good sound. This includes how the angle of the clarinet affects tone, how to determine the best reed strength, and some important embouchure pointers.
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    Michelle Anderson, a Backun Musical Services Artist, is a professional clarinetist and teacher in Vancouver, BC. She specializes in creating resources to help people to play the clarinet more easily and beautifully. Her company, Clarinet Mentors (www.clarinetmentors.com), and UA-cam channel ( / clarinetmentors , have helped thousands of clarinetists to discover systems to quickly improve their clarinet playing, and to enjoy the instrument more.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    To learn more about Backun Musical Services, as well as other Backun Clarinet products and the Artists who play them: visit our website, Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our UA-cam channel!
    Our Website: www.backunmusical.com
    Facebook: / backunmusical
    Instagram: / backunmusical

КОМЕНТАРІ • 278

  • @backunmusical
    @backunmusical  3 роки тому +30

    What was your favourite tip?

    • @rodiffinger7998
      @rodiffinger7998 3 роки тому +7

      The amount of mouthpiece in the mouth :)

    • @annlisa07
      @annlisa07 3 роки тому +3

      I'd have to say ALL of them. Thank you so much for sharing this!! I just started playing again after 19 yrs. I last played in high-school. This is going to help me. 😁

    • @ptard7
      @ptard7 Рік тому

      The amuunt of the mouthpiece

  • @dragonflykites
    @dragonflykites 4 роки тому +140

    my band teachers have never taught me anything to do with posture or angle or anything. I’m so happy to finally learn these tips because it’s frustrating not knowing why you don’t have a good sound, thank you!
    Edit: I might need to get a stronger reed, I’ve been to 2.5 for 5 years and I check off all the signs its too soft 😬

    • @James.D.B.
      @James.D.B. 4 роки тому +4

      Sadly some band teachers just don't teach that, thankfully I got someone who has his Doctorate for the first year and a half of highschool before moving

  • @isabellughhhhh2538
    @isabellughhhhh2538 6 років тому +103

    So helpful! This is my 5th year playing the clarinet but I've had troubles sounding fuzzy after like 5 minutes of playing whatever. No one has really ever called me out on it so I don't know if it was that bad, but I started watching videos of other people playing the clarinet and realized that they sound a lot better than me (tone). I felt like with 5 years of experience I should probably sound better so I asked my teacher what I could do to sound better and she said to try a better reed brand and that helped a lot. But I still got a fuzzy sound! This video was very helpful because you actually showed examples of how it changed the sound and I thank you for that!

    • @joel.ds.m
      @joel.ds.m 6 років тому +1

      Try getting a softer reed.

  • @turtles10
    @turtles10 6 років тому +190

    As 1st chair my goal is to get better myself and help everyone else get better

    • @turtles10
      @turtles10 5 років тому +10

      @DAVID MELLA me nine months ago worded that very poorly, I am surprised anyone could understand that. (This is why I rarely comment on videos, because I go back and critique myself) I am also much better than my teacher at clarinet, but he is a trombone player.

    • @patrioticeagle577
      @patrioticeagle577 5 років тому +1

      As the second clarient, I see that it's a struggle for first the clarinets... I appreciate your support sir 👏💯

    • @xdjustice2669
      @xdjustice2669 5 років тому

      Richard Casillo OMFG SAME

    • @fernie51296
      @fernie51296 4 роки тому

      I recommend checking out the Clarinet BBoard. Lots of pro’s who really know what they are talking about.

    • @MistyForest111
      @MistyForest111 4 роки тому

      @Richard Casillo every section needs a strong player sadly...

  • @Leontinevanvliet
    @Leontinevanvliet 7 років тому +183

    This is actually very informative! I started playing 12 years ago and have just started taking lessons again after 5 years of not playing. I have basically always played on a 2.5 reed...I had no idea that my reed might be too soft haha. I need to upgrade!

    • @lonelystatue2915
      @lonelystatue2915 6 років тому

      Leontine van vliet yep, you definitely need a stronger reed

    • @Zoco101
      @Zoco101 6 років тому +2

      Surely the reed size depends on the mouthpiece aperture too. I see that in modern music (non-classical) clarinetists often prefer a bigger aperture and a softer reed. But I am no expert on clarinets - I just work with a lot of clarinetists.

    • @mauricebar552
      @mauricebar552 5 років тому

      Mike Summers @

    • @mubaraksenju7521
      @mubaraksenju7521 4 роки тому

      Leontine van vliet bruhh I’ve been using 3.5 since the 2nd year I’m playing clarinet!! Couldn’t believe how u play on 2.5 reed. Change it dude!! 👍

  • @alissawanderoo2348
    @alissawanderoo2348 5 років тому +295

    Boi I play on a 3.5+ reed..... the airy sound is driving me insane

  • @ethanweisman3577
    @ethanweisman3577 5 років тому +29

    When you do the reed test from a 1.5 and get up to a 3.5...
    But a very helpful video it worked for me

  • @geekvsworld
    @geekvsworld 4 роки тому +11

    Self taught clarinet player with it being my second instrument. Had a couple of issues, and this video seems to have wrapped it up perfectly! Only just purchased a stronger reed but think I need stronger still!

  • @walterwolansky9680
    @walterwolansky9680 5 років тому +5

    Thank you so much that was so helpful especially looking down at your fingers I am playing looking straight ahead now and what a difference thank you so much

  • @bobs8079
    @bobs8079 3 роки тому +4

    OMG thank you so much, I've been having trouble playing the higher notes and I instantly was able to play all of them just by having more of the reed in my mouth

  • @guitarrajesh4422
    @guitarrajesh4422 6 років тому +3

    The reed tip adjustment got me going ! Thanks Michelle

  • @peterperlmutter1676
    @peterperlmutter1676 2 роки тому

    Thank you, Michelle. Long time player who never knew any of the tips that you offered. But they explained a lot of ideas that I was looking for!

  • @rmoraespinto
    @rmoraespinto 4 роки тому +2

    In this internet era, many hopeful instrumentalists try to progress by means of watching videos on YT or buying digital courses. Certainly, videos and video-lessons may be a helpful means to learn. However, no digital interface replaces a good personal teacher. This video of yours is an example of how important a good teacher can be for the correct development of a student -- it is simple, well explained and clarifies such apparently simple issues that one does not get (from what I have watched on YT) except from a aptly teacher. Congrats!

  • @hamilton6142
    @hamilton6142 2 роки тому +1

    This video was very helpful. I picked on most of these things from experience from playing the clarinet for the past few years, but it's amazing to finally hear someone just outright say them. Particularly in middle school, it always felt like I was guessing about what was wrong or what would help my tone.
    Now that I'm a sophomore in high school, I'm trying to help the freshmen get better tone. This explanation gave me the confidence to tell them the things I've picked up on. I've always been scared to teach them something wrong.

  • @Devi_Shammuramat
    @Devi_Shammuramat 3 роки тому +1

    That last tip has solved my problem with new clarinet I got [after over twenty years playing, but am self-taught so wouldn't have known]. And had got to that higher register absolute years ago, but didn't know that I should have been playing with a 3 & up all along ! Now simply making this adjustment has made the clarinet in tune (from previously flat with a 2.5).

  • @neilbrie8972
    @neilbrie8972 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you, I started playing a reed instrument. And this video helps me to improve few things.

  • @antonioalvarezmarron9382
    @antonioalvarezmarron9382 3 роки тому +1

    Muy interesante la explicación y muy detallada. Muchas gracias por su tiempo.

  • @stab456
    @stab456 4 роки тому +18

    oh my god I would have loved to have had her as a teacher. The looking down tip helps a ton, especially when using a lyre. Plus it makes marching difficult lol.
    edit- OH GOD AND THE REED THING. I WAS GOING NUTS WITH THAT. SCREW THIS 2 1/2!

    • @backunmusical
      @backunmusical  4 роки тому +1

      She offers online training at www.clarinetmentors.com thanks for watching!

  • @jonathancolling2284
    @jonathancolling2284 3 роки тому +1

    Superb advice! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙂

  • @ONORRImusic
    @ONORRImusic 2 роки тому +2

    Clarinet is an amazing music instrument and your lessons are much more than welcome! So helpful! Many thanks!

  • @empireentertainmentevents1353
    @empireentertainmentevents1353 7 років тому +6

    Thank you Michelle! This is very useful indeed!

  • @jan4052
    @jan4052 Рік тому +1

    This was very helpful. I just started playing and was confused why sometimes my tone was quite good and other times muffled. I think I was putting my head down. That's a game changer! Thank you!

  • @owenlee9122
    @owenlee9122 4 роки тому +1

    thanks so much for this!! been assuming it's just my diaphragm for years!! Changed everything!!

  • @oscardakota2876
    @oscardakota2876 5 років тому +4

    That sound is very familiar! Thanks Michelle, this will help alot of kids in my classes.

  • @theconfederationofcubers
    @theconfederationofcubers 2 роки тому +1

    Wow, I can't tell you how amazing this was! I was so mad because I just couldn't play above the staff (I'm a 3rd year player). Then I tried going farther down the reed and it instantly worked! Again, thank you so much!

  • @stephenselby4252
    @stephenselby4252 Рік тому +1

    These three tips improved my tone instantly!

  • @cynthiatorges4161
    @cynthiatorges4161 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much! The "fuzzy" tone was driving my son nuts, and your first tip took care of it.

  • @ptard7
    @ptard7 Рік тому

    Very useful. thank so much!

  • @JoshuaTanzer
    @JoshuaTanzer 4 роки тому +13

    This was very helpful for me as a beginner (not an educator) teaching myself at home during quarantine. Thanks!

  • @hampsterking9000
    @hampsterking9000 6 років тому +295

    the barrel looks so weird

  • @soapybanana8233
    @soapybanana8233 4 роки тому +1

    This was very helpful! Thank you!

  • @GUITARISTmbGaming
    @GUITARISTmbGaming 3 роки тому +5

    This was amazing. Come from some one who was a low brass player and now trying to learn my winds. Thank you! 😊

  • @stentorcoeruleus4835
    @stentorcoeruleus4835 7 років тому +23

    very high quality video, thank you! I'm a student and this has helped me a lot!

  • @CoolBoyGamer-gd9nz
    @CoolBoyGamer-gd9nz Рік тому

    This is the video I need! Thank you so much for this!

  • @sanaakeval1577
    @sanaakeval1577 4 роки тому +4

    Wow. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

  • @RobSwindler
    @RobSwindler 11 місяців тому

    I so appreciate your videos. Thank you!

  • @hannahasano2359
    @hannahasano2359 6 років тому +2

    loved this. thank you

  • @ThomasSantosCanal1
    @ThomasSantosCanal1 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you I'm trying to teach my little brother a little bit since it's the teacher's vacation now(they come back im February) so I'm trying to teach some stuff since I already play, this video is very helpful i never thought about some of those details(maybe i did when i started years ago but forgot haha)

  • @jacksync8713
    @jacksync8713 7 років тому +3

    thank you Michelle, xx

  • @richardlobo6121
    @richardlobo6121 5 років тому +5

    Ur a great teacher indeed!

  • @laurafonville2734
    @laurafonville2734 Рік тому

    Great tips!

  • @fluteplayervictoria4100
    @fluteplayervictoria4100 4 роки тому

    Great informative video!

  • @giovanniconsoli9833
    @giovanniconsoli9833 4 роки тому

    Thanks, very clear!👍👍👍

  • @yourlocalanimebxtch4198
    @yourlocalanimebxtch4198 3 роки тому

    I just started play clarinets and this helped a lot!!!!!!!!

  • @christineha69
    @christineha69 4 роки тому

    Awesome! Thanks!

  • @amaiahj181
    @amaiahj181 6 років тому +3

    Really helpful

  • @arnoldwegstern5124
    @arnoldwegstern5124 3 роки тому

    Very well explained. By the way a look should be taken at the Martin Schmidt-Hahn - clarinet- videos. He is playing a german system clarinet with a nice sound without any mouthpiece problems !!

  • @gsco82
    @gsco82 6 років тому +3

    Interesting video, good points. Another point about reeds is that they are not all created equal (when comparing brands) I used to avoid using Vandoren reeds as they are harder and don't break in easily. Now they are my reed of choice as I find them more consistent in quality, and longer lasting.

  • @lemonsandwich.
    @lemonsandwich. 4 роки тому +7

    I started on a 2.5 reed and I'm still using it.

  • @dallen3000
    @dallen3000 Рік тому

    I'm actually playing a bass clarinet, but the tips still help. And reason I'm getting a super breathy tone? I'm still to inexperienced to know then the issues are either me, the reed , Reed placement, or the instrument itself.

  • @poopfart65
    @poopfart65 5 років тому +1

    Thanks! This is amazing

  • @zomisintu
    @zomisintu 5 років тому +1

    That is very informative.
    where can I find that type clarinet? Model and made?
    Thank you

  • @thaixeon76
    @thaixeon76 4 роки тому

    thank you thank you!

  • @carlyrobison2651
    @carlyrobison2651 6 років тому +2

    Since I play bass clarinet.. Its really hard to sound nice when I switch back. So if you switch between the 2 instruments is it better to have a 3 1/2? Because I have a 3 for my bass and you have to blow more for the bass so would I need a thicker reed?

  • @crisalf_
    @crisalf_ 5 років тому +4

    Hi, I have a question. Is it right to have a size 3 reed and being in marching band? I have to play on the altissimo register so I switched to 3 just three days ago. I've been with the clarinet for 6 months but I learn pretty fast, and I don't know if for me is fine to have a 3, I think I can but is there any problem?

  • @lizettepecina997
    @lizettepecina997 3 роки тому +4

    My does my clarinet sound airy?

  • @CeciliaSerra
    @CeciliaSerra 4 роки тому +2

    Excelent!

  • @khaki4493
    @khaki4493 5 років тому +64

    Guess who needs a 3 1/2 reed 😭

    • @James.D.B.
      @James.D.B. 4 роки тому +3

      Man that's crazy, I might have to get new reeds as well, maybe 3s, because normally I use 2½s (for Bass clarinet), but I've started also playing Contra alto clarinet, which I use 2½s for as well, not sure if a harder bass clarinet reed is the solution to my sound getting a bit worse due to playing Contra Alto, I would love some feedback

    • @ferny198
      @ferny198 4 роки тому +1

      I'm using a 3 1/2 reed rn, still trying to get used to it and get rid of all the airy sounds. Until the airy sound is gone, I'm gonna move onto to a size 4:/

    • @DavidMartinez-wl8ml
      @DavidMartinez-wl8ml 3 роки тому

      Yeah I know I need one

  • @fluteplayervictoria4100
    @fluteplayervictoria4100 6 років тому +1

    Perfect! Just what I needed!

  • @tamayawilliams358
    @tamayawilliams358 6 років тому +31

    I play on a 2.5 reed and when i go for higher notes i have the same problem.😭

    • @quentinm.williams9
      @quentinm.williams9 5 років тому +1

      maybe you need a stronger reed or a different brand depending on your reed choice

    • @youririnsema1148
      @youririnsema1148 5 років тому +1

      I recommend a stronger reed, what clarinet do you use

    • @ella.travels
      @ella.travels 5 років тому

      Same here

    • @ferny198
      @ferny198 4 роки тому

      You need a bit of a stronger reed. A senior told me that the stronger the reed is, the more easier(?) it is to reach higher notes. Obviously, you'd need to adjust your breathing and ambechure(?) to get used to the reed itself

  • @imnumber1535
    @imnumber1535 5 років тому +88

    Teach squidward

  • @QbanRockets
    @QbanRockets 3 роки тому

    I am an intermediate student. Would like to try Backun barrels for sound improvement. Which one you recommend? Thanks

  • @rosalynx9712
    @rosalynx9712 5 років тому +1

    This helped me so much thanks ❤️

  • @carlnikolov
    @carlnikolov 3 роки тому

    How do you keep the low E key (alternate right hand fingering for the note B above the break) from "barking"...... I heard this can happen when your lowest two pads arent evenly pressing on the tone holes.

  • @calebvlogz8446
    @calebvlogz8446 4 роки тому +10

    I started on 2.5 Rico and now I'm on 3.0 in 7th grade (2nd year in band)

    • @marieblackwood720
      @marieblackwood720 4 роки тому

      Have you ever tried a different brand? Reserve reeds are really nice.

    • @varietyvantasy
      @varietyvantasy 3 роки тому

      Vandoren reeds work very well! Later on in high school, they will back off on using rico

    • @calebvlogz8446
      @calebvlogz8446 3 роки тому

      @UA-camSucks Balls 🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼

  • @peggyschrabeck5236
    @peggyschrabeck5236 4 роки тому

    I have a question that neither you nor anyone has addressed yet,I want to know about the palate/sinus air leaks that I hear in my head when I am playing clarinet. I want to know if other people can hear them or only I can hear them & how I can get rid of them

  • @thommussy7876
    @thommussy7876 2 роки тому

    What should i do if some notes sound very spitty. When playing a C major scale from about e to middle c it sounds very spitty. The 2nd octave sounds find but the 1st octave sounds very spitty. What should i do ?

  • @juliabradley2290
    @juliabradley2290 3 роки тому +1

    I’ve been playing clarinet for 2 years. It’s only for marching band and I’ve been taking a two week break.
    I’m here because I want to know how to improve.

  • @shpkunky9732
    @shpkunky9732 2 роки тому

    the first problem is very easy to fix as on sheet of sheet music could get them to look up

  • @Invert_Scrub
    @Invert_Scrub 3 роки тому

    What would the disadvantage be of putting a beginner on a reed too hard? Especially if they seem to be able to make a sound?

  • @sam45354
    @sam45354 6 років тому

    What's the best way to get more of a Jazzy tone or sound on the Clarinet?

  • @arnoldwegstern5124
    @arnoldwegstern5124 3 роки тому

    Very nice. But take a look at Martin Schmidt-Hahn clarinet !!

  • @tahadekmak
    @tahadekmak 5 років тому

    Very useful video, what to to if the stiffer reed is making airy sound in the low notes?

    • @tahadekmak
      @tahadekmak 5 років тому

      @Zack Sullivan yes it worked like charm after 2 hours of using a stiffer reed but I think I have a tompone problem...

  • @lbspartyhouse8265
    @lbspartyhouse8265 4 роки тому

    Okay...I can change the note/pitch and sound, from the mouthpiece and barrel alone (I can play a song with just these sometimes), so I want to know if anyone else can change the notes on command like that.

  • @marcusdickerson3016
    @marcusdickerson3016 Рік тому

    You should review the new Dickerson Resonato ligature on ebay ansd Reverb - it's different

  • @Feeluck
    @Feeluck 4 роки тому +8

    i'd be happy, when my notes would sound like this, even if its airy. when i play alone you hear it and it bogs me alot: it sounds like i was almost spitting into the mouthpiece, and i cannot get that sound smoother :/

  • @angelcerda1222
    @angelcerda1222 2 роки тому

    Adjusting your mouth to the mouthpiece and taking in more was very scary for me, but when I started doing it the sound quality became INCREDIBLY better

  • @nestleios5453
    @nestleios5453 4 роки тому

    It came from a brown case call buffe I think don't know plus I loved the edvice

  • @ericblachman232
    @ericblachman232 Рік тому

    Is there anywhere online where a person can hear you play an entire piece?

  • @BandieDiamanda
    @BandieDiamanda 5 років тому

    this was a super helpful starting point in helping my student get better tone, it's so hard to put into words myself :)

  • @bobbysykesjr.354
    @bobbysykesjr.354 4 роки тому

    Great tips on reeds and positions! Thanks

  • @onlylonelystars9268
    @onlylonelystars9268 6 років тому +4

    I like your clarinet! I have a Buffet E11, what model(s) is yours? (I assume the barrel and bell are not from the same company, as they're differently colored.)

  • @squishpocalypse
    @squishpocalypse 4 роки тому

    I tried but it isn't working my clarinet is sounding airy and I'm blowing the right amount of air but their is less air comming out and higher pitch is being made and was exposed to falling how to fix please

  • @michaelshelley1289
    @michaelshelley1289 5 років тому +1

    thank you....great video!! I learned a lot that I didn't learn 30 years ago. I play on a 2.5 reed, scared to go up any further. Not sure if i have the chops for it

  • @dyxploitation
    @dyxploitation 6 років тому

    Amazingly useful. As a self-learner, your tips are just incredibly good. Thank you for this knowledge sharing!

    • @DomainAspect
      @DomainAspect 4 роки тому

      Asia Bressan, your getting taught lol

  • @ayoubabubaker3342
    @ayoubabubaker3342 6 років тому

    where can i get that barrel?

  • @bleh9888
    @bleh9888 3 роки тому

    Is it normal to get light-headed while playing if you're a beginner?

  • @shawnkosa6143
    @shawnkosa6143 5 років тому +2

    Not a teacher myself, but this stuff helped me instantaneously

  • @MarlonOwnsYourCake
    @MarlonOwnsYourCake 4 роки тому +5

    OH MY GOD! HOLDING MY HEAD DOWN WAS THE PROBLEM THIS WHOLE TIME! I payed for 8 years and stopped for another 8 years occasionally picking it back up and never could figure out why I was always so airy!

  • @aaliyahellington4088
    @aaliyahellington4088 4 роки тому +10

    my clarinet sounds very airy and often squeaks when I do staccato notes. any tips for this?

    • @kaylee1517
      @kaylee1517 4 роки тому +2

      aaliyah ellington try playing around with your embrocher. You could be pinching without realizing on the staccato and the more you pay attention to your embrocher the more it’ll help you fix those problems.

    • @norat3691
      @norat3691 4 роки тому

      I agree with what the other response suggests but you could also try other reed types (like 3 or 3.5) to see if that helps

  • @kaybhee6
    @kaybhee6 Рік тому

    dig it... nice

  • @bl00dbunn1e5
    @bl00dbunn1e5 3 роки тому +1

    i got a qUestion
    why does my clarinet sound like a trumpet?

  • @elvinabreu6680
    @elvinabreu6680 6 років тому +24

    Is it bad that I started on a 3 strength reed ( I’ve been playing for over 4yrs)

    • @melissamartinezdiaz6858
      @melissamartinezdiaz6858 6 років тому +16

      It's not bad if you can maintain your tone quality. :)

    • @averagehuman2987
      @averagehuman2987 5 років тому +9

      I made a mistake and started on a 4 strength reed not knowing what the numbers meant now i play on a 5 strength (I’ve been playing for 6 years)

    • @mela1025
      @mela1025 5 років тому +1

      Endless Summer. Official What do u recommend I play I started playing clarinet as a secondary instrument about a year ago(primary is trombone so it's rly different) and I only realized about a two weeks ago I need to switch from 2.0 to 3.0 About how long do u think I should play 3.0 before switching to higher reeds? I can hit into the upper altissimo range

    • @turtles10
      @turtles10 5 років тому +3

      @@mela1025 I would say about 1-2 years into playing clarinet if you already understand how to make a good sound (on clarinet) and how to make music overall or when you begin to reach above high F/G (3/4 lines above staff) reliably. (I have been playing almost 4 years, so I wouldn't know what to do after that.)

    • @averagehuman2987
      @averagehuman2987 5 років тому +1

      Me La all I can say is that you should use it until it starts to feel soft and way too easy to play. Until then always practice getting a good tone and posture and don’t do it all at once like I did, take it step by step.

  • @emilya6427
    @emilya6427 4 роки тому +5

    Umm so I’ve been playing for about 6 years yet I’m still on a 2 Vandoren or 2 1/2 Rico. With anything higher, I can’t get sound out and it sounds airy so I struggle to play high notes. In this video, the reeds I play with are described as beginner reeds, yet I’m not a beginner. Any tips??

    • @tracytracy4784
      @tracytracy4784 3 роки тому

      Here's a few suggestions. First, make sure your clarinet is set up right and without air leaks by getting it checked over professionally. Are you able to get any clean notes at all on the stronger reed? It might be the case that your embouchure is tiring as you play, and if that is happening I'd suggest, when it does, stopping and concentrating on getting a single clean note (by 'clean' I mean without the airiness) before continuing. If you can't do this, and you haven't already been playing for a long period, it sounds like the reed might be a bit strong for you. Once your instrument is right, airiness pretty much comes down to the strength of your embouchure, in my experience. I believe Michelle has other videos on strengthening your embouchure. It is also worth trying a few reeds too, as some individual reeds are just hard to play. I played on a Rico 2.5 reed for many years before moving to something stronger, and when I started on a #3 I swapped between the 2.5 and the 3 quite frequently in my practice sessions, gradually strengthening my embouchure that way. But don't worry about sticking with the stronger reed if you just don't get on with it, the important thing is enjoying your music and making the best sound you can with your instrument. I hope this helps.

  • @Eli-lk9gy
    @Eli-lk9gy 4 роки тому +6

    I have a weird buzzing sound and don’t know how to get rid of it

    • @backunmusical
      @backunmusical  4 роки тому +1

      Uh oh! In this instance it is probably best to take your clarinet to a professional repair technician. Good luck!

  • @rosalynx9712
    @rosalynx9712 5 років тому +4

    I can hear the spit flying through mine and I don’t know how to change that

  • @din0bytes868
    @din0bytes868 Рік тому

    i need a stronger reed cuz hitting the super high notes is hard for me and my lower notes sound fuzzy.

  • @fiveminutefridays
    @fiveminutefridays 2 роки тому

    really appreciate this! I just recieved a clarinet from a neighbor literally today and am trying to self-teach (only music experience was a few years of flute back in elementary/middle school way back when) and I found my tone sounding a little off in a way I couldn't place. Only advice I found for a while was regarding how much mouthpiece was in the mouth but it wasn't clicking. I'm now suspecting its more of an angle problem, but as I've packed up the instrument for the day, i'll have to wait til tomorrow to check for sure!
    now if only i knew what number reeds came with this thing XD

  • @acer8756
    @acer8756 11 місяців тому

    I'm on a 3 reed and i can't play the high notes very well

  • @zachrobinson8357
    @zachrobinson8357 3 роки тому +4

    I’ve been playing for 2 years, and I just now realized that my ligature is on backwards. This entire time, I’ve had the screws on the reed side.

    • @seranraven8030
      @seranraven8030 3 роки тому

      Wait what? ! Isn’t it suppose to be like that

    • @haydenspencer4589
      @haydenspencer4589 3 роки тому

      @@seranraven8030 yeah but in some cases there are backwards ligatures but those are expensiveeeeee. not all ligatures are supposed to be like, so yeah they supposed to be on the reed side just depends though

    • @zachrobinson8357
      @zachrobinson8357 2 роки тому

      For mine at the time, it was one of the leather ones where the screws were supposed to be opposite the reed.