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Pedals

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 2:29 am
by tubaguy9
So, what are people's reccomendations on how to reach pedals? I've always had an issue with them; took lessons for several years, and the embroisure I have is fine (or is it?)
Just wanting to get that low range I'm not getting...

Re: Pedals

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 2:49 am
by tubaguy9
What kind of air? I mean, I assume the warm, slow, dark air, but Maybe my thinking is slightly off? I dunno. I can get the low false tones, and bend it down close to the pedal, but just not able to get that next partial to slot.
I have a simmilar problem buzzing as well. If I buzz, I need more resistance to reach lower tones.
Long tones of low tones, I assume?

Re: Pedals

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 3:24 am
by Gilligan
Drop your jaw, roll out your lower lip and huff out all your air at once and you'll find them.

Re: Pedals

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 3:26 am
by Agelaus
I used to have trouble with them as well. When I was finally able to get them was when I would just let the air go. Prior to that, I would restrict the air too much when trying to get slower air. I would try doing some breathing exercises away from the horn. Just try blow air that has as low of pitch as you can, and as loud as you can. Try to get the air out as fast as you can while not changing the pitch or the air. Remember to keep your face as relaxed as possible.

Long Tone Question : When I asked my teacher what kind of long tones to practice for my petals, he told me any of them. In order to get the best tone out of any note on the horn, you will need to relax just as you would for your petals.

Resistance Problem : When I mouthpiece buzz lower tones, I usually cover the end of my mouthpiece with my finger to provide me with resistance. Another thing you could do is get a piece of pvc tubing that will fit on the end of your mouthpiece and put it there. I use a piece that is about four inches long, and it helps a lot.

Re: Pedals

Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 4:28 am
by peter birch
tubaguy9 wrote:So, what are people's reccomendations on how to reach pedals? I've always had an issue with them; took lessons for several years, and the embroisure I have is fine (or is it?)
Just wanting to get that low range I'm not getting...
you take a spanner, you undo the nut and move the seat post up or down to the appropriate height and you'll have no trouble reaching the pedals :D

Re: Pedals

Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 12:51 pm
by GC
A little bit of resistance also helps. A huge mouthpiece with a wide-open bore and throat doesn't work as well as a mid-sized piece with a somewhat tighter throat.

Also, learn to play them with slow air instead of blasting everything out at once. A few low blats may help you get started, but their musical value is nil. Learning to play and false tones with the best possible tone will be more valuable to you than a flatulent blatulent.

It's easier to force out high-volume true pedals than it is to force out false tones. If you can't get the false tones to respond, try backing off.