Sharpness above the staff

[Tim80]

When I play above the staff my intonation tends to go sharp. Is this normal? If not will this problem solve itself as my embouchure develops? I have been trying to make a conscious effort not to pinch notes. I have only been playing again for about 4 months.


Thanks,
Tim

[_bugleboy]

Excessive mouthpiece pressure can cause sharpness all over the horn and especially in the upper register. Exercises that balance and synchronize your embouchure should solve this issue.

[walter]

[ This Message was edited by: walter on 2002-09-20 07:08 ]

[Quadruple C]

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-12-18 13:51 ]

[Tim80]

I would to thank all of you for your replies. Sounds like I have more work to do. This trumpet thang is definately a challenge. I like it that way. Each minor victory gives me a rush. ( Pardon the '70s terminology.).

Tim

[RooTheHorn]

Hey man,

When was the last time you gave your horn a bath? It is known that particles from the mouth, if given the chance to build up inside the horn at a node or antinode can cause notes to be blown out of tune. Just a thought.

[Tim80]

[John Mohan]

[Tim80]

[rch-tech]

I have had this problem ever since I remember. Apparently its quite noticeable too! YUCK
It was a relief to hear that other have this issue as well. I am almost sure I am using too much pressure.

[trptdaddy]

Try this: as you ascend, *think low* on the notes. When you go sharp, you are playing on the top of the note. Try playing all of them just below the note slot. Not enough to crack notes, but enough to get on the correct side of the pitch.

David

[dbacon]

DB

[Yoinks]

Yes, as you go up, think about acceleration, not ascention, as if you are driving through a phrase to reach the end. As John M. said, this will work itself out over time.

[pedaltonekid]

Like many others I struggle with this issue. I have had good success (from the advice of an excellent teacher) from playing the Schlossberg studies with a tuner. For best results use the exercises that slur over various partials. Make sure that you play the exercise slowly and play each note in tune, using a tuner as an aid. I was amazed at how far off I was on the 4th and 5th partials when I first started.

After a little time the progress is very noticeable. Only spend a few minutes a day on this. Over time you will become accustomed to what the intervals and pitches should be and you will be able to lock them in better and better.
_________________
Best Regards, Play Well!!

[Tim80]

I had my first lesson with Charly yesterday. Very enlightening. Hopefully after a few months of Caruso I'll start working some of these problems out. I think the harmonics and 6 notes will help tremendously. Practicing more efficiently won't hurt either.
_________________
All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.
Voltaire

[Quadruple C]

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-12-18 13:51 ]

[Don O]

Tim:

We are close to being two peas in a pod. I laid off first for 26 years, then later for another six and even later another 5 or 6. Retired at 65 in '96 and started again in earnest Jan '97. My upper register is limited to high C for consistent playing - I push out D3, Eb3 & E3 when lips are fresh. I haven't had the sharpness problem up there. I too play on an LA Benge MLP, 1979, with Callet 7S and 10S m.p.'s. You are so right - us CB players desparately want to play as well as we did in those earlier years. It 'aint easy anymore.

Cheers! Don Olmsted

[Yoinks]

Yay, I can spell!!!(<----Sarcasm)