Breath Attack

WaxHaX0rS · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jul 2003 Posts: 524

This may seem like a silly question, but I'm going to ask it anyway because I want to get it right. I know the breath attack can be used to try to bring the lips together, but how exactly is it done. I think I might know, but I'm not sure. I think I've heard people say to say like an H to get the air moving, but when I try this, my lips really spread a part a lot. I find a P to really bring the lips together and make the air go through a much smaller hole. So, which way is it done?

_trumpetgod_02 · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:35 am Post subject:

which way does it sound better???

there you go....

Nick
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Annie · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:38 am Post subject:

The way I was taught was to focus the air with the lips first before you even bring the horn to your face. Hold your finger out at arms length and try to get a centered enough air stream to hit your finger so you can feel it.

Then, after that is accomplished, bring the horn to your face and blow a steady stream of air while slowly closing your lips togethor around the stream of air until you get a sound. It kind of seems like "purring" once you get used to it! Breath attacks are a very good way to center the embouchure, but they aren't always good when you play music - remember to articulate when you play and articulate the begining of the note!
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~Annie

*I may not be great yet, but I'm working hard on it and one day I'm gonna be there.*

WaxHaX0rS · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jul 2003 Posts: 524

trumpet_god thanks for that brilliant response
Annie- thanks for your response, but all I want to know is the motions i should make with my lips and tongue, ie: what syllables should be used.

Annie · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:21 pm Post subject:

Syllables aren't exactly necessary when doing this - my teacher never used them! It's all about forming a focused embouchure through a focusing of the air column. I guess you could say it's like saying "O" though.

Oh, I remember! there were some phonetics "who" like an owl.

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~Annie

*I may not be great yet, but I'm working hard on it and one day I'm gonna be there.*

heartswing17@yahoo.com

[ This Message was edited by: Annie on 2004-03-22 20:21 ]

badebop · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:

I would suggest that it depends on what type embouchure you are using. In my case (BE), I roll lips in, attack with the breath and focus the air stream for the best sound. Once you have found the best sound, you've found your embouchure setting.

Tom