Tongue Position For Pedals?

[MF Fan]

I noticed recently that I use an extreme tongue arch in the pedal register, particularly Pedal C thru Pedal G. This seems counter intuitive. When I consciously work to keep the tongue near the bottom of my mouth, they're much harder to play, Should I simply be satisfied that they're sounding and not worry about how I'm doing it, or am I undermining my long-term progress?

[_Don Herman]

While I'm not a pure CG guy, I'd venture a guess that you are arching the tongue in an attempt to reach the lower notes, perhaps with your lips rolled too far out (an extreme pucker). Maybe you're tryng to push everything forward when you go down as low as you can, and the tongue follows? Arching your tongue will add tension, which is the antithesis of why we work pedals.

Claude's books include references to the (potential) problems with pedals -- along the lines of "do 'em right, or not at all!" That's why (I think) he has exercises which take you over a full range of pitch and motion, and follows the pedal work with high register stuff. Be careful that you aren't developing a different pedal and normal register embouchure. Another thing which may help is to think of slow, hot air, like fogging a mirror, as you descend into the lower register. A "hOH" kind of thing -- just say it, sans horn, trying to make the sound (pitch) you make from your mouth as low (in pitch) as possible. This'll help open up your throat as well as keep the tongue down.

HTH - Don
_________________
Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

[EBjazz]

"I noticed recently that I use an extreme tongue arch in the pedal register, particularly Pedal C thru Pedal G. This seems counter intuitive. When I consciously work to keep the tongue near the bottom of my mouth, they're much harder to play, Should I simply be satisfied that they're sounding and not worry about how I'm doing it, or am I undermining my long-term progress?"

The tongue arch is normal for this pedal register. Don't work against it. This is what happens when you try to get these notes in tune and it is a natural thing.
These are what's called the "bad" pedals because they are so flat. You are using your tongue to focus your airstream and that's the whole purpose. Your tongue is finding the right position for the upper register so you are doing everything right. Let nature take it's course!

Eb
_________________
Eric Bolvin
http://bolvinmusic.com/product/the-modern-jazz-trumpet-method/
www.bolvinmusic.com