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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Running out of breath on the chrom

1 reply [Last post]
Thu, 08/12/2010 - 16:28
johnny rico
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Joined: 06/08/2010

I finally got my chromatic back after being seperated from it for a few years. I found I am really running out of breath with all the draws. Is this because of larger reeds and an overall larger instrument? Any insights on keeping some more air in the pipes?

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Thu, 08/12/2010 - 17:28
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David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Yes, you are correct... especially if you're playing slaps, pulls and flutters... all of these techniques use a lot of air. Make sure that your lips have a good seal on the mouthpiece... that's one thing. It also may be that your chromatic is a little bit leaky... not much you can do about that except for sending it in to worked on.

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