- The phenomenon of pitch going sharp at the moment of attack is caused by changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of exhaled breath
- The initial breath contains more oxygen, causing the pitch to rise; over time, the proportion of carbon dioxide increases and the pitch stabilizes
- By releasing a small amount of breath before playing to let the oxygen escape and then blowing with breath that has a higher carbon dioxide content, you can lock the pitch precisely at zero
- This technique is extremely effective for sustained notes and pitch-critical passages in orchestral and wind ensemble settings
- Simply releasing a tiny bit of breath at the start before blowing allows you to achieve stable pitch from the very moment of attack
When playing the clarinet, you may experience a phenomenon where the pitch goes sharp at the moment of attack, then settles back after one or two seconds. This is a problem many players face, and it has been found that the composition of your exhaled breath is actually the cause. There is a hidden technique that eliminates the phenomenon of pitch going sharp at the moment of attack by releasing a small amount of breath before playing. This article provides a detailed Q&A explanation of the technique that locks pitch precisely at zero through breath composition control.
Q&A: How to Eliminate Pitch Sharpness at the Moment of Clarinet Attack
Q1: Why does the pitch go sharp at the moment of attack?
A: This is caused by changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of exhaled breath. The initial breath contains more oxygen, which causes the pitch to rise. Over time, the proportion of carbon dioxide increases, causing the pitch to stabilize and return to normal. In other words, the pitch goes sharp because you are blowing with breath that has a high oxygen content at the moment of attack.
Q2: Is there a way to eliminate pitch sharpness?
A: Yes, you can eliminate it by releasing a small amount of breath before playing to let the oxygen escape, then blowing with breath that has a higher carbon dioxide content. Put another way, if you exhale to let the oxygen escape and then blow with breath that has more carbon dioxide, the pitch will lock precisely at zero. By releasing just a tiny bit of breath at the start before blowing, you can achieve stable pitch from the very moment of attack.
Q3: In what situations is this technique effective?
A: It is extremely effective particularly for sustained notes and pitch-critical passages in orchestral and wind ensemble settings. When sustaining long notes on the clarinet, it is important to begin with accurate pitch from the moment of attack, and this technique allows you to maintain stable pitch from beginning to end. In situations where precise intonation is demanded, this hidden technique can make a significant difference.
Q4: How exactly should you release the breath?
A: The key is to release just a tiny bit of breath at the start before blowing. Before playing the clarinet, release a small amount of breath to let the oxygen escape. Then, blow with breath that has a higher carbon dioxide content, and the pitch will lock precisely at zero from the moment of attack. Be careful not to release too much breath, as you may run out of air—it is important to release only a small amount.
Q5: Are there any points to keep in mind when practicing this technique?
A: It is important to properly control the timing and amount of breath you release. Before playing the clarinet, releasing too much breath will leave you short of air, while releasing too little will have no effect. By repeatedly practicing releasing just the right amount of breath while being aware of your breath state, you can master this technique. It is also recommended to practice with long tones and similar exercises to develop the feel before using it in actual performance.
Practice Menu
- Step 1: Understand the phenomenon of pitch sharpness at the moment of attack. Understand that the phenomenon of pitch going sharp at the moment of attack is caused by changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of exhaled breath.
- Step 2: Experience the change in breath composition firsthand. Feel for yourself that the initial exhaled breath contains more oxygen, and that over time the proportion of carbon dioxide increases, by actually exhaling and observing.
- Step 3: Practice the timing of releasing breath. Before playing, practice releasing just a tiny bit of breath to let the oxygen escape. Be careful not to release too much.
- Step 4: Blow with breath that has a higher carbon dioxide content. After releasing the breath, blow with breath that has more carbon dioxide. Confirm that the pitch is stable from the moment of attack.
- Step 5: Practice with long tones. Practice this technique while sustaining long notes. Confirm that you can maintain stable pitch from the moment of attack through to the end of the note.
- Step 6: Practice simulating orchestral and wind ensemble scenarios. Practice this technique in a practical manner, simulating sustained notes and pitch-critical passages.
- Step 7: Apply to actual performance. Once you have developed the feel through practice, apply this technique in actual performances. Experience the effect especially in situations where precise intonation is demanded.
Summary
The phenomenon of pitch going sharp at the moment of attack on the clarinet is caused by changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of exhaled breath. The initial breath contains more oxygen, causing the pitch to rise, and over time the proportion of carbon dioxide increases, stabilizing the pitch. By releasing a small amount of breath before playing to let the oxygen escape and then blowing with breath that has a higher carbon dioxide content, you can lock the pitch precisely at zero. This technique is extremely effective for sustained notes and pitch-critical passages in orchestral and wind ensemble settings. Simply releasing a tiny bit of breath at the start before blowing allows you to achieve stable pitch from the very moment of attack. By repeatedly practicing while properly controlling the timing and amount of breath you release, you can greatly improve pitch stability in your playing.
