My throat gets tired, am I blowing too hard?

[jdh3000]

My throat gets tired easily when I play. Could I be blowing too hard. I don't seem to get as good of a tone when I do not blow hard enough. Is this normal?

Thanks,

JD

[Dave Dolson]

jdh: I think it is a matter of muscle-training - the "embouchure" you read so much about. Younger (and by that I mean inexperienced, not age) players often struggle with a myriad of embouchure issues, but as you keep doing it, it will eventually fall into place.

Another thing you may want to consider is a more user-friendly mouthpiece/reed/lig combination. I find that more open pieces with softer reeds play more freely and easily for me, allowing me to play all night without tiring.

The "best" set-up may never be discovered (many of us are still on the quest) but you may be pleasantly surprised to find better set-ups through experimentation. Good luck. DAVE

[kcp]

You may be blowing too agressively and also as Dave points out, it could be related to embouchure/trainning. I often experience what you describe and I know that in my case it is related to my embouchure position. Only, it's too late for me to change that. While it's still time for you, focus on adopting good playing habbits. Bad playing habits are difficult to get rid of many years down the road.

[Vader]

Do you really think it's too late to make an adjustment Kim? I don't know. I don't think it's ever too late.
If you had a playing related injury, and you had to change in order to keep playing, wouldn't you do it?
I've had to change my whole manner of playing, and set up as well, just get over some injuries. While it was highly annoying, and at times frustrating, it can be done. Have some faith in yourself. :wink: