Embouchure Help

[Redbone]

I've been playing Tenor 33 years (on and off) and probably should know the answer to this question... :)

I just moved cross country with my job and have not played in about 5 months - my embouchure needs help.

I just learned 'lip out' from my teacher in Chicago prior to moving and was doing fairly well, but it's a new technique from the old 'lip rolled in' classical embouchure I was taught during school.

I am getting a lot of 'air' leaking out from the corners of my mouth (not to mention my jaws are getting really tired). I'll get over it and improve with long tones, etc., but I'm spending a lot of time and wanted to make sure I was not practicing on the wrong embouchure.

Can anyone (like a pro player) give me a detailed description of the proper 'jazz' lip out embouchure with some good excercises that I can work on so I can be more confident I'm working on the right techniques?

[danny_tb]

Can anyone (like a pro player) give me a detailed description of the proper 'jazz' lip out embouchure

Some people (including myself) would dare to say that the "lip out" embouchure isn't a "proper" embouchure, but if it gets the result that you want, who cares?
:wink:

[Andrew]

I personally use the 'lip out' technique, but I always say this...if it works, STICK WITH IT! If you are getting the results you want, stay with it (just as long as it doesn't hinder you in the future of course) :D

[JEdge]

I use lip out...

Think "ooo" for proper technique...

[Tears June]

Redbone

Not all the Jazz player use Lip Out embouchure. Stan Getz, who use Lip in for his famous Subtone sound.
Personally I use Lip Out, but just a little bit because my lip is very thin.

Think about it: When your low lip are supporting the reed in vertical position. After playing for a while, it get tire and will automatically roll out. I think lip in or out is not the main point, just to have good sound + Not to bit too hard (especially if you use Lip In embouchure)

:cry:

[danny_tb]

Redbone
Not all the Jazz player use Lip Out embouchure. Stan Getz, who use Lip in... After playing for a while, it get tire and will automatically roll out... just to have good sound + Not to bit too hard (especially if you use Lip In embouchure)


Tell me about it! I use the lip in embouchure (it's a classical embouchure, really), and I get(z) the Getz tone (and I love every moment of it). But when my emboucure getz ( :lol: ) tired, the lip starts to roll out, I start to bite, and I start to lose the tone I like. :(

[Tears June]

danny_tb

I don't use lip-in. I roll my lip slightly out and also bit very hard before (especially for high note). Now, it's much improved. I can share my experience to you.

No matter Lip-in or out, better to work on more longtone but try to use different approach like Crescendo, Decrescendo. Also, you may use subtone to work on longtone exercise.

When you play long tone, alvays think Don't bite, Don't bite, Don't bite....
+ Lip in, Lip in, Lip in...

Of course, not to roll too much lip, just a little bit.


:cry:

[Cameron Wigmore]

I tighten to make an OOOOO and sneer the sides of my mouth down a bit. My lip is UP. Not in, not out. Your emboushure will get stronger and the leak should stop.

[Paul Coats]

Check out my Beginner's Corner 3 and 4 columns.

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Beginner_Corner3.html
http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Beginner_Corner4.html


In there you will find a description of how to form the embouchure.

The lips seal around the mouthpiece and reed equally in all directions. There IS lip over the bottom teeth, but not all of the lip.

Don't get so caught up in how the embouchure looks.

[danny_tb]

danny_tb
Of course, not to roll too much lip, just a little bit.
:cry:

Don't cry... :D

I used to roll the whole lip in when I was learning, but I've developed from that to the proper lip in method (ie: not biting, and not too much lip in). The trouble that I have is that I can't play much (neighbour gets sick of it after about 3 seconds of playing - and I'm not exagerating - he litterally starts banging on the wall, etc as soon as I play a note), so I don't get the time on the task that I need to keep my embouchure strong. Through experience from when I had somewhere else to play, when I play regularly, my embouchure becomes strong, and I don't have nearly as many problems with a fatigued embouchure. I think I'm going to have to move to another place where I can play to my heart's content.

:)

[Charlie A.]

Hi!
I suggest that you look on my site and read the article on "Proper Embouchure Pressure" and I would further sugest that you check out a book by Santy Runyon, "Suggestions For WW Players" available on my site.
This will help you get a positive perspective about what you are/arenot doing.
My site is: www.gigdust.com

Regards,
Charlie A.