Chromatic Scale Questions

    
Chromatic Scale Questions    21:13 on Wednesday, April 13, 2011          

BassoonNote
(1 point)
Posted by BassoonNote

Hello, I'm new to these forums, and I was wondering some things about playing the chromatic scale on the bassoon.

-Do you use flick keys while playing the chromatic scale?

-Do you have any tips on playing the chromatic scale evenly?

-What is the average speed that a bassoonist plays the chromatic scale?





Re: Chromatic Scale Questions    00:27 on Friday, April 15, 2011          

Bassoonelectra
(5 points)
Posted by Bassoonelectra

Well...I guess that all depends!
I use the flick keys only when tonguing chromatically, not slurring. It sometimes helps to "vent", that is, hold down the flick key for Bb, B, and C so you don't have to move your thumb so fast. This doesn't effect the tone on my horn, but it might on yours!

Playing any part of the chromatic scale evenly does take a lot of practice. I would break it into parts of five to six notes, and slowly play up and down until they are even. Or, try putting it into different rhythms.

Ideally, the best bassoonist will be able to play the chromatic scale as fast as they can while still having it sound beautiful and even. Don't worry too much about speed. If you can play that entire scale evenly, that's a very good start. It takes time to work it up to high tempos.

Have fun!

D


   




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