Sunday, February 13, 2011

Long Tones!

Okay, this one is for the brass instruments and string instruments only.  Long tones are a great way to build many things, such as tonal recognition and embrochure strength.  The first one is the only part that shall apply to strings.  If you play the same note for an extended period of time, it will be easier for you to recognize that note later, and it will be easier to find the exact spot on the fretboard.  It is an especially good practice routine, especially for fretless strings.  The same goes for brass instruments.  In order to play an specific note, you have to make your embrochure (your lips) tighter or looser, and push the air.  If you play long tones for an extended amount of time, you will be able to hear the note easier and remember exactly how to play that note.  It will also help you with your range.  I used to have loads of problems trying to play over the staff (tuba), but doing long tones strengthened my embrochure and made it easier to reach those high notes.  A quick little hint: playing long tones makes your range increase, no matter if you play up or down.  And the more you work on your low range, it will also help your high range as well.  Happy Practicing!
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25 comments:

  1. Chris C.February 13, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    I wish I knew this advise back when I played the trombone. Thanks.

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  2. JomannFebruary 13, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    oh nice! I should try this on my electric guitar... of course the only way to do that is to have it hooked up to an amp... :)

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  3. JaceFebruary 13, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    sounds good, thanks for the advice.

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  4. metalpark_73189February 13, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Thanks for the info dude, really helpful.

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  5. swagdigitalFebruary 13, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Good stuff, I am an aspiring musicia.

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  6. rumrushFebruary 13, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    i actually just started playing the bass

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  7. WarlawFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    I was thinking about picking the bass up. Good to know if I ever do. Thanks man!

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  8. S.S.February 13, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Thanks for the advice. This is a good tip to tune my guitar :D

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  9. JorgeFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    This is some pretty useful advice.

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  10. Joe SomebodyFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    I doubt this will make me pick up my alto.

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  11. WhatWeCallHomeFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Very useful information. Fellow music enthusiast here; you're helping more people than you might think.

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  12. Mr. RogersFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    interesting post. also, i like your font!

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  13. CoastaltubaFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Thank you all. I'll be back tomorrow with more practice routines

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  14. JordanFebruary 13, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    This is good information right here, thanks.

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  15. Candlej-February 13, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    does this work for guitar too?

    randomramblingggg.blogspot.com

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  16. Uklaxer38February 13, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    good advice man. followed

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  17. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Nice. This helps for making my own tabs

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    wow ... you must have an AWESOME teacher!!

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  19. CoastaltubaFebruary 13, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    CCU has the best low brass instructor ever! If you haven't chosen a college yet, give us a look.

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  20. CoastaltubaFebruary 13, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    @Candlej-
    Yes, it definitely works for guitar as well.

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  21. ThuganomicsFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    good tips. i think i'm starting to remember the sounds

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    good i might just pick up an instrument... just cause i read this... the motivation just kicked up

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  23. Paranormal ExplorerFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    I'm no good at recognising tones lol. I tried playing the same one over and over and just got bored :P

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  24. tigeyFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Very interesting point of view

    P.S. Captcha (word verification) is on

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  25. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Very interesting, curious to see the next post ;)

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