I’m not good at playing in the low register- Please Help

[emilybradford]

Recently, I’ve noticed a huge problem developing. Anytime I try to play something below appx. 5th position Db in the staff, It struggles to speak. Usually its almost like a bubbling sound, like the sound isn’t focused. When I talk to my director about it, his response is always to play long tones, but that’s not helping. Does anyone have any tips on how to better focus this sound and get these notes to speak?

If it helps, I play on a Q30 series Shires trombone with a thayer valve and a Bach 5G mouthpiece.

[BGuttman]

Is the problem primarily in the outer positions (5, 6, 7)? Can you play OK the 1st position Bb below that Db? If that's the case, you may be shifting the mouthpiece as you try to reach the outer positions.

If the problem is ALL notes below D in the staff, you probably have to change your embouchure because you have adopted a setting that helps high notes at the expense of lower notes. Somebody like Doug Elliott or Dave Wilken could help with a Skype lesson.

[emilybradford]

The problem is all notes below the D, however recently, the professor that I take lessons realized that I play more in the top of the mouthpiece rather than in the middle. I’ve been working towards getting comfortable playing in the correct spot so to say, but I’d say I have a pretty good grasp on it and the notes are still not speaking no matter what area of the mouthpiece I’m playing in.

[Doug Elliott]

This is exactly the kind of stuff that I specialize in. I am available on Skype, just send me a message or email.

Or other members here, Dave Wilkin and NeoBri.

[imsevimse]

Without a video noone here can give you relevant advice.

/Tom

[harrisonreed]

Do your lower teeth naturally go out farther than your upper front teeth?

[Wilktone]

Without a video noone here can give you relevant advice.

Yes, it's possible to make educated guesses, but it's much better to see what's going on. Furthermore, the exact advice I'm likely to give could be exactly opposite from player to play, based on what the musician is doing and what their natural tendencies appear to be.

Somebody like Doug Elliott or Dave Wilken could help with a Skype lesson.

This is exactly the kind of stuff that I specialize in. I am available on Skype, just send me a message or email.

Or other members here, Dave Wilkin and NeoBri.

For what it's worth, I still try to catch lessons with Doug still from time to time. By the way, Doug, I just sent you an email do schedule another one.

Dave