Ive been playing clarinet for almost 5 years and i have grown a spot on my inner lip where my teeth press

@squiddyjamzzz

4 жыл бұрын

Me too 3 years and now high notes are hurting. I practice at least 3 hours a day every day so I'm wondering if I should just take a few days off to heal

@SEGEFFECT

4 жыл бұрын

Does it cause to lip cancer ??i have got bottom lip sore too

@connertolman8024

3 жыл бұрын

@@SEGEFFECT 😄no, cancer is caused by genetic mutations or damage, making it unable to regulate cell division. Unless you're smoking or hitting your lip constantly with gamma rays you'll be fine

@ariellove6020

3 жыл бұрын

Same

I've been playing clarinet for 5 years and this is the first video I've ever found to actually help me! Lots of great pointers, I feel like I already found 100% better! I'd like this video more than once if I could :)

My lower teeth are quite sharp so I use to feel soar all the time. I actually use a small piece of leather to cover my bottom teeth. About the same size as that piece of paper you used.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Fernando Herrera That sounds like a practical solution. It has been great hearing about many different approaches to this. Thanks for writing.

My college clarinet professor gave me a handy hint to use, instead of tissue paper or masking tape, use white surgical/adhesive tape that you find in pharmacies. I use the wider tape, fold both ends over, so the sticky side is covered and then fold it a second time. Put it on your bottom teeth and bite down a few times, cut the lip guard (adhesive tape) down so that it feels comfortable. I sometimes do it again to double the lip guard. I like this material better, because after it dries it forms an impression of your bottom teeth & can be used over & over again many times & does not wear out quickly.

There are already a lot of commercial products called lip protectors available on the market and they work quite well.

Thank you. I play tenor and sporano sax, and espcially with the soprano I get the same problem with my teeth hurting my lower lip. Will test your idea now!

Very well done with excellent recommendations . Look forward to your next session

Sore lip solution video. Perfect timing for me. Just spent a week in agony. Many thanks for preventive strategy.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Larry Lewis Hopefully next time you will avoid the agony!

Thank you, I`m gonna try that.

I have been having trouble with this since I started doing marching band and I could figure out what to do. Thank you SO much for this video and all the smart hacks!

Wait so is it okay that I have an imprint inside my lip after I’m finished? I don’t think she clarified if it’s okay

Thank you for the tips! I've been playing the clarinet for a while, but I still can't get the proper embouchure! I know that I also bite the mouthpiece really hard but if I don't do that I feel my mouth will just fall everywhere. Will totally try your tips on my next session!

Literly thank you so much i have a playing test tommorow on my bass clarinet and ive been having this problem

This is amazing! I have honor band (9 hours of practice) next week and this is going to be helpful

Thank you for posting this

This is fantastic!

Thanks for the tips! I go to band camp in a few days and having a sore lip has been a problem for me every year. I’ll be sure to try out the masking tape when I go!

Thanks so much you helped me alot.

Good instruction

good advice i play the tenor sax and it helps

Thanks a lot.

Good idea

Delighted with your recommendation for painter’s tape. And you’re correct. The taste isn’t great, even after rinsing. But the disagreeable taste diminishes after a while. I’m surprised by how well the moistened tape adheres. This is a game changer for me. I’m 75. It seems the only things sharp about me now are my lower teeth. And because I practice and play by the hour, the interior of my lower lip takes a beating. Another recommendation among replies to your recommendation was florists tape. I may try that as well, but for now……. Thanks again.

Hi. Thanks so much for all your videos and now specially for this one. You're amazing! I had some 3 performances recently after about 4 weeks with absolutely no practice :-( which is obviously not good at all... after the first performance about a week ago my bottom lip was all sore... was really afraid of the future 2 performances which were on plan for the next two evenings... but thank god it all went well despite the bit of discomfort and slight pain I had. I then thought the first thing I do next is to ask you for a solution, and here it came with out me even asking you for it just in the right time.... So, many thanks for this idea will try it as soon as I get back to my best friend (my clarinet, obviously...) Thanks again.

Thank you so muchhh 😁😁😁

I have been playing clarinet for years but I keep cutting the inside of my mouth with my bottom teeth, I don't think I am biting on the reed itself (or if I am how would I know?). I don't know what would be the best way to correct this or why it happens. Would you know a way to help remedy this or know if I'm doing anything wrong? Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you for your time.

@MK-jd3lr

5 жыл бұрын

SAME

@daxhopkins7312

5 жыл бұрын

If you've confirmed you're playing correctly (the best way to do this is with a teacher or experienced player, but if you post videos online, you can get feedback that might do if you can't get a teacher for whatever reason), and you're still finding the bottom lip is sore, common if you're vulnerable because of, for example, a chipped tooth, or fragile skin, or you're playing for a long time, you can use denture cushions (designed to make loose dentures fit better), cut to shape, and place over your teeth before playing. It can take time to get used to, and do recheck that you have the correct embouchure with it on place. It's very thin, and you should barely see the difference, if at all. I have known one person who uses a fitted tooth witnening tray they modified, but I'm not exactly sure how he modified it. Extra reminder, this does not replace changes for good embouchure, this is for people who are having discomfort after correcting embouchure.

Hi Michelle, Tommy F here. Thx for another great video. I find that Parchment paper is a good solution . Just regular Parchment paper that you would use for cooking in the kitchen . The paper is durable . It molds to the teeth and can be used a few times. I got the tip from Tom Ridenhour . Works really great.

do you have any advice

Hi Michelle, I've been playing the clarinet for almost a year and a half and fortunately these problems are just a bad memory, but I remember the first month with the instrument: it was like a torture. Six months later I bought a new mouthpiece and discovered that the generic mouthpiece that came with my instrument not only produced a very bad sound, but also it was too open and I was forced to bite too hard the reed to produce sound (even with soft reeds). That is, in the first month, my embouchure was wrong, but the mouthpiece was making me hurt my lower lip. I think it would be good to warn beginners about the problems caused by start playing with a poor quality mouthpiece. Greetings and thanks for your videos!

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Juan Cruz Casas Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you figured out what wasn't working before you got frustrated and quit. I wonder how many beginners just give up...I do recommend the mouthpiece as the most important piece of gear to upgrade. You have given me a good idea though, of a video on equipment pointers just for beginners. I'll add that to my list!

I feel this, but not because of how long I’ve been playing, it’s because of The Final Countdown. For those who haven’t played the clarinet part, it’s pretty much all high A and G whole notes throughout the entire song.

I did what u did it helped so much u saved me

That's really interesting about the masking tape. Thank you. Must try that some time - hopefully won't need to, though. A favourite among my fellow players is plumbers thread tape. Don't know the proper name for it. It's plastic, usually about 2cm wide, very thin, and stretchy. You can only use it once, though. When you smile with that on it looks like chewing gum stuck to your teeth.

It's the outside of my lip... Am I biting my clarinet wrong?

Michelle, I have noticed my reed has not been responding well to my low notes and I have just started playing them. Hope you can help me!

Hello Michelle! Thanks for the tip, I often get hurt when I play for more hours than I'm used to. By the way, I just bought a new Yamaha 4-C Mouthpiece and I'm struggling with my Vandoren 3,5 Reeds (I feel like running out of air too soon). Do you recommend another brand, another size or should I just keep practicing with these? Thank you!

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Ronie Gerber Hi Ronie. Often when you change mouthpieces, you may need a different reed strength. If it feels resistant and sounds airy, you should try a slightly softer reed. Depending which Vandoren you use, another Vandoren might work. For example, the Rue 56 3.5 is softer than the traditional blue box Vandoren. If you like the model you are using, then you might just try a 3.

On sax I try not to use my teeth much at all. I tried double lip technique to stop biting and that works for me except I need a little tooth on the mouthpiece when I play fast so the horn doesn't jiggle too much. But it's hard to get a sore lower lip if your teeth aren't touching the mouthpiece. On clarinet I haven't worked that out yet

I have played clarinet for 6 weeks and I am in my school band. We take tests on songs. They are mostly high notes. I have watched some of your videos on high notes but nothing is working and I cannot play them. Any advice?

Where can I send you photo of my embouchure?

EZO dental cushion works great one box gives me 75 pieces after cutting one cushion into 5 pieces a box of 15 dental cushion strip not bad cost me $4.90 at Walgreen. And correcting my bad biting down so hard putting too much lip over my bottom teeth. I sound better thank you so much. I am glad posted this question who knew I would get the answer. I did I love youtube.

@ClarinetMentors

6 жыл бұрын

I love the way people contribute great ideas here too.

Zelda712 - if your reeds sound fuzzy, they're probably too hard for your mouthpiece. If you're now using #4, try #3 1/2. I've had good results with Mitchell Lurie reeds - I can usually use 7 or 8 in a box of 10.

I play the alto saxophone so I kind of stand out here but this was really helpful, thank you!

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Elizabeth Wells Lots of things that apply to clarinetists apply directly to saxophonists, and many people play both.

I have found it convenient to use cigarette paper for this purpose. One paper, folded in thirds, is perfect. Inexpensive and comes with its own carrying case!

@ClarinetMentors

5 жыл бұрын

That is a great quick fix. Thanks for the pointer.

thank u it has been hurting my bottom lip

if I need help ill come to your page

My Honour Banda practiced for 12 plus hours this really helped

@masonwaller2943

2 жыл бұрын

The tissue paper made my tone sour better too

My bottom lip doesn't really hurt. It's just really itchy from all those Vandoren reeds.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Eric Che I have used thousands of Vandoren reeds in my lifetime. I'm glad cane is fast-growing, or I'd feel guilty about the amount of forest I've played through! If you are seriously itchy, I have heard of a fairly rare allergy to cane, and some people put a thin layer of tissue paper on their bottom lip. There are also pretty good synthetic reeds such as the Legere Signature reed to experiment with. Hopefully this is not a serious issue with you.

hi I'm in middle school and I'm having trouble tongueing I think I'm tonguing but then I feel like I'm not an dive been playing for 4 years I had this problem now but never before

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Jessica Cruz Hi Jessica - I have two resources that may help you. One is actually for total beginners, but it covers the basics of tonguing quite well. You can find it in my beginner ebook, with accompanying videos at: www.clarinetmentors.com/resources/HowToPlayClarinetForBeginners.pdf The other resources relate to fast, and staccato tonguing, but it may give you a helpful perspective: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZGqK0LScfLG4g6w.html.

Your my teacher

Can you make a video teaching how to NOT play flat??? Because I sound so flat and I don't know why

@quantumjoss

6 жыл бұрын

I think you’re problem is you’re playing clarinet

And to think all these years I didn't realize that everyone has this issue. I had a teacher tell me if my lip was hurting I was doing something wrong. . .

This work for sax as well. Which is why I'm here for.

When I first started playing I had this problem and I would never practice because of the amount of pain it caused me. I told my band director about it and he told me about Ezo Denture Cushions which work like the tape method in this video except I think it's better just because these were actually made to go in your mouth. You'd have to order them online but I believe it's worth it. A box of like fifteen can last you a long time. ((I always buy the lower ones, the box is blue and pink I think.)) You cut one of the cushions to cover your teeth, then put it over them and sort of "suck" so you can soften the cushion with your saliva. They mold to fit your teeth, and once you do it the mold should last you maybe a month if you practice often. ((How long it lasts depends on how frequent you play.))

@ClarinetMentors

7 жыл бұрын

That is a great pointer. Thanks. I'll recommend it in future.

Hi michelle, what the music playing in introduchon?

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Лев Журавский That is the Mozart trio for clarinet, viola and piano - Kegelstatt - the Rondo movement. It is a fun piece to play.

Hey Michelle Anderson! I am in need of learning why wheanever i use upper register. I am never able to make a sound buut a really soft nasty sound. Please help I am in intermediate sixth grade band.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+james owens Hi James, that usually means there is not enough support for the note. That can come from your air speed, your embouchure, or your reed strength. This video should give you some ideas: High Notes 101: kzread.info/dash/bejne/a22XpcGwg5fFZqg.html

Hi! I have a question about embouchures. Sometimes, when I play a long score, my mouth goes tired and air just starts spewing everywhere, and my mouth is too tired to tighten the embouchure. Do you have any tips on how to prevent that?

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Rimn LJY This is normal when your mouth muscles get tired. The act of bringing your corners in around the mouthpiece helps create a good clarinet tone, but is a muscle action that you don't do much outside of clarinet playing. The simple answer is keep playing, and your muscles will build up strength so that you can go longer and longer before you get the tired hiss.

What should I do if the area under my lip gets sore? My upper chin always rubs against the reed and gets irritated and red.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Nadia Kay If you can take a photo of your embouchure from the side, in profile, you may be putting too much of your lip over your teeth and causing the area below the lip to rub the reed more than usual. This video may help you to see the shape that you want:kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKBt1s9woKvgcrQ.html. It may be that changing your embouchure will fix this. If you take your photo and everything looks the way it should (concave shape), you may have a cane allergy, and might want to try a Legere or other synthetic reed. I am suspicious of embouchure, however.

Would a double lip embouchure help sore lips?

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+IAmADerf5585 Usually if someone plays with a double lip embouchure, they don't bite as much onto the mouthpiece. This does help your bottom lip to feel better. When you are new to it, your top lip might feel uncomfortable at first, but you will quickly adjust.

I realize this question is not related to the video, but I've had this problem for the years I've been playing this instrument. Is there a way to make B flat (middle of the staff, register key and A key) sound nicer? Sometimes I'm able to make it sound okay but I don't know how I did that. All of my notes leading up to and after B flat sound really nice and B flat sounds like I'm a beginner who is just learning how to play the clarinet, compared to the other notes at least. I don't know if this is true for all clarinet(ists). Should I get a better clarinet? Or is there something I can do to make it sound less airy (if that's the right word to describe it)? Edit: I have found a word to describe B flat. Fuzzy.

@longlivelife3173

8 жыл бұрын

Hold it and try really hard to make it as nice as possible. Do that for 5 minutes every day.

@mr.t107

7 жыл бұрын

Clarinet Catato the side key fingering

@pae913

7 жыл бұрын

That one makes it a bit sharp and it's not easy to get to if you need to get to it fast. I eventually found vent fingerings though

@Mars-vi2nf

6 жыл бұрын

I have a similar problem :[

How do we know when it is time to move up our reed size?

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+Chloe Bryan This video may help you determine that: What strength of reed should you use: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nHeOssSfqKSTo8Y.html

@chloebryan966

8 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks so much! Your dedication to teaching clarinet has really taken me to the next level!

(Unrelated to Video) - When I try to play my clarinet, I get an air sound that is very disturbing, and I also squeak A LOT. I am a new clarinet player and was wondering if you had any tips. Thanks :)

@ketchupfries7521

6 жыл бұрын

voidshards i am no professional but you might want to make sure your teeth are not touching the reed, and you should have too much mouthpiece in your mouth.

I have a question. some times when i play for a long period of time my mouth muscles start getting loose. what can i do to improve my duration of playing? P.S. sorry for bad english (its not my 1st language). Thanks.

@ClarinetMentors

8 жыл бұрын

+MaXtRo212 It is normal for those mouth muscles to get tired. You can build strength by practising often for shorter periods. (10 minutes 3 times in one day can build strength faster than 30 minutes all at once>)

I have the same on my bottom lip.i will go to my dentist and will ask for a better solution

If you ever get your teeth bleached by a dentist and they make a set of bleaching trays for you. Ask if you could keep those trays. I once made a pair of upper and lower bleaching trays in school and that was the best solution that I found. It protecs both the top of my mouthpiece and my lower lip. You’ll probably have to trim the molar parts of both trays since all you need it for is your incisors.

White florists tape! No sticky residue, no taste, no texture. It usually lasts me about a week. I fold it a few times and it mould perfectly to my teeth and stays like that.

I play oboe and both top and bottom get sore!

@ClarinetMentors

4 жыл бұрын

I always feel sorry for double-reed players, although I love the sounds they make!

Not a problem for me, but the right thumb joints do get a bit sore.

@davidleonardpir

8 жыл бұрын

My thumb gets really sore after playing for anything more than half an hour. I got a neck strap and has helped a lot. Think it's just a matter of building up the muscles/joints there. Lip gets sore aswell but I know I bite when playing as I get tense

I used surgical cloth tape- which was moldable-But they don’t make it anymore LOL -

will this still work for sax? I have finals this week, and my lips hurt.

@ClarinetMentors

7 жыл бұрын

Yes - clarinetists and saxophonists tend to have the same challenges with sore lips.

@charchouff

7 жыл бұрын

I came here more for saxophone but this still helps a lot thanks you.

@atlas1936

6 жыл бұрын

charaf charchouff I also came for sax

@hincapiej4

5 жыл бұрын

If this is happenning on sax, you are playing too tight. Push your mouthpiece in further than you usually play. Practice your long tones while playing as loose as you can and tuning with your airstream. Even if you're sharp at first, keep working at it. Sooner or later, you'll be able to stay in tune while playing loosely.

sometimes, I chew gum, and stick it in between my teeth and lips

@melissadidericksen3024

4 жыл бұрын

Sugar free? Otherwise the sugary could cause issues later with your clarinet.

@SEGEFFECT

4 жыл бұрын

Gum inside the mouth can cause choking while taking breaths.it is dangerous I believe.need a better way to avoid that.still looking for a solution.

i chocked on it and all most died!

Just....don't....roll....in...your lower lip. Use the jazz saxophone player natural embochure

y but this is just hiding the problem of biting to hard instead of adressing the problem