HORN
Embouchure
The first step to playing in tune on the horn is to play with a great embouchure. The horn embouchure, defined by the muscles of the face and lips that surround and support the buzz, is best learned in front of a mirror.
1) Pretend that you are a Parisian who smells something unpleasant, and say "Peuh!" Say "mmm," and then, while holding that facial expression, say "peuh." Keep your chin flat. 2) Put your mouthpiece onto your lips while holding this expression. The mouthpiece should be 2/3 on the upper lip and 1/3 on the bottom lip. A great way to get this ratio correct is to pretend like the mouthpiece is a glass of your favorite beverage, and tilt it up like you are drinking from it. The pressure of mouthpiece between upper and lower lip should be equal or greater on the LOWER lip. |
3) In the mirror, look for the red of bottom lip below mouthpiece, for a diamond shape line around the lips, and for a flat chin.
Tuning Procedure
Temperature affects intonation dramatically so it is important warm up your horn before tuning it. When the instrument is about room temperature (72 degrees Fahrenheit), it is time to tune the horn. Tuning a B-flat double horn can be a lengthy process, but it is essential to good tone production.
1) Before tuning, check that your valve slides are pushed all the way in. Your main tuning slide should be pulled out a half inch to start. 2) Tune the B-flat side of the horn first. Play a C (concert F), and check a tuner. It should be in tune. If it is sharp, pull the main tuning slide (first slide on the mouthpiece tubing) out slightly. If it flat, push the main tuning slide in slightly. An easy way to remember which way to adjust the slide is through the acronym SOFI (see graphic) below. 3) Switch to the F side of the horn. Release the trigger, and check the same C on that side of the horn. The two C's should match in pitch. Adjust the F side main tuning slide accordingly.
4) Now it is time to fine tune each valve's slide. Start with the B-flat side of the horn. With the trigger depressed, tune the first valve to B-flat and E-flat. Tune the second valve to B and E, the first and second valve combination to A, and the third valve to A. 5) Switch to the F side of the horn, and follow the same process. Tune the first valve to B-flat and F, the second valve to B and F#, the first and second valve combination to A, and the third valve to A. NOTE: If you have a F single horn, follow the same steps without the B-flat side. Tune the main tuning slide first. Then tune the first valve, second valve, first and second valve combination and finally, third valve.
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Stable Tuning Note
Factors Affecting Pitch
To see the specific pitch tendencies and solutions for the horn, click here: