Think lower = higher.

On a conventional mouthpiece, one must play “tight” in the upper register to play in tune. This is because the open upper register on your old equipment is flat (low pitch center), forcing you to compensate. With a Monette mouthpiece, playing “tight” in the upper register will actually make the upper register sound flat! Concentrate on staying open and staying “neutral” as you play into the upper register. Playing down on the “center” of the pitch allows a more effortless, in-tune upper register.

Tip:

• Try playing a C in the staff as centered, aligned, and relaxed as possible, and check pitch with a tuning fork or other mechanical means. When tuned to a known source, play into the upper register for a few moments, and then return to the C in the staff. If this original C is now above where it was before, you have been playing too tight in the upper register.

• To help correct this common problem, try to make sure you are as aligned and open as possible when you start playing, and then practice playing all through the register of the instrument without changing how you use your body. The more open and consistent you are in your physical approach, the closer you will be to being in tune with your starting pitch after playing for extended periods.

Proceed to tip Push in your tuning slide >>