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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

3rd position

3 replies [Last post]
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 10:16
Tommy Hutch
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Joined: 09/26/2010

Recently purchased the Mel Bay book, "Exploring 3rd Position", Level 2 and have a couple questions...

a) I am playing a Marine Band Deluxe and the upper octave, holes 7-10 are quite un-responsive; mostly the draw holes..Is there a portion of my technique that is lacking; I am tongue blocking, or, is there a reed adjustment problem that I may address?

b) Understanding Position Lesson.....Gary Primach Interview ...Gary had played an example illustrating the tonic change from 1 draw (1 chord), 2 draw (4 chord), 4 draw (5 chord) ..........What cut is that? Thanks

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:00
#1
David Barrett
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Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Issues with the high end draws are embouchure based. This is most commonly caused by the tongue... in any area... being humped up. Experiment with low tongue placement as well as playing softly. As time goes on (i.e., your tongue gets better at getting out of the way) you'll be able to play louder.

In the Primich cut he's improvising... no song. A good example to listen to that's in the style he was playing is "Walkin' Thru The Park" by Muddy Waters (1958). Walter starts in 2nd Position for the opening chorus and then switches to 3rd Position for the accompaniment and solo. The last couple of seconds is a perfect example.

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 17:48
#2
Tommy Hutch
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3rd pos

Yes, Thanks David....Opened my eyes a little. I probably have watched that interview at least 100 times and just got it and tied it to the Little Walter artist study and the book, the arpeggio, the "Juke" riff in the study...so, yes, thanks..

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 18:08
#3
David Barrett
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Joined: 12/20/2009
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Great!

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