A Loose or Firm Embouchure?

Now that we have covered the advantages and disadvantages of a mouthpiece placed vertically and horizontally on the embouchure, the next element to deal with is the firmness or looseness of the embouchure itself.

Many players place the mouthpiece on their lips and begin blowing, never thinking of the firmness or softness of their lip muscles. And one might ask, “What difference does it make”? The difference can easily be understood by comparing the two different sine curves illustrated below.

The top line represents a relaxed embouchure and the lower line is an example of a firm embouchure. Both notes (lines) were the same pitch and played at the same dynamic level.

Notice in the top example the distance between the highest point (peak) and its lowest point (valley). Most often this distance would represent the amplitude or decibel measurement of the note. The louder one plays, the wider the distance between the top of the example and it lowest point. Due to the fact that both examples were played at the same dynamic level, the difference is not in the volume of the notes but in the timbre or tone of the two notes. Also notice that the general curves of this line is in a smooth, rolling pattern.

Now look at the lower example. Notice that when compared to the top example, the lower has more distance between its top and its bottom. It is also obvious that this example has deeper valleys and higher peaks than the first example. What you are seeing is the difference between a small sound (top line) and a big sound (bottom line).

Also notice that the peaks of the first example are round and broad while the peaks of the second are more pointed and narrow. This is what is referred to as an edge, or brightness to the tone. This edge or brightness is what we work for when playing in the most efficient manner. By using a firm embouchure when playing your instrument, you are spending less energy getting your sound out than if you were playing on a softer, more relaxed embouchure. A brighter or richer tone quality will project further than a soft, relaxed embouchure and thus it is a more efficient embouchure.

Firmness in your embouchure does not mean that your total embouchure is firm. The firmness we are striving for is in the corners of your embouchure, not in the middle or the area covered by your mouthpiece. Firm corners determine a firm or anchored embouchure. Firm corner and a relatively relaxed muscle between, is our ultimate goal.

Practice these exercises with both firm/relaxed embouchures and you should be able to tell by your sound whether your embouchure has the correct muscle firmness.

Exercise to determine the correct firmness of your embouchure-

• Play a second line “G” at a mf dynamic level and relax your embouchure to the point where you can barely produce a sound.
• As you play the note, concentrate on that sound.
• Next play the same note at the same dynamic level but this time firm the corners of your embouchure to an extreme.
• Again concentrate on the sound.
• Play the “G” one more time but this time firm the corners to firmness half way to your first or most relaxed embouchure.

This would be your starting point to begin experimenting with different firmness throughout your playing range. Single notes are better to use when doing these exercises for rapid pitch changes will not help you hear the differences. Long notes are the best when listening and adjusting your embouchure at this point.

Strive to generate a sound which is full of overtones in the mp to mf dynamic range.

Before we continue with our element by element countdown to a better and more efficient playing style, the correct firmness of your embouchure must be found and become as natural to you as breathing.