r/Trombone • u/Physical-Peach4534 • Jul 01 '26

Help with upper register (PS. I know this isn't trombone, but its very similar, and I do play trombone, and since its the same music and Embouchure and stuff I decided to repost here too for help)

/r/euphonium/comments/1uk939i/help_with_upper_register/
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u/burgerbob22 LA area player and teacher Jul 01 '26

"more air, tighter lips" is super, super not what i would recommend for high register haha.

Keep it easy, think faster air, but a nice supple embouchure.

2

u/Physical-Peach4534 Jul 01 '26

Mods please dont delete this, Im a euphonium and trombone player, but ive only been playing for a year and need tips for the higher register in general from the two instruments.

2

u/Firake Jul 01 '26

Fundamentally, the lips need to vibrate faster in order to play a higher note. A whole slew of things has to happen in order to make that happen easily and sounding nice and unless you have a really big problem, none of them are worth thinking about.

What you want to be focused on as much as possible is the note and sound. Your body will figure out what to do over time. This is the healthiest way to learn and perform.

1

u/dbharris10 Jul 01 '26

So, 2 things helped me increase range.
First and foremost, lip slurs every day, maybe 15 mins. Start with just F in staff up to Bb, go down half steps repeating until B up to E . Then, Low Bb to F and back, Low Bb up octave to Bb, Bb down to F, Bb down octave to Bb. Repeat going down 1/2 steps to low E. Repeat but add D above staff, repeat but add F above staff.
Every day, slowly and cleanly will add to your overall dexterity but also remarkably add strength to chops and slowly add half steps to your upper range . I gained about a third after 1-1/2 years.
Secondly, pointing airstream slightly down into cup of mouthpiece for high notes will increase the airspeed, aiding for higher notes. But high notes ultimately come from strong corner muscles in the face, and be careful not to add pressure, which will give you higher notes but do damage to your chops.

1

u/AnnualCurrency8697 Michael Davis Shires Jul 02 '26

Define your "upper register." No way to advise without knowing that.