Technique

In this section

• Technique

  Intonation, alternate fingerings, fourth-valve logic, and building range — the working craft of playing the instrument in tune and across its full compass.

• How do I extend my range on the euphonium

  Build range at both ends slowly and daily: lip slurs and flexibility for the high register, fourth-valve fingerings and relaxed open air for the low. Range grows from consistency and good air, not force.

• What is the fourth valve for

  The fourth valve lowers the euphonium a perfect fourth. It extends the range down toward the fundamental and provides in-tune alternatives to the sharp 1+3 and 1+2+3 combinations.

• How do I improve my intonation on the euphonium

  Learn your instrument's specific tendencies with a tuner and drone, use the fourth valve and alternate fingerings to dodge the worst notes, and practise long tones and slow lyrical playing to train your ear and air.

• Why is my low range sharp

  Because multi-valve combinations play sharp on any brass instrument, and the effect is worst in the low register where you use the most tubing. A compensating horn corrects it automatically; on a non-compensating horn you correct it yourself.