Tips to Tame Your Altissimo

Problem #1: Undervoicing

• Symptoms:
  • when entering the altissimo, the pitch that we’re expecting to hear is preceded by something like a grunt or fuzzy tone
• Causes:
  • Incorrect tongue position (should be high and forward).
  • Inadequate air support.
• Solutions:
  • Ensure proper tongue placement.
  • Check and improve air support. It’s a misconception that altissimo requires less air. In fact, it needs both faster air and more focused air.
  • Use the left thumb to gently push against the top teeth (but without biting).
  • Increase mouthpiece for better tone production.

Problem #2: Overvoicing:

• Symptoms:
  • Getting notes higher than intended: a squeak, or over-shooting altissimo E to super-altissimo A.
• Causes:
  • Incorrect tongue position (over-positioning).
  • Embouchure issues (jaw pressure).
• Solutions:
  • Check and maintain proper tongue position.
  • Verify and adjust embouchure, avoiding excessive jaw pressure.
  • Experiment with double lip embouchure or adjusting mouthpiece placement.

Reeds:

• Using a harder read may make it easier to play in the altissimo. However, that reed may make the lower registers more difficult to control.