Intonation refers to the accuracy or correctness of the pitch you are playing on your instrument. While you may be playing with exceptional tone, a good sound that is out of tune will not match and blend well with other players. This page will briefly go over some of the natural intonation tendencies on the bassoon as well as small adjustments that you the player can make to correct these and other pitch inaccuracies.
Bassoon Pitch Tendencies
The natural tendencies of the bassoon make the notes shown below naturally out of tune. Keep in mind that just because the other notes on the instrument don't have natural pitch tendencies like these do that they will automatically come out in tune! Some careful work with a tuner will help train your mind and ear to anticipate and correct these and other pitch tendencies on the bassoon.
Adjusting for Intonation
Care in using proper fingerings is most important for both tone and intonation on the bassoon. Many standard fingerings found in method books and other resources take into account some of the natural pitch tendencies of the instrument, allowing the player to play more in tune from the start.
Other important factors affecting intonation are the reed, bocal, and embouchure. Using a reed that is too long and/or soft will cause the instrument to play flat while a reed that is too short and/or hard will cause the instrument to play sharp. Similarly, a bocal that is too long will cause the instrument to play flat while a bocal that is too short will cause the instrument to play sharp. For many of the notes that are naturally sharp on the bassoon, especially when playing them softly, the embouchure needs to stay relaxed so that the lower jaw is not pinching the reed. For the notes that are naturally flat on the bassoon, the embouchure needs to push up and give more support to the reed so the sound does not sag. Being aware of these tendencies and making the necessary adjustments to the reed, bocal, and embouchure will help you play more in tune with the great tone you have developed on the bassoon!
Other important factors affecting intonation are the reed, bocal, and embouchure. Using a reed that is too long and/or soft will cause the instrument to play flat while a reed that is too short and/or hard will cause the instrument to play sharp. Similarly, a bocal that is too long will cause the instrument to play flat while a bocal that is too short will cause the instrument to play sharp. For many of the notes that are naturally sharp on the bassoon, especially when playing them softly, the embouchure needs to stay relaxed so that the lower jaw is not pinching the reed. For the notes that are naturally flat on the bassoon, the embouchure needs to push up and give more support to the reed so the sound does not sag. Being aware of these tendencies and making the necessary adjustments to the reed, bocal, and embouchure will help you play more in tune with the great tone you have developed on the bassoon!
Flying Along! ...
Now that you are armed with information on intonation and how to make adjustments on the bassoon, it is time to play some fun Exercises with ExTon!