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 oboe as well as small adjustments that you the player can make to correct these and other pitch inaccuracies.
Oboe Pitch Tendencies
The natural tendencies of the oboe 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 oboe.
Adjusting for Intonation
Care in using proper fingerings is most important for both tone and intonation on the oboe. Proper use of the half-hole and the two octave keys will help correct tone and intonation problems.
Other important factors affecting intonation are the length of the reed, the hardness of the reed, and dynamic control. Using a reed that is too long will cause the instrument to play flat while a reed that is too short will cause the instrument to play sharp. Regarding the hardness of the reed, a reed that is too soft will play flat while a reed that is too hard will play sharp. And when playing at various dynamic levels, the softer you play the flatter the pitch will tend to go, and the louder you play the sharper the pitch will tend to go. Being aware of these tendencies and making the necessary adjustments to the length of the reed, hardness of the reed, and embouchure control at varying dynamics will help you play more in tune with the great tone you have developed on the oboe!
Other important factors affecting intonation are the length of the reed, the hardness of the reed, and dynamic control. Using a reed that is too long will cause the instrument to play flat while a reed that is too short will cause the instrument to play sharp. Regarding the hardness of the reed, a reed that is too soft will play flat while a reed that is too hard will play sharp. And when playing at various dynamic levels, the softer you play the flatter the pitch will tend to go, and the louder you play the sharper the pitch will tend to go. Being aware of these tendencies and making the necessary adjustments to the length of the reed, hardness of the reed, and embouchure control at varying dynamics will help you play more in tune with the great tone you have developed on the oboe!
Flying Along! ...
Now that you are armed with information on intonation and how to make adjustments on the oboe, it is time to play some fun Exercises with ExTon!