Lesson 18: High E and F
- Produce E5 and F5 cleanly without overblowing.
- Produce upper A and Bb cleanly without overblowing.
- Play a melody that climbs into the upper register and back.
A small thumb opening helps the higher note speak.
Start with a clear low E. Roll the left thumb slightly to leave a narrow opening, called a vent, for high E; keep the front fingers still.
Start with a clear low A. Roll the left thumb slightly to leave a narrow opening, called a vent, for high A; keep the front fingers still.
High E
High A
Half-vent the thumb; use the E4 front-finger pattern.
Half-vent the thumb; use the lower A front-finger pattern.
High F
High Bb
Half-vent the thumb; use the forked F shape with the right little finger raised.
Half-vent the thumb; use the forked Bb shape with the right little finger raised.
Try each new note alone first, then play slowly with steady air and a small thumb opening.
Play: Sakura, then a minuet opening
Use both new notes in Sakura, then review the easier minuet opening below.
Practise the D5–G4 leap with clear attacks; the rest of the first strain waits for Lessons 28–31.
Practise the G5–C5 leap with clear attacks; the rest of the first strain waits for Lessons 28–31.
Garvin’s Mutopia edition, public domain; accompaniment omitted.
Now play these
- Sakura
- Its third bar climbs to the new top note.
- All in a Garden Green
- The complete 1651 melody in F major; keep its eighth notes even.
When E5 and F5 speak cleanly on demand — no octave cracks — move on to Lesson 19.
When the upper A and Bb on your alto staff speak cleanly on demand — no octave cracks — move on to Lesson 19.
Octave cracking? The thumb half-vent is the usual culprit — see troubleshooting.