French horn high b flat?

Question

I have so much trouble hitting the high b flat for such a long time. I've been practicing Strauss' first horn concerto, last movement. I don't know wha tto do to hit that note. I've done many things and it's really pissing me off. Please help.

Answer 1

Try doing some scales . Work on getting your lip position. For higher notes you usually dont put ur lips on the horn as much as low notes.

Answer 2

OHHH new question : )    Have you had anyone else try to hit the Bb on YOUR horn?   Some horns have a Bb that seems to be on the edge of a razor blade.   If the horn passes then that leaves you.   Spend a lot of time playing scales and then try adding that Bb in between the other notes.   Really work on just that interval of the note before the Bb and the Bb, get it in your ear.  Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Wow, that's quite a feat to actually overshoot it instead of undershooting it!

Since your high range is good, it may just be a mental thing. Don't think of it as being high! You're simply blowing faster air and forming a smaller aperture with your lips, you're not supposed to suddenly tighten up right before you attempt to hit it. Know what the note sounds like (singing through pieces works wonders) and nail it!

Do the basic scales, both long tones and eighth notes so you can practice the attack and sustain.

My guess is that you're using the thumb trigger and 1 fingering? Maybe try an alternate fingering...playing around with alternate fingers works for some people. I actually keep the thumb and first two fingers down when the triplets start near the end of the first movement and it just works for me!

Good luck and happy playing! That last movement is a killer!