how to make a glissando
Fri, 2010-06-25 04:05
hello everyone well i'm a trumpet player and i had been playing the trumpet more than one year, my question is that i want to learn how to make a glissando and how it works and what i need to do to can make it, If anyone is interesting to show me better here is my email hectordrc@hotmail.com thanks
First, practice the interval that you want to gliss over as a lip slur and do it with the rhythm that you want to gliss over. Make sure you can hit the top note each time.
Then, do the same, but half valve your horn so that you lose the "slotting" of the staring note & gradually tighten your lips (not the pressure on your piece) and increase the airflow as you had practiced to reach the top note. Gradually release the half valve to the proper fingering for the top note on the beat you want to hit the top not on.
Your chops & horn will be different from everyone else's but learn which single valve or combination allows you to recreate the sound you want over the gliss. Personally, I use all 3 valves half way down as I found that my airflow is not interrupted. Others want some airflow interruption. You may also want to experiment with just how much "half" valve or partial valve down you want.
I you find you can't do it right away, try the half valving method from the starting note, up to the next one in the key of the song until it works, then move to the next note, until you reach the note you're aiming for.
If you're looking for a downward gliss, use the same technique, but practice relaxing the embouchure & less air, rather than tighter & more air.
Good luck & keep practicing.