Advanced Intonation Technique for Clarinets

See "inside the book" (PDF sample pages)

This method is for any intermediate to advanced player who can at least play a chromatic scale from low E to altissimo G and play in all major keys. This is not a method for beginners.

A higher pitch version at A442 is available for those European and others who play at a higher tuning pitch. Please check yes in the personalization question above if that is what you want. Otherwise, the regular A440 pitched CD's will be sent.

ISBN 0-9774920-0-1

A tuner and tuner pick-up are highly recommended for this method.

CONTENTS:

• Introductory notes about intonation and scale systems
• Using the Intonation Exercises
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other Helpful Hints and Observations
• CD tracks:
  • Examples of Equal and Just tuned intervals
  • Tuning notes and chords (G, C and B)
  • Long tones over the complete clarinet range
  • Short reference tones
  • Tuning to 5ths
  • Tuning to 5ths for Eb Soprano
  • Tuning to 5ths for Bb Bass
• Bonus CD with 15 tracks to play along with

This book was reviewed in the December, 2008 issue of "The Clarinet", the magazine of the International Clarinet Association:

This useful 46-page workbook is spiral bound and comes with two CDs. The first CD contains 12 tracks of single tones and intervals that are used as the correct intonation reference when playing the printed exercises. Gibson clearly explains the differences between equal and just intonation and then guides the clarinetist to experience proper intonation by comparing the notes she or he plays with the recorded references. The CD sounds the root, or root and fifth and the clarinetist plays a three measure phrase and while doing so judges his/her intonation with the reference. Most of the exercises focus on the root, third, and fifth of major and minor chords. To a lesser extent other scale degrees are practiced. Eight basic patterns are included in the book and are played in rising chromatic order with the CD. The recorded drone sounds are computer generated from the Garriton Personal Orchestra and sound pleasing. Gibson encourages experimentation when playing with the CD. For instance, when I started working through the exercises I found some of the music examples went too fast for me to deeply experience the intonation characteristics if I sharpened or flattened the note I was playing. By leaving out notes, or changing the rhythm of the printed exercises I could focus on specific notes.

Gibson includes a few pages about various intonation related topics such as playing with a piano and practical tips for playing in an ensemble. Also helpful are the chart comparing interval size in equal and just intonation and a short bibliography including numerous intonation-related Web sites. Exercises are provided for Eb clarinet and low C bass clarinet.

The second CD includes 30 minutes of 15 music-minus-one play-along excerpts from the standard repertoire. This is mostly orchestral music but an excerpt from a band arrangement and several of Gibson’s own chamber music arrangements are included. Fun to play were the opening chords from Mendelssohn’s Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream and the first solo from the Andante of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. The Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky excerpts are provided in versions for both B and A clarinet. Ravels Mother Goose has parts for Bb or Eb clarinet. The standard version of this book comes with CDs pitched at A=440. CDs at A=442 can also be ordered. A basic understanding of music theory and an intermediate or higher level of clarinet playing is needed to use the materials. ---Gregory Barret