How to Play the Bassoon

The bassoon provides the warm, rich bass voice of the double-reed family, as featured in pieces such as Paul Dukas's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." It is also one of the more difficult instruments to learn to play due to its size and fingering system.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Bassoon
• Double reed(s)
• Double reed case
• Small bowl of water
• Cork grease
• Neck- or seat-strap
• Straight-backed, arm-free chair
• Soft, lint-free cleaning rod or drop cloth

Assemble the Bassoon

1. Soak the reed in a little water while you assemble the bassoon body.
2. Assemble the five parts of the bassoon, including: the boot joint, the tenor (or wing) joint, the bass (or long) joint, the bell joint and the bocal (or crook). Remove the reed from the water and put it firmly over the bocal so the blades are parallel with the floor.
3. Attach the neck- or seat-strap and adjust the length so the weight of the bassoon rests on the strap and the reed is at the proper height.
4. Sit in a straight-backed chair with no arms. Hold the bassoon so the boot joint rests against your right hip and the instrument crosses diagonally in front of your body at roughly a 45-degree angle.
5. Place your left hand on the tenor joint keys and your right hand lower down on the boot joint keys. Bring the reed to your mouth.

Embouchure Formation

6. Relax your lower jaw so your teeth are about a half-inch apart and roll your lips slightly over your teeth.
7. Pull your lower jaw back a bit to increase the natural overbite.
8. Flatten your chin and contract the corners of your mouth.
9. Put the reed between your lips far enough so that the upper lip is almost touching the first wire of the reed.
10. Lightly contract your lips around the reed.
11. Inhale through your nose and exhale a steady stream of air through the bassoon reed, testing how much lip and air pressure is needed to produce a sound.
12. Try "tonguing" by touching the tip of your tongue to the tip of the reed and saying "tu." For a harder attack, form the word "te." For a softer attack, form the word, "du."
13. Tune the bassoon by adjusting or changing the bocal length.
14. Continue practicing your embouchure and tone production until you feel ready to practice fingerings and reading sheet music.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having difficulties or wish to progress more quickly, contact a local bassoon teacher to ask about lessons.
• Swab and clean your bassoon after each use with a cleaning rod or drop cloth.
• If you are having trouble producing a tone through the bassoon, try with just the reed.
• Avoid damaging the keys and rods of the bassoon.
• Maintain a comfortable, upright posture with your shoulders back and relaxed and your head straight. Bring the instrument to fit you, rather than contorting your body.
• Make sure all joint tenons are well-lubricated with cork grease before assembling your bassoon. Otherwise, too much force is needed and the bassoon keys may be damaged.