How to Play the English Horn

Playing the English horn takes some getting used to, especially if you aren't used to reed instruments. However, with some tips and some practice, it can be easy to learn. Read this eHow to find out how to play an English horn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Start with the oboe. The oboe is a simpler instrument than the English horn, and can give the musician some familiarity with a wind instrument.
2. Use a neck strap when playing the English horn, as the instrument is fairly heavy. A saxophone strap works well. The strap can also help avoid tendentious—something that can happen when playing a heavy instrument.
3. Make sure the bridging keys between the lower and upper joints are aligned properly. Using cork grease on these joints can prevent the impulse to force the joints. You can observe this by looking at the joints from the back of the instrument.
4. Finish putting the English horn by inserting the reed tube over the bocal which extends from the top of the instrument. A piece of tubing, like that used in aquariums, not only creates an air-tight seal between the bocal and the reed tube, but keeps the reed from slipping out while playing the English horn.
5. Soak the reed either with water or saliva playing the English horn. Be careful not to use too much water as that can make the reed difficult to use.
6. Rest the reed on your lower lip. Roll your lower lip over your lower teeth as you take a breath. Keep your upper lip over your upper teeth, creating what is termed an embroucher.
7. Keep only the tip of the reed in the mouth—-you should be able to see half the cane outside your mouth.
8. Make your lips soft as you've got the reed in your mouth. This helps make a better, softer tone.
9. Change your lip's tension in a subtle manner to produce different notes.
10. Hold the French horn about 45 degrees from your body. Make sure you have good posture while you're playing, as this helps you breath more easily. The best tones come from the French horn when you breathe deeply, using your abdominal muscles below your diaphragm.
11. Try blowing first on just the reed to practice making a sound with it before playing the English horn.