|
|
Post by linlee on Mar 3, 2015 17:23:58 GMT
I have never played any musical instrument in my life. I decided to try to teach myself Dizi after hearing how beautiful it sounds. I did some research first, then I got my own Dizi in G. Dimo came with the flute, but the erjiao did not, so I ordered some. While waiting for it to come, I searched for another method to install the dimo. Then I found a youtube video that showed that you could use thin, clear tape to cover the mokong hole instead of dimo, and they even demonstrated the difference in sound and it was very similar. So that is what I did, and I began to play and to practice. I printed out a chart which showed me how to play the jianpu scale and a couple of easy beginning songs (twinkle, twinkle & Amazing Grace). I have a long way to go to learn about jianpu and the dizi, but I am being slowed down by the fact when I start playing the number 5 on jianpu which is 3 holes covered + 3 holes covered, I can get it to make a nice sound, but every time I switch to other notes, which also sound good, and then try to switch back to 5, it just sounds like air blowing, and I have to keep readjusting my lip position and blowing until I get the nice sound to come out again. I am trying to make sure that I am covering the holes correctly and completely, but I don't understand why I can switch from other notes and back with no problem, but every time I switch back to 5 it doesn't want to work until I play with it. Does anyone have any advice or hints they can give me on how I can make this note play consistently when switching back to it? It is very frustrating and is hindering me from advancing. Also, any websites or youtube videos that you think might be helpful to a beginner learner would be great. Thank you so much!
|
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Mar 3, 2015 18:27:07 GMT
Welcome to the forum, linlee. The G dizi can be challenging for beginners. Although the finger holes can be comfortable for the hands if your hands and fingers are small, the embouchure (opening in your lips) needs to be more focused than in larger flutes. This can lead to tension in your face and hands. I usually recommend a dizi in D or C, if the hands are not very small. Anyway, that is something to maybe put on your list to consider.
If you are losing the sound when fingering different notes, several things maybe happening. The most likely is that you are not completely sealing one or more of the finger holes. It is important to have a good hand position to cover the holes effectively, while staying relaxed (not tight) in your hands and face. You don't need a death grip on the dizi, so only use the minimum amount of pressure on the holes to seal them. If you tweak your wrist at the wrong angle, it is possible to injure yourself, so the worst case is not necessarily a bad sound. If you have access to any kind of good flute teacher, get whatever help you can afford.
As you play different notes, the opening in your lips needs to change a little, for example smaller for high notes, and a little wider for lower notes. You will also need to change the blowing angle against the edge of the embouchure hole on the dizi as you play louder or softer. It might help you to watch yourself in a mirror to see what sort opening sounds the best was you play various notes.
I can't do an adequate job of explaining how to solve your problems, but hopefully my comments will help a bit. I highly recommend finding a teacher. Even if you can't find a dizi teacher, a good flute teacher who doesn't mind a bit of an adventure could help you a lot with the basics. A teacher for Irish flute might be especially helpful since they are familiar with six hole keyless flutes.
Best wishes,
David
|
|
|
|
Post by linlee on Mar 4, 2015 15:01:00 GMT
Thank you, sir, for your comments. I have been pushing my fingers pretty hard on the holes because I wanted to make sure I was covering them tightly. I will try a more relaxed grip, and also work some more with my embouchure. I may even look into purchasing a D or C dizi and see if I do any better on them. I work at a high school, and maybe one of the music teachers here wouldn't mind giveing me a few lessons. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I am so glad I found this forum where I can go to ask questions about the dizi, which I am sure I will have more as I go along. Thank you.
|
|
jess
Intermediate
Posts: 26 
|
Post by jess on Mar 5, 2015 22:51:17 GMT
Hi linlee! I'm currently in the same boat as you, and have found my hands tense and my left thumb sore after practicing. I do find myself using the death-grip, which is a big no no!
I don't know if this is the correct way to do so, but I've heard that you only need 3 points of contact to hold the dizi (right pinky, left thumb, and mouth), which leaves your fingers free to cover the holes, using the minimum pressure required to do so. I still haven't managed it though.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Post by linlee on Mar 6, 2015 15:05:38 GMT
Thank you, Jess. I practiced last night, trying to stay more relaxed on my grip as per David's suggestion, and things did seem to go a little better. I also practiced while looking in the mirror (another of David's suggestions) and it really helped. I have such a long way to go, but you know what they say "the journey of a thousand miles starts beneath ones feet - Lao Tzu). I will try your 3 point method as well, it should at least prove to remind me to loosen my grip! Thank you and good luck to you to!
|
|
