Ornamentation notation + 3rd octave

[az0116]

Hey all,

First of all, a big thanks to everyone here. I bought a cheap $15 dizi a month ago and have been stalking you all on this forum for advice

I've been making good progress, and am happily playing my childhood wuxia songs lol.. I've encountered two problems I can't answer by google:

1. What does a downward pointing dark triangle mean above a note?like here: www.google.com/search?q=%E6%B2%A7%E6%B5%B7%E4%B8%80%E5%A3%B0%E7%AC%91&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCN593CN593&hl=en-US&prmd=vimn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiA0tSyhJ7SAhVQ2WMKHWpDDkwQ_AUICCgC&biw=375&bih=591#imgrc=4wnjBHeEkVrn0M:

Also, do you know How I can find jianpu with better ornamentation notations? Or do you masters just make up the ornamentation on the fly?

2. In the first 2 weeks I learned to blow a full sound for the first and second octave, but I'm a bit frustrated that I'm making no progress at the 3rd octave. The last full sound I can make is 5 w/dot above, then 6 w/ dot above squeaks out, and then the rest don't make any sound no matter how hard I try. This isn't bad in most cases but sometimes I see a 3 with 2 dots (wtf orz). I'm wondering how long it took y'all to play the 3rd octave. I feel like blaming my cheap flute (can't possibly be little 'ol me...)and wondering if I should give it more time or spring for a better one.

Thanks to all of you!

[edcat7]

Hi az0116 and welcome,

the downward pointing triangles mean each note have to be played individually and not run all together. If you are self teaching, been only playing for two plus weeks and can attempt the above score, you are doing marvelously. I don't often encounter the third octave and then it's normally only a couple of notes.

Should you upgrade your dizi let us know which one you're looking at first.

Best wishes,

Ed

[ck2998]

Hi az0116,

To be able to blow a beginner's flute to 5 (double dot) is very good.
For music with higher notes, more advance players transpose the key down by a note or more. This is done so that the flute do not have to reach its highest note which tends to be squeaky.

[davidmdahl]

I suggest sticking with the first two octaves when learning the dizi in the beginning. The third octave requires a lot of focus, and it is easy to learn bad habits, such as tightness. The muscles around your lips need to develop first so that you have the control and endurance needed to play in the third octave. Many budget dizis don't play very well in tune above the second octave anyway. When playing a tune that goes too high, simply play that section down an octave.

Best wishes,

David

[az0116]

edcat7

Thanks for the advice! As for upgrades, I like the mellow sounds of a low G, so I'm looking at: www.redmusicshop.com/Dizi/Professional%20Purple%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Dizi%20by%20Xie%20Bing
or
www.carrotmusic.com/#!/SD501B-Performance-level-Shengfei-Bass-Dizi/p/49862115/category=12016517
I'd love to know if anyone on this forum can talk about how they perform.

Honestly though I'm worried 7 holes and finger stretch is too much for a beginner like me (even if it's my dream!) so maybe that super recommended DXH in D? Any comparable alternatives you'd know about?

ck2998

Good point, I'll try transposing a few whole steps down.

davidmdahl

Your advice makes me think I should probably get a teacher to prevent bad habits haha. Like lately I've noticed after an hour of practice right thumb and left pinky feel sore which is bizarre, and I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing differently with my grip...

[davidmdahl]

The largest dizi I recommend for a beginner is one in C or D. Bb is possible if you have large hands. The key of D is very common for traditional Chinese tunes, and the stretch is quite manageable. I usually play dizi in either G (high) or D in my ensemble. The keys of C and F are also useful, but to less of a degree. I don't recommend a high G dizi for a beginner, since it needs a more focused embouchure, and is likely to encourage tightness.

I don't understand the advice to transpose a tune down if it goes too high. I have to play tunes in the keys used by the ensemble. If the tune is in G, I use my G dizi, and the D dizi is ueed for D tunes. If a section goes too high for me to play well in tune, or if it would be too loud, I play the section down an octave.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

Feb 24, 2017 4:18:42 GMT az0116 said:

edcat7

Thanks for the advice! As for upgrades, I like the mellow sounds of a low G, so I'm looking at: www.redmusicshop.com/Dizi/Professional%20Purple%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Dizi%20by%20Xie%20Bing
or
www.carrotmusic.com/#!/SD501B-Performance-level-Shengfei-Bass-Dizi/p/49862115/category=12016517
I'd love to know if anyone on this forum can talk about how they perform.

Honestly though I'm worried 7 holes and finger stretch is too much for a beginner like me (even if it's my dream!) so maybe that super recommended DXH in D? Any comparable alternatives you'd know about?

ck2998

Good point, I'll try transposing a few whole steps down.

davidmdahl

Your advice makes me think I should probably get a teacher to prevent bad habits haha. Like lately I've noticed after an hour of practice right thumb and left pinky feel sore which is bizarre, and I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing differently with my grip...

I bought a custom made left handed low G dizi from redmusicshop for my teacher and I was very happy with it. Unfortunately he has tiny hands (funny I never noticed it before) and it is left unplayed.

Carrotmusic's dizis are made by Xie Bin and are good too.

Your thumb and pinky are sore because you press too firmly on the notes. Be careful you don't get repetitive strain injury. When you start to feel sore take a break.

[az0116]

Hey guys thanks so much! I have another quick question for you all; how would you play a high C# on a C dizi?
www.qupu123.com/Public/Uploads/6/8/51986ef202068.jpg

It says to change to C# key, which is a doable except I can't figure out how to do a high C# note itself. I've tried covering half the hole but it sounds weak and flat?

It sounds amazing here :0
youtu.be/HG1PEgV6Exs

[davidmdahl]

The performer in the Youtube video is playing a D dizi. If you are trying to match pitches with a C dizi, it will be a challenge. The performer does move the tune up a half step at the second ending, probably with some half-holing. Some dizi's are easier to do this on than others, but it is an advanced technique. It is a useful skill, but I encourage you to play tunes that don't require such tricks. That's something to work on when you have more of the basics down.

Best wishes,

David