The bassoon, one of the most complex and unique woodwind instruments, is known for its deep, resonant sound and intricate fingerwork. Whether you are just beginning your musical journey or are an advanced player looking to refine your technique, learning how to properly hold a bassoon is crucial for achieving optimal sound production and comfort. In this article, we will cover the essential steps and tips for holding the bassoon correctly, focusing on posture, hand positioning, and how to ensure a proper playing technique.
Understanding the Bassoon
Before diving into the mechanics of holding the bassoon, it’s important to understand the instrument itself. The bassoon is a large woodwind instrument that stands over 6 feet tall when fully assembled. It consists of several parts: the boot, bass joint, long joint, bell, and the reed, which is inserted into the bocal at the top of the instrument. The bassoon is held upright with the help of a seat strap or a stand, and the player uses their fingers, lips, and diaphragm to produce sound.
Given its size and weight, holding the bassoon can initially seem challenging, especially for beginners. However, with the correct posture, grip, and positioning, the bassoon can be played comfortably and effectively.
1. Assembling the Bassoon
Before discussing how to hold the bassoon, it’s essential to properly assemble the instrument. The bassoon comes in multiple parts, and incorrect assembly can make the instrument awkward to hold and play.
Step 1: Attach the boot to the bass joint. Make sure that the boot is securely connected to the bass joint without forcing them together.
Step 2: Attach the long joint to the bass joint. This part can be tricky, so be sure to align the joints properly to avoid any discomfort or misalignment when playing.
Step 3: Secure the bell at the top of the long joint. This part should also fit snugly without any strain.
Step 4: Insert the bocal into the top of the long joint. This piece should fit tightly and allow you to attach the reed at the end.
2. Correct Posture
Proper posture is the first key to holding the bassoon. Incorrect posture can not only cause discomfort and muscle fatigue but can also affect your sound quality and overall playing ability. Here’s how to achieve the right posture:
Stand or Sit Tall: Whether you are standing or sitting while playing, make sure that your back is straight. Avoid slouching or leaning forward. Maintaining an erect posture helps you breathe more efficiently and reduces unnecessary strain on your muscles.
Relax Your Shoulders: Tension in your shoulders can make holding the bassoon difficult. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid shrugging them up towards your ears.
Feet Flat on the Ground: If sitting, ensure that your feet are flat on the ground. This will help you maintain a stable base and prevent discomfort. If standing, keep your weight evenly distributed across both feet.
Head Position: Keep your head level and avoid tilting it forward or backward. The angle at which you hold the bassoon can affect your air support and embouchure. Keep your head aligned with your spine.
3. Hand Positioning
One of the most critical aspects of holding the bassoon is how you position your hands. Proper hand positioning not only ensures that you can reach the keys comfortably but also prevents unnecessary strain on your fingers and wrists.
Left Hand Positioning: The left hand controls the upper keys on the bassoon. To position your left hand:
Place your left thumb on the thumb rest at the back of the bassoon. Your thumb should be relaxed and slightly curved to prevent tension.
Your first finger should rest lightly on the first key, and your other fingers should rest on the keys further down. Each finger should remain relaxed, with the fingers naturally curving inwards.
Keep your wrist straight and avoid any bending or tension in your fingers.
Right Hand Positioning: The right hand controls the lower keys, including the ones that involve the pinky. Here’s how to position your right hand:
Place your right thumb on the thumb rest. Just like the left hand, ensure that your thumb is relaxed and does not push too hard against the instrument.
Your first finger will rest lightly on the corresponding key, while your other fingers should rest on the remaining keys in the lower joint.
Your pinky will be responsible for the keys at the bottom, so ensure that it is in a comfortable and relaxed position, ready to play.
Supporting the Bassoon: The bassoon’s weight can be cumbersome, especially for beginner players. Use a seat strap (for sitting) or a neck strap (for standing) to help support the instrument’s weight. The seat strap attaches to the bassoon’s boot, and when you’re sitting, it helps suspend the instrument comfortably between your legs.
Adjust the Seat Strap: Ensure the seat strap is adjusted so that the bassoon is held at the correct height. This allows your hands to rest comfortably on the keys and avoids unnecessary strain.
Hand and Finger Relaxation: Both hands should remain relaxed when holding the bassoon. Over-gripping the keys can lead to muscle tension and affect your playing. Your fingers should be positioned to play the keys without applying excess force.
4. Reed and Bocal Positioning
Proper placement of the reed and bocal is also critical for a good bassoon hold. The reed should be inserted into the bocal at a slight angle, and it should be firm but not overly tight. Make sure that the reed is not damaged or worn out, as this will affect your tone quality.
Bocal Angle: When playing the bassoon, the bocal should be positioned so that it aligns comfortably with your mouth. The angle should not force you to twist your head excessively to play.
Mouthpiece Positioning: The embouchure (the way you position your lips around the reed) should be relaxed but firm enough to create a steady airflow. It’s essential to avoid biting the reed, as this can affect sound production and cause unnecessary strain.
5. Breathing and Air Support
Breathing is a crucial part of holding and playing the bassoon. A proper breath will support your playing, especially given the bassoon’s lower pitch and the need for more air.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Make sure to breathe deeply from your diaphragm, not just your chest. Diaphragmatic breathing will provide more control over your airflow and give you the stamina to sustain notes for longer periods.
Breath Control: When holding the bassoon, ensure that your body remains relaxed so that you can breathe efficiently. Tension in the body will restrict airflow and make it more challenging to sustain a clean, consistent sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Holding the bassoon properly may feel difficult at first, but avoiding common mistakes will help you play with better comfort and technique:
Tightening Your Grip: Many beginners grip the bassoon too tightly, leading to tension in the hands and fingers. This can cause discomfort and even affect your tone production. Try to maintain a relaxed hold on the instrument.
Incorrect Posture: Hunching over the instrument or slouching in your chair can affect your airflow and sound quality. Always aim for an upright posture with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.
Overextending Your Fingers: If your fingers are too far from the keys, it can strain your hand muscles and lead to poor hand coordination. Keep your fingers comfortably curled over the keys, with your knuckles aligned with the bassoon’s body.
Conclusion
Holding the bassoon correctly is essential for both comfort and sound production. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your posture, hand positioning, and overall technique support optimal performance. It’s important to remember that the bassoon is a large and unique instrument, and learning to hold it properly takes time and practice. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your skills, mastering how to hold a bassoon is the first step toward playing this beautiful, resonant instrument with confidence and ease.
