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Links Tips for Reed Players What strength of reed should I use? When should I change reed-strength? How do I clean my mouthpiece? Tips for Guitarists When should I change my strings? Which picks are best? What sort of strap should I use? Do I need a guitar case? I am left-handed... Piano-Accordion Tuition

Mia answers questions… What strength of reed should I use?  Reeds come in varying thicknesses, either numbered (1 to 3 ½ - or even 4 for masochists!) or as soft, medium-soft, etc., up to hard. The strength you choose will relate directly to the strength of your embouchure. Children will need to use a softer reed for a longer period of time; adults will soon progress to harder reeds, although they may need to start on, say, a 1 ½ . How can you tell when you are ready to change? To check if your reed really is too soft for you, try moving the ligature closer to the tip. If this helps, you may need a heavier reed. Conversely, if you find your reed difficult with a “normal” ligature position, but easier with the ligature moved down, your reed may – for now – be too heavier for you. You can then either go to a softer reed, or persevere… Remember, you will almost certainly get a richer sound with a harder reed. How do I clean my mouthpiece? Obviously, you need to pull-through your mouthpiece when you have finished playing. However, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough clean every few weeks. Soak it in baby-bottle sterilizing solution (remembering, for clarinet mouthpieces to keep the cork out of the liquid) and give it a scrub with a small brush – a baby-sized toothbrush is ideal. Rinse and dry it before replacing on your instrument. Arthur answers questions… When should I change my guitar strings? Guitar strings are coated with protective metals which are quite thin. The fluid and acids from your skin will wear it away eventually and the strings begin to sound dull. If your strings say “thung” instead of “dang” it is time to think about changing them. Broken strings. A broken string must be replaced at once, of course. If the other strings are “dull” then it is best to change the lot, if you can afford it, because there is a danger that the new string will boom; i.e. it may ring louder than the others and produce an unbalanced sound. If the other strings are in good condition, then just replace the broken one. Which picks are best? Soft ones or hard ones? This depends on how much ‘lead guitar’ you are playing. if your playing includes lots of ,twiddly bits’ your pick needs to be quite hard. Very soft picks are used mainly for strumming block chords where there is little need for control over single strings. In the main, I would go for medium hard, whatever style you play. What sort of strap should I use? Guitar straps come in many shapes, sizes and designs. I always find that a wide strap is better than a narrow one, since a narrow strap could cut into your shoulder and be uncomfortable. Leather straps are usually excellent but may prove to be a little stiff, whereas nylon straps (the ones that look a bit like car seat belts) are generally much more comfortable but, being softer, can get a bit twisted when you’re not wearing your guitar. N.B. Beware of wearing your guitar too low. If you’re left wrist cannot come up underneath the guitar neck properly then you will be restricting your playing ability. Ask yourself this question: do I want to look super cool, or do I want to play super cool? So why do they make guitar straps so long then? Guitar straps are very long because some people are very long … or wide, or round. Do I need a guitar case? You most certainly do! A hard case is best, but if you can’t afford one a soft case will do. The case protects the instrument from damp, high and low temperature, humidity, bumps and scratches, and helps to maintain good tuning. I’m left-handed. Do I need a left-handed guitar? A resounding NO! There are many left-handed people in the world, who have no trouble at all driving a normal car or riding a normal bicycle. There is no such thing as a left-handed piano but there are many excellent left-handed pianists. The same goes for saxophones, trombones, clarinets, flutes… If you learn to play a left-handed guitar, this is what will happen: When you wish to buy an instrument you won’t have much to choose from. When you wish to sell an instrument, hardly anyone will want to buy it. You will not be able to play a right-handed (normal) guitar … what a waste! Piano-Accordion Tuition by Steve Roxton From ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS  to ACCOMPLISHED PLAYERS Enquiries: steve@steveroxton.co.uk or tel: 01534 758392 or visit website: www.steveroxton.co.uk Note: Photos by Margaret Roxton © 2007 A Parkes & M Mannion