Bellows exercises

[Peter G]

Hi guys
Following the rather drifty thread about exercises it seems they are all about dexterity (i.e. fingers). I feel that my bellows use holds me back more than simply getting the fingers on the notes - trying to get a smooth change from bellows reversal on the same button - (I Am pressing it twice - honest!) without sounding like a pipe band (or mushy at least)is areal challenge. Any exercises to help improve would be gratefully accepted. I'm working on the football analogy that to be good at football you have to train and develop specific skills - playing football isn't enough if you want to progress rapidly. e.g. Beckham spent countless hours practising free kicks - he didn't develop the skill by playing football in the park with his mates! presumably the same applies to John Terry but unfortunately nobody taught him how to control his libido!
Pete
 

[Rob2Hook]

There is a kind of sweet spot for each player where the reversal is easiest.  It must be that this is where your arms and wrists are most efficient and powerful.  I find for me it is between half open and quarter open - it is much more difficult to get complete control any further open, I have to throw my shoulders into it.  When learning any tune that involves rapid reversals, I look to stay within this range by noting where I can use the air button.

Rob.

[Chris Ryall]

• Hold a single note right hand. play it quietly  Wiggle fingers of left hand and experimant with the tremelo produced
• Stop right hand to a single reed if you can (ie dry as possible). Play a note loud, Now try and fade it to nothing, all under full control
• Practice slipping the air button without altering volume. Now slip it and let the volume change
• Use said techniques on a tune like Fieldtown Shepherd's Hay (aka Signposts) - played as a slow air right hand only - but modulated by the left

[Peter G]

Thanks Rob; will note that ; Chris I'll give that a go
Thanks