Forum of the Saxes

musicalprodigy · Joined: 03 Aug 2005 Posts: 119

While I play i have problems in biting into my bottom lip. i know this is bad, but i want to know how to fix it.

JPSaxMan · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:20 am Post subject:

Change your embouchure.

Form your lips like you're saying 'ooo' and rest the mouthpiece on that. This is called the ooo embouchure and it's the now accepted saxophone embouchure. You still might have a bit of the biting problem (I do after a while even with the ooo), but over time you'll become acquainted with it (I hope).
_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

wolfmaiden · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 13

I had this problem too, for a couple of months - but getting a chopped liver lip is indicative of a weak embouchure - you shouldn't bite (plus the fact, that biting makes you go sharp!).
You need to develop your embouchure 'wheel' muscles - get 'The Art Of Saxophone' by Larry Teal (my local library had one) and he explains how to train and relax your embouchure. The weaker your muscles are, the more you will bite - I notice this when I'm tired after playing for a long time - the answer is to take a break)
Also, play more frequently but for shorter periods of time i.e. 20 minutes 4-5 times a day and STOP when you start getting sore - pain means you're doing something wrong and you could really wreck your lip. However, aching around the mouth muscles is good - it's like weight lifting, you're using muscles you've underutilized before, so slowly gently is the key.......it'll come.
Also check what size opening your mouthpiece has, and what strength reed your using. Maybe stepping down a notch (i.e. from a '3' to a '2.5' would help with the biting)