Posted by Matt Walters on June 12, 2002 at 07:28:38:
In Reply to: Alternate Fingerings posted by New F Tuba Player on June 12, 2002 at 06:15:37:
If you pulled the 3rd slide out to get the bottom line Ab (played 2&3) in tune, it should be more than long enough to play the D below the staff. Since this is a note that tends not to be centered on most (especially rotary) F tubas, the human tendency is to lip up to find a slot for the note. There is usally a more subtle slot (pitch center) that is flatter and closer to in tune. Drop your jaw and lip down just a little. It will be there. It just may feel squirrely at first. But soon you will learn to realx and just play your new horn. I suspect you are working too hard. This opinion is offered by someone who has been there and done that.
Matt