Posted by Jay Bertolet on June 15, 2000 at 16:37:36:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Alternate fingerings posted by Nick Ford on June 15, 2000 at 12:28:49:
This note on Eb is traditionally one that causes trouble. The same is usually true on all of the other keys of tubas, as in F# on BBb and G# on CC, etc. The common mistake is to tighten the embouchure too much and overblow the note. It may help if you try to relax as much as possible and just blow the air and try to hit the absolute center of the pitch without any straining or force. Once you develop confidence and start to feel comfortable that you'll always hit the note, the tension will go away and you can start to explore being more aggressive with the volume. The thing to watch for as you turn up the volume is that you aren't blowing the pitch sharp. That is usually the first sign of trouble. I hope this helps!
My opinion for what its worth...