5 How to play the dizi : Making a sound

TL;DR

Key insights

Proper Mouth and Lip Shaping is Crucial for Sound Production

• The lips need to be shaped in a specific way, forming a small aperture.
• Compressing the lips slightly before placing the dizi's blowhole is key.
• The goal is to create a focused stream of air, not a broad one.

Strategic Placement of the Dizi's Blowhole

• The blowhole should be placed between the compressed lips.
• After initial placement, the dizi is rolled down so the hole faces directly outwards.
• Approximately one-third of the hole should be covered by the lower lip.

Airflow Control is Essential for a Sustained Tone

• Air should be directed partially into the blowhole and partially across it.
• Avoid blowing forcefully as if trying to faint; control is paramount.
• The size of the lip aperture should be as small as possible for optimal sound.

Cheek and Jaw Position Affect Sound Quality

• Cheeks should remain flat and tight, not puffed out.
• Incorrect cheek positioning leads to a poor or non-existent sound.
• Maintaining a firm jaw helps in controlling the embouchure.

Key moments

• 00:01Introduction to shaping the mouth and lips to create a sound.
• 00:26Demonstration of blowing air straight and slightly downwards, using paper as a visual aid.
• 00:58Explaining the importance of lip compression and blowhole placement.
• 01:44Describing the correct airflow: some air into the hole, some across it, and the need for a small lip aperture.
• 02:01Step-by-step demonstration of lip compression, blowhole placement, and rolling the dizi down.
• 02:42Highlighting incorrect techniques, such as puffed cheeks, and emphasizing the need for flat, tight cheeks.