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Air Pocket in Bottom lip
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 5:26 pm
by evanbone1
So ive noticed that when I play, i gain an air pocket in my bottom lip. I think inside of the mouthpiece and possibly a little on the outside too. I think its because i buzz with both lips instead of buzzing with the top lip on the bottom one? Im not entirely sure, please help. Thanks!
Re: Air Pocket in Bottom lip
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 1:18 am
by Slidennis
I think air pockets are not a problem in itself.
As long as there is no leakage of air from the lips outside of the mpc.
Both lips should buzz, even if the one that is over the other will buzz a bit more, ie the upper lip for downward air stream players, and the lower lip for upward air player.
I saw that in the low register both lips are buzzing more evenly, while, in my case, for the high register my upper lip buzz much more than my lower which gives a maximum of support.
A good teacher will be of much help with any real issue there can be with your embouchure !
Re: Air Pocket in Bottom lip
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 11:02 am
by Kbiggs
If you’re not able to find a teacher in your area who can help with this, you might contact Doug Elliott (a moderator here on TC) or David Wilkin (wilktone here on TC, a frequent contributor). Both have a lot of experience diagnosing and recommending adjustments for embouchure problems.
Re: Air Pocket in Bottom lip
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 11:38 am
by AndrewMeronek
Although one lip or the other could be considered more "primary", you will ALWAYS have both lips buzz. It's physically impossible to have otherwise if you're buzzing at all.
The usual advice for this (which is pretty good) is to play in front of a mirror, and focus on "pointing the chin". For myself, I don't deliberate do this when I play; I think my chin remains fairly neutral. But this exercise is good to practice getting control over these muscles; it's part of the process of gaining control so you can relax in your face what doesn't need to be stressed and keep working the right muscles. Air pockets underneath your lips is a sign of something being out of balance.