How do you get a good tone on a saxophone?
Table of Contents
How do you get a good tone on a saxophone?
On Saxophone Tone:
- Bottom lip position is important. Think the word “Victory”, or the letter “F” to see how much (or little) bottom lip is placed over the bottom teeth.
- “Hot air plays the Saxophone; Cool air plays the Flute.”
- Keep your throat open – same way as when you burp – and push the warm air through.
How many hours a day did Coltrane practice?
Coltrane became fanatical about practicing and developing his craft, practicing “25 hours a day” according to Jimmy Heath.
What scales did John Coltrane use?
“Giant Steps”
| Chords | Scale | Change in scale |
|---|---|---|
| D7 → GMaj7 | G major | V-I |
| B♭7 → E♭Maj7 | E♭ major | V-I |
| Am7 → D7 → GMaj7 | G major | ii-V-I |
| B♭7 → E♭Maj7 | E♭ major | V-I |
Why does my sax sound bad?
Shift the mouthpiece forward slightly so that it’s not covering too much of the reed. If your saxophone is making quiet, muffled sounds, place the mouthpiece further into your mouth. If it sounds like you’re not getting enough air into your saxophone, you probably aren’t; covering more of the reed will help.
How do I get the air sound out of my saxophone?
Try placing your reed higher or lower on the mouthpiece, and see if that makes a difference. Also make sure that the sides of the reed are aligned with the sides of the flat section of the mouthpiece. Failing to do so will cause air to leak out of the mouthpiece.
What is the best way to start playing the saxophone?
Having a step-by-step systematic approach can make it less so. A logical and necessary first step is to feel comfortable playing all of your major scales. When I started studying saxophone privately back in the seventh grade, my teacher would have me run through all my major scales at the beginning of each lesson.
Why learn jazz saxophone in 12 keys?
Learning jazz exercises for the saxophone in 12 keys is a necessary part of becoming a successful jazz musician. The above examples are uninspired, but they are the first step of a step-by-step systematic approach that will ultimately lead to success as a jazz improviser and a musician.
Should you run through jazz exercises on a tune?
Running through basic jazz exercises for the saxophone on a tune may sound uncreative, unoriginal, and frankly, boring. But, this is the way improvising begins. As you learn more complicated exercises, your playing will begin to sound better and better. Even professional jazz musicians run exercises through tunes.
Why is virtuosity important in jazz music?
During the 1940s, the Bebop Era in jazz history, virtuosity became an important and necessary part of being a jazz musician. Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and their contemporaries started the trend of learning tunes such as the blues, rhythm changes, and “Cherokee” in all 12 keys. This has become ingrained in the tradition of jazz.