Forum of the Saxes

JPSaxMan · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:45 am Post subject: Tricks used in improv

What kind of 'spices' do you guys use in improvisational solos?

My favorite spice is the growl. I'll usually growl more towards the end or right at the beginning. Another favorite is a few bends here and there. But of course my all-time hero spice is fun! Without some soul and without some enthusiasm, my improv goes down-hill (ask the judges from Music in the Parks at Dorney Park last weekend).

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

CMelodyMan · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:01 am Post subject: Tricks used in improv

I use growling, fluttertonguing, and vibrato.

altosaxgeek5 · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:42 pm Post subject:

Fluttertonguing, growling a bit, vibrato, and what I call the David Sanborn trick: Repeat a singler note over and over in rhythm... you hear him do that a lot on his last two cds..
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Smile

Antigua Winds 520-LQ Alto Sax

JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 10:17 am Post subject:

Gotta ask you guys sumtin...

Do you ever do altissimo notes (like F, F# typical max-out, G, A, and up)?

I've been doing altissimo G on my alto a lot and most times the note growls on it's own...is that a good thing? Most of the time I can get it to come out clear, but sometimes it just does that...still in tune and all that...just growls...maybe I'll record it and let you listen Confused

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

CMelodyMan · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject:

When I remember the altissimo fingerings I use them, but most of the time I firget them so I don't use them that much in improv. I think your sax is gargling, try tightening your embouchere and see if that helps.
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 1:15 pm Post subject:

Then the note cuts out because I'm cutting off the airflow...I usually do something different (don't know exactly what it is) to make sure it comes out clear...but I kinda like that growly sound I get...lemme record it so you can hear it.
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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

CMelodyMan · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 1:59 pm Post subject:

Yeah I wanna hear it. I think I know what you're talkin' about, but I'm not sure. If you're talking about what I think you are, it does sound cool but it's not growling.
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

Bleeding Gums Murphy · Guest

I use a lot of vibrato, subtone, some smearing/bending, a tiny bit of growling (I play alto), and a lot of altissimo. It's always fun to see the audience's faces when you come off a nice ascending blues riff into a seemingly endless upward bend Cool

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CMelodyMan · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:03 pm Post subject:

MySaxMax · Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 22

how exactly do you fluttertongue? and growling... any tips on producing a really good growl?

CMelodyMan · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:17 am Post subject: Re: fluttertonguing?

altosaxgeek5 · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:23 am Post subject:

I learned to fluttertongue quickly, but I'm still trying to get down my growling. Another thing, for growling: You can't hum the same note you're playing. And when fluttertonguing, I've heard you're not supposed to trill the tongue against the reed, but behind it.
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Antigua Winds 520-LQ Alto Sax

MySaxMax · Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 22

OK, I think I have the fluttertonguing well enough that I'll be able to practice it more and improve... but... I can't seem to growl... sing or hum while playing? I haven't been able to do that, do you have any ideas about that?