Forum of the Saxes

REX TREMENDE · Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

Hi All,

I've been playing the alto on and off for about 18 years and this time around I want to spend a great deal of focus on making the best tone possible. I wanted to hear from everyone who has something to say about developing a technique and practice regimen for superb tone.

Thanks!

JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 8:31 pm Post subject:

As I am still developing a perfectly solid tone, I've been working more with long tones recently. I'm sure you know what these are (if you don't holler). Long tones and scales and arpeggios and altissimo and vibrato exercises really help in tone.

I am no expert b/c I too am still learning but that's what I do Cool

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

REX TREMENDE · Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks for the advice!

Thomas · Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 223 Location: Alberta, Canada

Everything JP said. Razz

Also, I find that a really indispensable tool for improving your technique is practicing slowly. Not just a bit slower than usual, but outrageously slow. I usually spend at least half an hour per day practicing all my major/minor scales + thirds at no more than 60 BPM.

If you can play something slowly, you can play it fast - that's what my teachers always tell me. It really does work. I have a university audition coming up in a week and a half, and all I do now is practice my audition pieces (and all my scales) so slowly that I feel like I'm going to explode!

Despite how impatient you may feel from practicing like this, it helps your technique immeasurably. Like one of my teachers said, "Never practice anything incorrectly." By practicing slowly enough, you ensure that you always learn something right the first time, and don't have to work out bad habits afterwards. Plus, you can incorporate vibrato and long tones exercises into this method of practice.

Edit: I had to reschedule my audition, so I have an extra 2 weeks to practice for it! Cool

_________________
Thomas Hay
Sax player, music student, composer, Finale user, and part-time slacker/procrastinator.

dshack · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 5

I've been experimenting recently with paying a lot of attention to my embouchure while I play. I'll stand in front of a mirror and look at how my lip and teeth are placed under the reed, and figure out how changing their position changes my sound. A 'natural-feeling' embouchure is pretty trustworthy, but try adjusting it and seeing how it affects your tone.

jules · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 63 Location: brighton- uk

GAS_Wyoming · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 84 Location: Gillette, WY

I agree with all...however, the last point has been especially important for me lately. Play slowly into a tuner.

Having just received 2 new horns, I've had some adjusting to do. It's really been an eduction on my tenor due to the intonation problems with my previous horn (a Bundy/Selmer). I didn't have much adjustment to do on the alto...had a good one before. (PS...it's for sale!).

Long tones, all the scales, not just the major/minor. Learn 'em all. They come in handy when you're looking for something different to play while improvising!
_________________
Greg Smith
Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bari - Whatever the band will let me play!