 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Koda
Date: 2003-12-04 04:16
I've been a drummer for about 8 years, and I'm just beginging to learn how to play the alto sax. I have a love for good jazz so I want to learn an instrument that will get me slightly farther than just percussion. Does anyone have any tips, or advice that can help me out as I begin learning this new instrument. Your fingering charts really helped. I would greatly appreciate any comments you have to give. Thank You!
- Koda
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Author: Gnomon
Date: 2003-12-04 07:56
If you're teaching yourself, it is very important that you learn to 'tongue'. Many people start each note by opening their throat with a clicking sound, in the same way that we speak. Try saying the letter a over and over: a a a a a. Note how your throat constricts and cuts off the air between each a. Now say "ay-ay-ay-ay-ay" (all one word without breaks). See the difference? It is vitally important that you don't close your throat like this when playing the sax. The stream of air must be continuous from your throat. THe notes are started and stopped by putting your tongue against the reed. This seems strange at first, but you have to learn it.
Not tonguing is the number 1 bad habit of sax and clarinet players. They all inevitably have to re-learn how to play the instrument once it is discovered they are doing this.
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