 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Klee
Date: 2004-09-29 02:20
Hey, I play clarinet (have for 4+ years) and am and average/good player at the hs level. My band teacher just asked me to switch to tenor sax, just for jazz band, and I said I would try my best. I know that the scales and the fingerings are the same (to an extent) on the tenor and the clarinet. Is there anything else I should know? Thanks!
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Author: Flute 1
Date: 2004-09-29 07:04
When playing the Tenor Saxophone always remember that the embrosure is looser than it is on Clarinet.This may take a little getting used to.. I recommend playing 30 minutes on Sax and then pick up your clarinet and then practice or vise versa.. this will help you get used to the different embrosures and the all around feel of the instruments.. I hope this helps
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Author: steve
Date: 2004-09-29 17:17
I think the only big problem you may have is the amount of air that a tenor needs.
You should have good airsupport, fingers are relatively the same, or easier really.
Of course, it is a larger mouthpiece & reed. The embouchure normally isn't so tight as a clarinet emb. Also the mpc comes in at a more horizontal angle than the clarinets more vertical angle.
many sax players who double on the clarinet say the clarinet emb is like an iron jaw .. so be prepared to loosen up quite a bit.
Once you try it you'll see how to correct things.
You may have more fun too
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Author: Eoin McAuley (Gnomon)
Date: 2004-09-29 19:43
You'll have no problem with the high notes but will find it hard to get the low notes. The clarinet uses the same rock-hard embouchure for all notes, but in the saxophone you have to change your embouchure as you move up and down the scale. For the lowest notes, you have to drop your jaw and make the embouchure very loose.
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Author: Theboy_2
Date: 2004-09-29 21:54
remember the letter O. that'll be your favourite letter while playing sax, if it isn't then make it! your embouchure should be in a O shape, not the "ew" shape like a clarinet. this will make lower notes come out easier, and give a much better tone all around. hope this helps.
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Author: Klee
Date: 2004-10-05 02:27
THANKS TONS YOU GUYS!! I've been very successfull at learning the sax. You are soo right, the embrochure is soo different! Wow! I'm getting used to it now though. I've learned a few songs now and will be starting before school jazz band tomorrow. I'm actually having fun with my sax now, I can make it "go"! Thanks bumches for all your wonderful tips!
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Author: Julie
Date: 2004-10-07 01:33
I just recently switched from clairinet to baritone saxophone, and love it. There are 2 other girls in my band that are making the transition from clairinet to tenor sax. I learned how to play my sax in 1 week of alot of practice and have become very profficient. Swithcing fingering is rather easy, the tone difference is the problem. THe emborchure is different and is the biggest transition. Other than that it is a very fun intrument!
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Author: Bass Clarinet Babe
Date: 2005-10-09 19:26
To get used to the amount of air a tenor sax takes, try playing the Bass Clarinet a little bit, the fingerings are the same mostly and you can get used to the weight of the insrtument as well. Hope this helps.
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