 The Fingering Forum
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Author: scratch
Date: 2004-11-18 06:18
I have never played in a band but have picked up the alto sax and mostly learn songs by ear. Don't know too much about scales. My question is if I am playing in the key of G, what key must a second sax be playing in?
Same question with the keys of F, C, Eb, & Bb?
Does any of this make sense?
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Author: Amanda
Date: 2004-11-19 02:53
If you're playing together, hopefully you're in the same key.
Maybe I don't understand.
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Author: scratch
Date: 2004-11-20 18:08
Thanks Amanda, It is probably me that doesn't understand. So if there is a second alto saxaphone is it then playing in the same key but at a different octave?
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Author: kaji
Date: 2004-11-21 23:41
it doesn't have to be in a different octave, but it can be. and yes, it has to be in the same key
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Author: scratch
Date: 2004-11-22 23:49
OK, that makes sense. What we are trying to do is harmonize with two saxes. I don't think that would be possible if both are playing at the same octave.
Thanks to all for your input.
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Author: Casalen
Date: 2004-11-27 03:34
Assuming your talking about two altos, then they have to be in the same key. Not the same notes though- a harmonic line is made by playing a third or fifth above the root, often interchanging. You count which note of the scale to decide what it is- the first note (G on a G dorian scale) is the root. Second is A, third is Bb. If you play G and your friend plays Bb, the sound is a harmonic minor (Dorian being a minor scale). The note would be B natural for a major scale.
The basis of this is chord progression. Each measure of a piece has its own chord progression that it is built on. A chord can be made from three notes- the root, third and fifth- from whatever chord that measure is on. You have to decide on that in order to play. Once you know the progression you can use the matching scale for each measure in order to improvise on it.
So, to summarize: a harmonic line is made by moving the notes to a third or fifth up, as it appears in the scale.
The difference with keys comes up when you have to transpose for different instruments- such as an Eb Alto playing different notes than a Bb tenor.
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Author: scratch
Date: 2004-11-27 14:58
Hey! thanks for the info. This is more of what I wanted to get out of my post. I once had a friend that played some tunes with me on the alto sax. He mentioned that he was playing in a different key, note or whatever the correct term would be. It sounded great! Unfortunately he moved out of town before I was able to pick his brain for more info. I play the guitar and your explanation sort of sounds similar to the way a chord is made up on it. Thanks again.
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