 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Ned
Date: 2005-02-15 23:59
I just got a new alto sax two days ago and want to know the proper way to start. It seems all I get is air and a few sounds now and then. I've put my bottom lip over my teeth as instrucred but still have trouble producing consistent sound. Any ideas?
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Author: Jon
Date: 2005-02-16 15:52
hay
I'de recommend a instructor. But if that isnt possible use these tips.
-make your embechure (your lips) to make a seal around the mouthpiece
-have even pressure all around the mouthpiece (like if it was a rubber band
-open the back of the throuaght and bblow a lot of air. in larfge amounts no so m uch as speed.
-listen and run scales until your dead
hope this helps its only a few but it will get you started.
Jon
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Author: Theboy_2
Date: 2005-02-17 00:09
some of those tips are really good. do run scales, and as many as you can. add scales that have sharps and flats. a good embouchure is key, but, do not make it so tight that it effects the reed vibration. if it's to tight, you'll squeek. blowing air is good to do, but speed is the key, not the amount. if you huff into your instrument, you'll get a loud out of tune note that sounds horrible. try and make your air a constant stream of air, and quick similar to a cat's hiss. hope this helps.
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Author: Hannalee
Date: 2005-02-17 00:22
if your having trouble getting a sound when just begining i do have to say you probably need an instructor...
really...i think the hints from jon and theboy2 are good ones but you need to learn how to play completely properly because if you learn wrong it will take longer to relearn how to play if you ever do.
if an instructor is completely out of the question...they have sites on the net for people just starting and they are usually pretty detailed..
sorry if this sounds pushy-
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Author: Fiona
Date: 2005-03-06 13:16
Me too. I got my Alto Sax last week
Bought a Clarinet last year but didn't get on with it for the same reason - all I could get if I was lucky was a squeak. Ended up with a sore lip, a lot of frustration and my teenage son subsequently laid claim to the Clarinet (picked it up and blew perfect notes from the start!!!)
Secret with the Alto Sax is to RELAX. Don't bite on the mouthpiece (that was the mistake I made with the Clarinet), and don't curl your bottom lip in so far. Just gently.
Also make sure the mouthpiece is level with your mouth - let the neck strap take the weight. I was amazed and delighted when I managed to play a scale up and down within 20 minutes of taking the Sax out of its case
Above all, please don't get disheartened. Learning a new instrument takes a lot of time and patience (and frustration too from time to time).
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Author: Kim
Date: 2005-03-26 03:11
I'm not to sure how to play an alto sax, because I play the flute. When I started playing it was easier forme, because my older sister knew how to play. All I know is to practice, practice, practice. If no one told you, just try blowing in the mouth piece, that's how it was for flute. To give you a head start once you get used to playing, try to say ta while playing, it's called tougning your notes. And when you've been playing for a few years, take my Band teacher's saying to thought " count, count, count, count, count, and if you forget COUNT! Hope everything works out, and stick with your instrument, don't quit, it's all worth it!
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