Neil McGovern
Neil McGovern
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Playing a lead vocal line on sax
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Golden Lady’ is a great tune to play on sax and can be approached with a degree of creativity that emulates the interesting aspects of a lead vocal line. Obviously vocalists have the advantage of using a wide variety of vowels and consonants contained in the lyrics which present a good deal of interest. On sax we can use micro dynamics, vibrato, lip slurs, rhythmic displacement and numerous other techniques to maintain variety in the lead line. Here is one approach using this famous song as an example.
Переглядів: 671

Відео

Promenade - John Reeman ABRSM A2 Grade 1 saxophone playalong
Переглядів 714 місяці тому
Here is a playalong video for the A2 piece on the ABRSM Grade 1 saxophone syllabus. I play the piece first at a slower speed then at the marked tempo. Try to play along and follow how it goes. In the middle there is a slight slowing down so you will hear me depart from the metronome’s pulse at that point. I didn’t mention in the video that the piece sounds quite unusual when played with the pia...
Quick Study/Sight Reading Grade 5 Jazz Alto Sax ABRSM playalong
Переглядів 904 місяці тому
Here are the six example Quick Studies from the ABRSM Grade 5 Quick Study and Aural book to hear how they go. Remember that there is also a four bar improvisation after playing the written material. There is also the option to play the Quick Studies by ear should you wish. This part of the exam like the normal ABRSM exams is worth 21 marks. They do contain a variety of rhythms so be sure to do ...
Grade 5 ABRSM Jazz Alto Sax scales playalong
Переглядів 1255 місяців тому
Here is a video for you to play along with as you learn the scales for ABRSM jazz alto sax Grade 5. I play through them all here with a metronome. Check if you’re getting the notes right and feel free to slow the video down if it’s a bit fast for you at the moment. For more about lessons and performances please see my website: neilmcgovern.weebly.com #saxophone #saxophonists #saxophonelife #sax...
Swan Song B3 ABRSM Grade 3 saxophone playalong
Переглядів 1675 місяців тому
Here is a play-along video for Swan Song, the B3 piece for ABRSM Grade 3 saxophone. I play it here at a couple of tempos to help you learn the piece whatever stage you are at. For more information about me please see my website: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
Book recommendation: Londeix - Playing the Saxophone
Переглядів 1046 місяців тому
Jean-Marie Londeix wrote a fantastic book, Playing the Saxophone Book 2. This video describes why I think it is worth using in your practice. For more information about me, please see my website: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
America - Bernstein ABRSM Grade 3 Alto Sax C1 playalong
Переглядів 2937 місяців тому
Here is a playalong video for America from West Side Story by Bernstein. I play the piece at a couple of tempos and try to tap out the unusual pulse with my foot so you can get the feel for it. This piece on the ABRSM Grade 3 syllabus for alto sax. If you would like more information please see my website: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
All Because of You - Karen Street ABRSM Grade 5 (B3) saxophone playalong
Переглядів 1707 місяців тому
Here I play a slightly reduced tempo version of Karen Street’s ‘All Because of You’ which is B3 on the ABRSM Grade 5 saxophone syllabus. Play along with me to check that you are getting all the notes and rhythms right. I’m counting the rests so it should give you an accurate idea of how it feels to play. For more information, please see my website: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
Sight Reading practice exercises Grade 1 ABRSM saxophone
Переглядів 928 місяців тому
In this video I play through the ABRSM Grade 1 sight reading exercises. One of the difficulties with practicing sight reading is that you may not know whether you played a given piece correctly. By playing along with this video you can get instant feedback and hear how accurate your attempt is. Pause the video between exercises to give yourself time to prepare for each one. Remember to note the...
ABRSM Grade 1 Jazz Alto Sax - Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t (Ma’ Baby)
Переглядів 135Рік тому
Here is a version of great Louis Jordan number from the ABRSM Grade 1 Jazz Alto Sax syllabus. I play it here at full tempo then at a slightly slower speed. There also some piano chords for you to improvise over when it comes to the solo. Hope the helps. For more see: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
Las Vegas Tango ABRSM Jazz Alto Sax Grade 1 playalong slow speed
Переглядів 222Рік тому
Try playing along with this ABRSM Grade 1 jazz piece by Gil Evans. I play it here at a slower tempo because a number of students find this tricky to start with. Once you’ve got it then you can use the official backing track with and without the sax which will give you a good feel for the groove. For more information about me see: neilmcgovern.weebly.com
Jazz phrasing on sax
Переглядів 282Рік тому
Jazz phrasing on sax
Jazz improvisation: triad pairs
Переглядів 444Рік тому
When improvising, an alternative to change running or playing scales is triad pairing. This is where you take two triads and play them in an alternating pattern, possibly changing direction as you work your way round the horn. Experiment with different combinations of major, minor, diminished and augmented triads to see which ones work together the best for you and think about how they might fi...
ABRSM Grade 2 alto saxophone All Because of You
Переглядів 124Рік тому
In this video I play All Because of You by Karen Street on alto sax with a metronome. You can use this to play along with so you get used to the notes and rhythms. I’ve also provided a slower version for those of you still struggling to get you let fingers round it. Be careful to be as accurate as possible, ABRSM do seem to prioritise that over a beautiful tone, at least with a number of the ex...
Performance Advice: how to improve your musical presence in performances
Переглядів 109Рік тому
Very often performances go wrong sometimes a little bit, rarely a lot. Whatever happens, at the end of a performance, smile, bow and look confident, even if internally you feel completely devastated by how you played. It is unlikely that the audience were as aware of the flaws as you, in fact they may have no idea. Don’t give the game away by looking awkward, sad, disappointed or uncomfortable ...
ABRSM Grade 2 alto saxophone Bare Necessities
Переглядів 243Рік тому
ABRSM Grade 2 alto saxophone Bare Necessities
ABRSM Grade 2 alto saxophone Jupiter
Переглядів 139Рік тому
ABRSM Grade 2 alto saxophone Jupiter
Are you a loud or soft saxophone player?
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Are you a loud or soft saxophone player?
Saxophone ligature tightness
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
Saxophone ligature tightness
Saxophone Vibrato
Переглядів 848Рік тому
Saxophone Vibrato
Putting sax reeds away properly
Переглядів 129Рік тому
Putting sax reeds away properly
Avoiding unwanted buzz on sax
Переглядів 2 тис.Рік тому
Avoiding unwanted buzz on sax
Avoiding beginners’ scoop on sax
Переглядів 469Рік тому
Avoiding beginners’ scoop on sax
Saxophone Warm Up
Переглядів 467Рік тому
Saxophone Warm Up
Playing in a big band sax section
Переглядів 337Рік тому
Playing in a big band sax section
Improving your baritone saxophone tone
Переглядів 3,1 тис.Рік тому
Improving your baritone saxophone tone
Organising and rating your saxophone reeds
Переглядів 128Рік тому
Organising and rating your saxophone reeds
Your first overtone on saxophone
Переглядів 421Рік тому
Your first overtone on saxophone
2 tips to improve your tonguing speed on saxophone
Переглядів 281Рік тому
2 tips to improve your tonguing speed on saxophone
Saxophone Tuning Chart
Переглядів 359Рік тому
Saxophone Tuning Chart

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @rawcopper604
    @rawcopper604 11 годин тому

    Thank You. This piece's rhythm is quite hard and this video has been especially helpful to me.

  • @romanyoutube3141
    @romanyoutube3141 9 днів тому

    Wow. Worked first try. Every other tutorial failed and this one worked flawlessly. Thx.

  • @johnsullivan8104
    @johnsullivan8104 11 днів тому

    How do you stop an airy sound on your saxophone?

  • @mr.ironic95
    @mr.ironic95 25 днів тому

    I march tenor and play bari for concert band, this helped my tone a lot!

  • @Jaujau933
    @Jaujau933 Місяць тому

    👍 Great thanks from 🇩🇪

  • @eugenwall7908
    @eugenwall7908 2 місяці тому

    Cool Mouthpiece.....what Tipopening du you use....and Reed ? Thanks..

  • @eugenwall7908
    @eugenwall7908 2 місяці тому

    Nice Mouthpiece....great sound....which Mouthpiece is it ....reed ?

  • @eugenwall7908
    @eugenwall7908 2 місяці тому

    Cool sound ! Which Mouthpiece and reed you use in this video ?

  • @Istanbul661
    @Istanbul661 2 місяці тому

    In alto sax. If we press which keys, the octave crook key does not go up?

    • @neilmcgovern8917
      @neilmcgovern8917 2 місяці тому

      The G key, or finger 3 on the left hand toggles the octave key from the crook one opening to the other.

    • @Istanbul661
      @Istanbul661 2 місяці тому

      @@neilmcgovern8917 That is, if we press any key other than the G key along with the octave key, the octave crook key will go up and there is no obstacle?.

  • @sajidreshamwala5570
    @sajidreshamwala5570 3 місяці тому

    Fantastic vid! Q: When practicing your lower notes (e.g. low b flat) do you practice these notes legato e.g. without your tongue? Thanks for reading my q!

  • @ricardoparedes3656
    @ricardoparedes3656 3 місяці тому

    This is exactly the type of video I was looking for. Already having training, just needed something to the point. Thanks!

  • @Q-ns8zc
    @Q-ns8zc 3 місяці тому

    OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

  • @Osnosis
    @Osnosis 4 місяці тому

    G# is just regular G in the LH, and side C. A is just venting the G# by lifting the LH index finger (and possibly releasing the side-C for tuning). Bb is lifting the middle finger LH (again with the side-C up/down for tuning).

  • @abimael925
    @abimael925 5 місяців тому

    HERE BRAZIL. I SUFFERING WHIT THIS G#-------- YOU DO NOT HAND RIGHT, I LEARNED HAND LEFT, WITH YOUR PRATICE. GOD BLESS YOU.

    • @abimael925
      @abimael925 5 місяців тому

      you teach hand left, and no teach hand right. WHY?

  • @michaelharvey5138
    @michaelharvey5138 5 місяців тому

    Great little video..easy to understand…

  • @Saxtoo
    @Saxtoo 5 місяців тому

    I always find that if you extend your lower jaw just a little more than normal, (think of a Neanderthal, then you get the picture!) then attack the altissimo notes more with an air punch they pop out from the ether! 🎶🎷🦆💨

  • @chiemenaukazim3829
    @chiemenaukazim3829 5 місяців тому

    You just unlocked something for me. I thank you.

  • @nkbrightwell2429
    @nkbrightwell2429 5 місяців тому

    My sax does not have the high f sharp key

    • @JosephSalinas-r4r
      @JosephSalinas-r4r 3 місяці тому

      Mine doesn't either...King Super 20 alto😮😊

  • @thegreatnetheritehoe9052
    @thegreatnetheritehoe9052 6 місяців тому

    I am always interested in different fingerings for these high altissimo notes I will definitely try these

  • @Jaujau933
    @Jaujau933 6 місяців тому

    Thats how our kettle sounds when the water is boiling 😂

  • @Jaujau933
    @Jaujau933 6 місяців тому

    A very "long winded" explanation 🙄

  • @jillytiffen6305
    @jillytiffen6305 7 місяців тому

    😁👍👏👏

  • @op14435
    @op14435 7 місяців тому

    If i go from high A to G, the side octave doesnt automatically open and i cant get a good sound because the side octave doesn't open. Why is that? I have to press again to open it. And its a new yamaha ex 875

  • @recorderlady8564
    @recorderlady8564 7 місяців тому

    Love this!

  • @Embricksofficial
    @Embricksofficial 7 місяців тому

    Tank you very much, I treid it with many other methods, and couldn't do that, but with yours I played it the first time and it sounds great. Thank you very much ❤

  • @marcusdickerson3016
    @marcusdickerson3016 7 місяців тому

    hello, send me some info and I will send you a Dickerson Resonator Ligature for review on your UA-cam channel thanks

    • @neilmcgovern8917
      @neilmcgovern8917 7 місяців тому

      Thank you, that sounds interesting. Contact me via my website or email me at neil.mcgovern @ gmail.com

  • @recorderlady8564
    @recorderlady8564 7 місяців тому

    👏👏👏👏👏

  • @qmanhill77
    @qmanhill77 8 місяців тому

    Can't wait to try this out

  • @CPEddieChou
    @CPEddieChou 8 місяців тому

    Thanks a lot, lucky me finding this video. I sent message asking my teacher this morning, but he did not reply me.

  • @xyzlmnop5206
    @xyzlmnop5206 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for this. Made very simple without all the other theory jumbled in.

  • @Riffer19
    @Riffer19 8 місяців тому

    you just saved me after months of trying to do the altissimo g on little bit!

  • @MeehanSax
    @MeehanSax 10 місяців тому

    YO this is the first time I’ve heard anyone successfully replicate this sound I heard from Leo P!! The Better Sax channel got pretty close, but not it, YOU have it!

  • @thomaskipfer1008
    @thomaskipfer1008 11 місяців тому

    I’m trying it. Years ago I changed and went to Louis Francois lig, my low notes came to life. I never went back! These tips are invaluable! I’m in gratitude!

  • @marcusdickerson3016
    @marcusdickerson3016 11 місяців тому

    You should review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature - it's a ligature & resonator combined.

  • @GardensoftheAncientsHerbal

    I tighten it all the way till it’s almost too tight then loosen it slightly

  • @unclemick-synths
    @unclemick-synths Рік тому

    Good demo 👍

  • @vivianastridge2167
    @vivianastridge2167 Рік тому

    What is the best position of the reed for subtoning?

  • @wyndhl8309
    @wyndhl8309 Рік тому

    U.K. crochets: 1/4 notes? b5, #11 Maj. 3rd...wah'ow! U.K quavers: 1/8 notes? Swing • Syncopation • Off beat Emphasis • Accent Excellent tutorial 👌 👍 👏 😀 From U.S. with ❤️ Thanks

  • @joseroelgarza6361
    @joseroelgarza6361 Рік тому

    Thank you teacher👏

  • @thirstnhowliv9740
    @thirstnhowliv9740 Рік тому

    Players who make a habit of putting the ligature on, after the reed has been placed upon the mouthpiece table, as seen @ 0:47, will eventually chip a corner of the reed as they slide the ligature over the reed. It happens quite often with particularly young students, whose fine motor skills may be a little underdeveloped or those who are otherwise distracted or in a hurry to get the reed on. Secondly, the reed placement will invariably shift as one fiddles with getting the ligature on over the reed/mouthpiece set-up, which only results in forcing the player to readjust again after the ligature has been put in place... so it also wastes time as well. The best way to avoid needlessly chipping away at your prized reeds, is to simply place the reed on the mouthpiece table, through the ligature, which is already placed LOOSELY, around the mouthpiece. Then, tighten the ligature ONCE, after the desired reed placement is achieved. - Change my mind

    • @neilmcgovern8917
      @neilmcgovern8917 Рік тому

      Thanks for the interesting comment. I haven’t chipped any reeds that way for decades but you’re right, it might well be a problem for

  • @tidnid1869
    @tidnid1869 Рік тому

    Thanks for having the tuner at the corner, very helpful

  • @enoffz8021
    @enoffz8021 Рік тому

    I've used these same fingerings for years. Continue this up to higher to harmonics of those fingerings for even more range.

  • @enoffz8021
    @enoffz8021 Рік тому

    Even without special fingerings, here is up to an octave and a whole step higher using only low A harmonics. (on a baritone sax) ua-cam.com/video/9hCc3H8Jjtw/v-deo.html

    • @enoffz8021
      @enoffz8021 Рік тому

      Playing harmonics teaches how to control the embouchre and breath to get the desired pitch. A fingering alone might not do that.

    • @enoffz8021
      @enoffz8021 Рік тому

      I do often use palm key fingerings like he does. They are also harmonics.

  • @recorderlady8564
    @recorderlady8564 Рік тому

    🎉🎉🎉

  • @daniel_moretti
    @daniel_moretti Рік тому

    I wonder if you have tips on how to play soft? When playing in the upper register esp. the palm keys, I find I have to blow pretty hard. Thanks so much.

  • @Njderig
    @Njderig Рік тому

    Nice explanation but I’m having trouble getting anything above a altissimo C. Can you show how to get C# and D?

    • @Osnosis
      @Osnosis Рік тому

      C# is overblown E (palm keys, overblown by a 6th). Same for D; overblown forked F.

  • @lyntedrockley7295
    @lyntedrockley7295 Рік тому

    go and play outside. You'll soon know.

  • @RobbyGeneral
    @RobbyGeneral Рік тому

    That gd

  • @coin777
    @coin777 Рік тому

    But The more i tighten the better it seals

  • @ireaperv3
    @ireaperv3 Рік тому

    I can play the really high one, but I cant play the one below it :/

    • @Roman-rx2tm
      @Roman-rx2tm Рік тому

      try the fingering 1, bis, bottom side key, and high f# key. If you don’t have it try altissimo key, bottom side key, and 4 these usually will come out for me