Sound Instantly Bluesy On The Saxophone

FREE PDF: www.learnsaxop...
To sound bluesy you can go into depths of theory and get quite complicated, but you don't have to! This video is designed to give you an introduction to creating a bluesy sound.
There is an accompanying pdf available and a second, follow up video explaining the theory behind this method at: saxophonestudi...
This method is to be tried without backing tracks. A solo saxophone has a really soulful sound, so is well suited to this approach.
Step 1 is to use the notes D and F to play around with; experiment playing them as long notes, short notes, repeated notes. The main focus is to listen to the effect that is created with whatever you play.
Matthew plays an example of this, then it is your turn. Avoid copying his ideas, but try to come up with your own creations.
Step 2 is to do the same, but now add the note G. So, now you have D, F, G.
With these first 2 and 3 notes you can already make a bluesy and soulful sound. There is no time limit on each stage; take as long as you like exploring each step. There are always new ideas to discover.
Step 3 again adds one more note, this time it is G#. In this context, this is an especially bluesy sounding note. Your notes now are D, F, G, G#.
This time Matthew plays the notes in succession, then he tries experimenting with them.
Step 4 adds the note A. So, now you have D, F, G, G#, A.
Step 5 adds two notes at once, they are C and D(+ the octave key). So, your notes are D, F, G, G#, A, C, D.
You have now built up a succession of notes that create a scale; this is the D, Minor Blues Scale.
If you can only manage to play around with a few of these notes, that is absolutely fine. This exercise works from step 1 and is all about channelling your creativity, not about reaching the end of the steps. The more time spent on each step, the better you will internalise the notes and sounds. The more this happens, the more that YOUR sound and creativity can be realised.
For players who are further down the path with their saxophone skills, there is a now a 'bonus extra'! The scale is now played over the full range of the instrument. This allows much greater idea development and exploration of sounds. So, the scale is played from low C, all the way up to top F.
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