How do I improve my sax sound? Use this weird tip.

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  • Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
  • If it's good enough for Sonny Rollins then it's good enough for me.
    Gear (but does it really matter?):
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    Saxophone - Selmer Mark VI SN: 111XXX - bit.ly/29W1Srz
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    To book Skype lessons, please email me at JeffSchneiderMusic@gmail.com.
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    www.JeffSchneiderMusic.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 300

  • @christopherpreciado7578
    @christopherpreciado7578 8 років тому +546

    "Mine has happy faces on it. It's not necessary. But, it never hurts."

  • @benedictnothing
    @benedictnothing 8 років тому +513

    Nice! I'll try this when it's not 3 o'clock in the morning.

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому +23

      +Benedict Nothing haha for real!

    • @Oz521
      @Oz521 5 років тому +2

      I swear it's 3:37am where I live and I've never been so shook. Hope your Sax playing has gotten better as I've just started. Lol

    • @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823
      @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 5 років тому +1

      I'm a drummer. We dgaf, lol
      jk

    • @coolboyclick7486
      @coolboyclick7486 5 років тому +1

      It’s so ironic I’m watching this video at 3:48 am lol 🙏🏿😂😂😂

    • @TheMasterpieceArtist
      @TheMasterpieceArtist 4 роки тому +1

      @@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 dude how the fuck does anyone practice drums and saxophones that shit is way too loud to play for a long a time. when i started playing guitar i couldnt even play acoustic so i had to buy an electric

  • @user-ty8me4hm1w
    @user-ty8me4hm1w 8 років тому +787

    Music teachers hate him! Find out how to improve your sound with this one simple trick!

  • @davidolahmusic
    @davidolahmusic 8 років тому +112

    You really changed my saxophone life with this exercise :)
    First i started to practise it with the pen - kind of rumbling your system, ha? O:) :D But later I started to use the octave key. I saw this exercise on youtube sometime ago but there was not that pencil. They just said to play the lower octave note with the octave key pressed so I wanted to play it but I just can not. So therefore I am so thankful to you of that pencil trick.
    It is really psychological and muscle memory thing - when we hold the octave key we are prehearing that high note so it is hard to play it without the octave key at first time.
    This is so benefical for embouchure, breathing and overall sound. I just love it the most. I think this and mouthpiece buzzying are the best sound exercises for saxophone. These two things really open the sound so well. I can not stresse enough how you helped me with it and how great it is.
    I also recommend to pracitse it daily for 5 minutes and you will hear a huge sound progress :)

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому +11

      Thanks for your comment, David. I'm so glad to hear this exercise was helpful to you! Best of luck with your music!

    • @Jorvaskrr
      @Jorvaskrr 6 років тому +6

      I think this exercise really helps you find the answer to how much mouthpiece you should take in.After doing this for about a week,I had to push my mouthpiece in more because I was too flat.Now,there's only about 5-10% visible of the cork on the neck.I feel like it gave me a big sound and helped me control everything a little bit better.

  • @BryanAsael
    @BryanAsael 7 років тому +266

    name one of your videos "How to improve your sax life"

  • @EliasB528
    @EliasB528 5 років тому +16

    This trick works. I can hear it actively changing my sound when I practice.
    If you want to try this trick in expert mode, try doing a 3rds or 4ths scale pattern with the pencil.

  • @marselmusic
    @marselmusic 6 років тому +49

    _"If you feel you are going to pass out, then_ *s i t d o w n*_"_

  • @andrejbingas9103
    @andrejbingas9103 4 роки тому +26

    I recommend holding the octave key as well, because when you get to lower tones different hole opens for the 2nd octave after G and it is harder to get the lower tone with octave key than with just a pencil. Awesome tip anyways in 2019 still works :D.

  • @SamChaneyProductions
    @SamChaneyProductions 6 років тому +15

    This is so cool, I've practiced getting high notes with the octave key closed but never getting low notes with it open, seems like it will greatly improve my breath support and tone!

  • @JeffSchneiderMusic
    @JeffSchneiderMusic  10 років тому +52

    Abnel, it's a real exercise. According to Ralph Lalama, Sonny Rollins did indeed practice this.

    • @serseriherif9530
      @serseriherif9530 6 років тому +1

      Jeff Schneider i've been practising this for a couple of months (i've gotten down to the low d!) and I'm getting increasingly cleaner notes with the pencil and afterwards all of the practised notes are super easy to play + sound fantastic. This excercice has been a game changer for me so thanks alot :)

    • @FriaGram
      @FriaGram 6 років тому

      Interesting, is this more effective than practicing overtones?

    • @ianthebubbian6182
      @ianthebubbian6182 6 років тому

      Thought you said "Ralph the Llama"

    • @marselmusic
      @marselmusic 6 років тому

      Lol 😂😆👍🏾👍🏽👍🏾👍🏽👍🏾

  • @cerimccoy
    @cerimccoy 6 років тому +3

    An oldie but a Goldie!

  • @justinward3687
    @justinward3687 9 років тому +14

    Thanks Jeff, that's a practical, useful and simply understood tip that really helps. Well done.

  • @robertdevries1049
    @robertdevries1049 8 років тому +4

    This technique helps a lot when my tone gets too closed. Can't believe I didn't hear about this method earlier...thx

  • @Waldvogel45
    @Waldvogel45 7 років тому +42

    I haven't tried it ..but could you say what this does for the sound , i.e it opens the player's resonant cavity , or it reduces pressure on the reed , or allows more reed to vibrate , frees up the sub tones etc etc. I've been a would- be saxophonist for 5 decades and thanks to guys like you it's beginning to make sense. That's makes me a "late life crisis" fan of yours.

    • @hansbrackhaus8017
      @hansbrackhaus8017 Рік тому +5

      It's for Throat/Larynx voicing training.
      The low notes and the high notes are the hardest on the sax, mostly because of the throat, which cannot be easily moved 'consciously' so many teachers don't even want you thinking about your throat, but your tongue instead, but the throat is the first step in the sound making process on the sax.
      This exercise 'forces' you to work as hard as possible to get those low notes, it's probably the hardest exercise you can do for low tones, especially if you also keep the octave key pushed down.
      If you do that, then it will be unlikely that you reliably go down past G.
      But that's not the point anyway, the point is to play the saxophone normally, without such 'challenge modes', and even if you cannot go past some note on this exercise, it's usually still enough to hit the low notes normally after doing this exercise regularily.

  • @StreangestdreaM
    @StreangestdreaM 8 років тому +5

    You have a great sense of humor and your videos are amazingly simple and useful. Thanks a lot!!!

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +StreangestdreaM Thanks so much. I really appreciate it!

  • @HenrySaxVeras
    @HenrySaxVeras 8 років тому +10

    This exercise is helping me day by day thanks a lot

  • @onesyphorus
    @onesyphorus 7 місяців тому

    i remember watching this video when i was 13 and just starting, and it still cracks me up - it helped me so much haha

  • @jlstudios7385
    @jlstudios7385 4 роки тому +3

    At first glance I thought he was Brendon Urie also this video took my tone from suck to actually half decent so the improvement is massive

  • @alexej737
    @alexej737 9 років тому +3

    Thank you Jeff. Amazing !!!! It changed my sound at the first time. One step above ! Keep posting. Clear and understandable, even for frenchmen

  • @anikaribanani
    @anikaribanani 9 років тому +73

    ...Then sit down..

  • @madyak
    @madyak 6 років тому +1

    Spectacular exercise! It made a significant change in my beginnings of playing. Big thanks! I would recommend it to my mother if she would play sax.

  • @gabrielnekrutman7680
    @gabrielnekrutman7680 10 років тому +1

    Great tip. Yeah my teacher Jeff Lange was gonna get me to get lessons from Ralph because he plays with both Lalama's, Dave and Ralph. But since I'm going to college now, I'll have to wait to take lessons from the great Llama!

  • @benjijosh2018
    @benjijosh2018 Рік тому

    Thank you sir for this, tried it yesterday and the effect is showing already 🙏🙏.. came back here to thank you 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏

  • @annabelle6964
    @annabelle6964 8 років тому +2

    This tip works, and on top of that you're hilarious. 😂👏🏼

  • @jayq196
    @jayq196 9 років тому +13

    holy crap it worked so fast i sound great

  • @WillHsuMusic
    @WillHsuMusic 5 років тому +6

    Interesting. I’ll try this out! I’m trying to develop sax skills but primarily am a contrabass flutist so hopefully that’s developed enough lung capacity to not pass out! 😂

  • @GRDwashere
    @GRDwashere 6 років тому +19

    "The one secret trick to improving your sound that professional teachers don't want you to know. Quick! watch and share before they have this video taken down!"

  • @CarlyWaarly
    @CarlyWaarly 9 років тому +2

    Thanks for sharing Jeff!

  • @sam3730
    @sam3730 8 років тому +1

    Thanks so much! Notice the difference already

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +Samuel Rechner So happy to hear that, Samuel. Thanks for watching!

  • @TheUSvTrump
    @TheUSvTrump 6 років тому +2

    I'm really not sure that this will work without the smiley faces on the pencil.

  • @bllonc
    @bllonc 6 років тому +3

    1:17 to the end at 0.2 speed of the video is the most funny and terrifying thing I have ever watched while high

  • @streetgeezer
    @streetgeezer 8 років тому +1

    Thank you so much for all your videos! You're great!

  • @davidheim2897
    @davidheim2897 8 років тому +8

    Hey Jeff, looks like a pretty fun and innovative way to work on your sound, question: does this work for tenor as well? Any experience on that?

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому +1

      It definitely works for tenor! Thanks for the comment, David.

  • @joeldowell5059
    @joeldowell5059 8 років тому +2

    That is a cool trick.

  • @eatyourvegetables5930
    @eatyourvegetables5930 5 років тому +2

    I cant do this with the pencil method but i play low notes perfectly when i manually hold the octave key

  • @Kaoov
    @Kaoov 5 років тому

    dude, that actually works! thanks!

  • @zubeirshaikhsaxophoneplaye3383
    @zubeirshaikhsaxophoneplaye3383 6 років тому +1

    Vary helpful.... And fantastic exercise...... Thanks sir

  • @renzosax
    @renzosax 8 років тому +5

    also it is good the other way, playing the low A and trying to sound the high A

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому +2

      +renzo pividori Hi Renzo, yes, that is a useful exercise, as well. It is similar to practicing overtones. See if you play all the way up the horn without using the octave key.

  • @marselmusic
    @marselmusic 6 років тому

    if you guys are wondering, _'Hey!? Can't I just play the same thing with my left thumb pressing the octave key?'_ bu its a smoother transition even after the g when u use a pencil because the other octave key opens up

  • @truthfullytiggy5860
    @truthfullytiggy5860 6 років тому

    You make it look so easy

  • @PabloVestory
    @PabloVestory 5 років тому

    The easiest trick is that one one never thinks by himself, like this pencil, thank you very much for the insight!

  • @jeromejagroop5516
    @jeromejagroop5516 4 роки тому

    Thank you for this! It helped me with some low notes!

  • @isaiahd9947
    @isaiahd9947 4 роки тому +1

    Lol when I first got my cheap alto the octave pin had a layer of rubber/plastic that made the octave key go up like in this video so I was so confused like I thought I was just that bad at alto. Took about a month to figure out.

  • @samhoward1632
    @samhoward1632 7 років тому

    I like your vibe, nice vid!

  • @etheriusmoon1809
    @etheriusmoon1809 7 років тому +1

    WUT
    WUT
    WUTTTTTTT OMG THIS works like magic!!!!! Like omg this improved my sound a lot!!!!!!!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱😄 tysm!!!!!!

  • @Craig2760
    @Craig2760 4 роки тому

    Play long tones, master the overtones from low Bb to F then listen to Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Stanley Turrentine on tenor. Cannonball Adderley and Phil Woods on alto.

  • @coldstub
    @coldstub 5 років тому +8

    But how does this improve your sound?

    • @isaiahd9947
      @isaiahd9947 4 роки тому

      I think it teaches you to open your throat more

    • @RikardPeterson
      @RikardPeterson 3 роки тому

      It's about getting control of what you're doing. A similar exercise is to do the opposite: Play the upper octave without using your thumb.

    • @teretere9038
      @teretere9038 3 роки тому

      @@isaiahd9947 speak in a low voice five times a day

  • @Logan-qi4nx
    @Logan-qi4nx 7 років тому

    this is great. Really helps me remember where my teeth SHOULD be as my teacher tells me

  • @hellqvisten
    @hellqvisten 8 років тому +4

    When I do this on my tenor, it's really easy to make that A sound "good". Could that be an indication to get a harder reed?

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      Not necessarily. If you like the way you sound and the amount of resistance allowed by your current setup, I say stick with what's working. Thanks for you comment, Erik!

    • @etsu
      @etsu 5 років тому

      I use 2 1/2 hardness reeds

    • @hansbrackhaus8017
      @hansbrackhaus8017 Рік тому

      No, it's an indication that you're doing things right, not that you're at some sort of limit.

  • @michelleholt8769
    @michelleholt8769 9 років тому +47

    babe.
    sorry. I'm here to learn about saxophones

  • @archungus
    @archungus 4 роки тому

    I've tried this glich and I thought it was pached with the 1.14 update but fortunately the problem was I wasn't using the happy face pencil if your going to use this glich use a happy face pencil and quickly save and quit and load back again!

  • @comprendoo
    @comprendoo 4 роки тому

    Thank you❤️🎷

  • @Keegalz
    @Keegalz 6 років тому

    Lol I’ve been doing this without realizing it was something to actually practice XD

  • @mcaprisun
    @mcaprisun 5 років тому +4

    Anyone help?
    I play tenor sax and I have been playing since last year, I was never able to play below E but then whenever I moved up a reed size last year I still can’t go below Middle G, unless I slur but it still squeaks a little. Is the problem me or the instrument, How do I fix this?

    • @dudedudingson338
      @dudedudingson338 5 років тому

      what mouthpeice do you have on your sax?

    • @mcaprisun
      @mcaprisun 5 років тому

      Dude Dudingson i’m not sure. My saxophone is a Mendini Cecilio Tenor Sax and it came with the mouthpiece :’)

    • @dudedudingson338
      @dudedudingson338 5 років тому

      the mouthpeice that came with the ceceilios are really inconsistent. what size reed do you play on?

    • @mcaprisun
      @mcaprisun 5 років тому

      Dude Dudingson i play on size 3 vandoren reeds- i got my saxophone checked by a mechanic and he said it’s one of the cheapest worst ones you can get 😅😅

    • @dudedudingson338
      @dudedudingson338 5 років тому

      yeah its not the best horn but you can still get a good sound on it. I suggest getting a good mouthpeice based on what you play sax for. are you in a middle or high school ensemble?

  • @00DirectorsCut00
    @00DirectorsCut00 7 років тому +4

    I will take around 20 yrs to do the few seconds videos intro of this guy 😞

  • @alireza.habibi
    @alireza.habibi 8 років тому +1

    very useful
    Thank you

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +Alireza Habibi Glad it's helpful, Alireza. Thanks for the comment!

  • @Eli-gn3km
    @Eli-gn3km 6 років тому

    Bizarre, but intriguing

  • @Hello-et5mg
    @Hello-et5mg 8 років тому +1

    Hey thanks alot! this really helped 👍

  • @claragary
    @claragary 4 роки тому

    Thanks man!!!

  • @leviweeks2452
    @leviweeks2452 7 років тому

    playing bari for a year helped the same way

  • @FranciscoAnes
    @FranciscoAnes 7 років тому

    i tried it and it works... What i dont understand is exactly how does it translate to everyday playing.

  • @jasperjames8803
    @jasperjames8803 6 років тому

    Pretty cool way of going about it but this exercise is just overtone stuff. If you want to get a better and more powerful sound find out about overtones and practice them

  • @Laurenz_Heinrich
    @Laurenz_Heinrich 7 років тому +1

    why does it improve the sound?

  • @kosejumpscare
    @kosejumpscare 3 роки тому

    amazing

  • @Simpawknits
    @Simpawknits 7 років тому +29

    With respect, you are very attractive. Okay. Back to being serious about sax.

  • @phong123456ful
    @phong123456ful 8 років тому

    thanks a lot for your tip!!! it's great....

  • @Johnwilkinsonofficial
    @Johnwilkinsonofficial 5 років тому

    happy faces are key 😁🔑

  • @malika2nice865
    @malika2nice865 6 років тому +1

    MY SAX IS NOW BROKEN.....THX

  • @ericblachman232
    @ericblachman232 Рік тому

    Kudos for the Ralph Lalama mention, this concept still begs elaboration.

  • @mcaprisun
    @mcaprisun 5 років тому +3

    also what does this exercise do?

    • @zachattack4982
      @zachattack4982 4 роки тому +1

      Teaches you good form on lower notes so when you actually play them legit it will sound better.

  • @JorgeOstos
    @JorgeOstos 6 років тому

    hhehhehe one of your first! You're the best mate

  • @TheMichguff
    @TheMichguff 7 років тому

    Saying " low A " is a misnomer. An alto will only play as low as Bb. There is nothing wrong with a good exercise though.

  • @TheMrAllesio
    @TheMrAllesio 7 років тому +1

    I can't even get my A, what do I do?

    • @davidolahmusic
      @davidolahmusic 5 років тому

      Try ti play a lower note. High A is hard to play this way as a starting point. I start this exercise with low D.

  • @kevindeibert3369
    @kevindeibert3369 2 роки тому

    Wow ! That was a pretty cool opening lick ! What was that ?

  • @JazzFan76
    @JazzFan76 6 років тому +1

    Doesn't work. The octive key is up so it doesn't work for me.

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  6 років тому +2

      Exactly. The octave key is supposed to be up. That’s why it’s hard. I recommend blowing more air than you think you’d need.

  • @_omega420
    @_omega420 8 років тому +5

    Is this exercise to help with overtones ? I know overtones add more (something) to your tone

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +Omega_Ronan This exercise can definitely help with overtones. Let me know how it goes!

  • @slankan
    @slankan 7 років тому +1

    I know this may sound unrelated, but do you think this exercise will help me play lower notes.( idk why but the notes below d i can play well, but the note d its self is very soft and if i try to play loudly, it will go up the octave)

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  7 років тому

      +turkey rides ;) yes, this exercise will help you play notes in all of the registers on the horn. The exercise forces you to open your throat and fill up the instrument with as much air as possible, which is helpful for all notes.

    • @slankan
      @slankan 7 років тому

      yes okay thx

  • @thatmf5181
    @thatmf5181 5 років тому +1

    This is hard af lol

  • @EddieHaskelll
    @EddieHaskelll 8 років тому

    ...so kinda like "undertones" rather than overtones. It really does help. I am curious.. are we trying to get the notes in tune, or just get them to play and to heck with intonation?

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +Eddy Haskel Don't worry about intonation on this one. It's more about opening up your throat, mouth space, and sound.

    • @EddieHaskelll
      @EddieHaskelll 8 років тому

      ***** Thanks, Jeff. Works better with my YAS 23 alto than on my old PanAm/Conn 64M for some reason. Even easier on the tenor. Great exercise... however, my wife requests that I never again try this when she is home.... heh.

  • @survivnisha4874
    @survivnisha4874 Рік тому

    nice mark 6

  • @rddsknk89
    @rddsknk89 7 років тому

    I understand what I'm supposed to do, but what does this do to my sound?

  • @Your_Local_Pacifist
    @Your_Local_Pacifist 9 місяців тому

    Its not working, whenever i try the note I play is always a high A, what am I doing wrong? Why can't i play it?

    • @lefuzz251
      @lefuzz251 9 місяців тому +2

      you have to expand your throat cavity imagine you are trying to blow warm air into your saxophone as if you are trying to fog up a mirror

  • @eugeniaavilava584
    @eugeniaavilava584 Рік тому

    Is this trick equivalent to mouthpiece exercise?

  • @mikester99
    @mikester99 8 років тому +4

    I play a one peice soprano, hmm I'm afraid this might brerak something on it ! :O or?

    • @CtpSirak
      @CtpSirak 8 років тому +2

      The octave mechanism on a one piece soprano should be able to extend enough for this exercise. AFAIK there shouldn't be any issues or reasons for something to break.
      1* AKAIF- as far as I know

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому +1

      It doesn't have to be a pencil. Look forward a skinnier object if you feel like you're forcing that thing up too much. Good luck and be safe!

  • @johnnymcjohnnysteinstein4375
    @johnnymcjohnnysteinstein4375 2 роки тому

    my corks are so worn out this is how i always have to play lol

  • @bridgeensemble2024
    @bridgeensemble2024 2 роки тому

    Than you a lot

  • @mcaprisun
    @mcaprisun 5 років тому +1

    I tried this and it squeaks every note below middle A. What’s wrong with my sax or me?

  • @Savinfaith
    @Savinfaith 8 років тому +1

    cool trick

  • @comhghallgeraghty3541
    @comhghallgeraghty3541 6 років тому

    Nice tone excercise but why cant I just hold the octive key down?

  • @lil_snug8032
    @lil_snug8032 8 років тому +1

    cool tjx

  • @KarlBonner1982
    @KarlBonner1982 4 роки тому

    THE PENCIL EXERCISE (saxophone edition)!

  • @gonzo2739
    @gonzo2739 5 років тому +2

    How do I do this with a bari sax?

    • @SwirlMedia
      @SwirlMedia 5 років тому +1

      I thought the same thing.

  • @cascade2356
    @cascade2356 Рік тому +1

    i literally cannot do it

  • @cristophernavarro1819
    @cristophernavarro1819 5 років тому

    Can someone explain to me in what way this exercise helps? Just so I can use it better.

  • @calmdestroyerh7816
    @calmdestroyerh7816 3 роки тому

    “This is Jeff Schneider, this is a pencil”

  • @MacedonianAlwaysGreek
    @MacedonianAlwaysGreek 8 років тому +1

    Nice, I like your sound too. What reed and mouthpiece do you use?

    • @JeffSchneiderMusic
      @JeffSchneiderMusic  8 років тому

      +Macedonian Always Greek Thanks! I play on a Pillinger mouthpiece and Hemke reeds.

    • @MacedonianAlwaysGreek
      @MacedonianAlwaysGreek 8 років тому

      ***** Thank you, that's a good combination, really nice sound.

  • @teretere9038
    @teretere9038 3 роки тому

    oh my playing saxophone needs to be fun >>>

  • @lovelymusicnow4404
    @lovelymusicnow4404 10 місяців тому

    What’s the fingering for a low A? I’m a concert pianist and a beginner sax player. I know the finger down to a low B

  • @aurematic
    @aurematic 4 роки тому +1

    You can tell how loud sax is when you cannot control the volume from voice to sax XD

  • @pepijnbresters460
    @pepijnbresters460 Рік тому

    Is it good to do it the other way around aswell?