Hey Nigel, I’m now playing all three, Alto, Tenor and more recently Baritone. Also dabble on Clarinet. I tend to focus on one horn per session and maybe finish up blowing a tune on another. Totally agree about not making each horn sound the same, some tunes just don’t sound right on the other horns. Have a great weekend Watson
I see this video is older. Have both alto and renor, but have been hesitant about working too much on tenor. This provides great insight on how to incorporate both in my practice sessions.
I want to sound like Phil Woods on Alto and Albert Ayler on Tenor, but although nowhere near as good I find myself sounding like Sam Rivers on Tenor and Sonny Fortune on Alto. As a result of sounding like them I find myself listening to them more. Thanks for the video 👍
For me, that's a timely reminder of how much I've neglected my Clarinet and Soprano Sax in favour of Alto Sax! I've totally given up on Tenor because I can't get my fingers round it, which I'm disappointed about. So, starting today, I'll rotate my many hours of practice around all three instruments, and maybe start including my Tin Whistle in the rotation as well! After all, rhythm applies to all of them, and that's where I'm really struggling!
I play tenor (80%) and soprano (20%) in 2 bands, so my practise is mainly with those. I add a bit of alto, baritone (only had it a month, and just developing my technique) and clarinet (still learning the notes after a year). I try to do my practise sessions in lots of 10, 20 or 30 minutes at a time. Tenor and baritone, I find, need 'formal' sessions, getting all strapped up and either standing up or sitting on a hard chair, but the soprano and alto are great for sitting noodling in the armchair in front of the telly.
Hi Nigel. Thanks for this tip. I play alto, but have always tried to imitate the tenor, playing a lot in the lower register, using a lot of subtones, etc. And most of the sax players I listen to play tenor. There are a few alto players whose tone I like, but relatively few. I am always looking for alto players that produce the sound I want, but they are hard to find. Recently a sax teacher listened to a clip I made and said, "Have you considered switching to tenor?" He could hear my heart and basically read my mind!.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has this complex. While I'm still a rookie on the saxophone having only been playing an alto for 7 months, a lot of the songs I enjoy playing in jams were originally played on tenors. While proper technique is a must for all saxophones in the family, I'm probably already guilty of Nigel's first mistake in this video. As far as range goes, you can't go lower than a concert C-sharp on an alto, and to get past a concert high E on the tenor you're into the altissimo register. - For now, I'll stop worrying and keep practicing and having fun!
@@jeffreyrainey1015 After posting this I went to a sax shop and test played a tenor sax. It took me a while to get the low notes and to produce a sound I like. But I must say, although I like the tenor, I don't think it is "my instrument" and I will continue to play alto, trying to "imitate" the tenor. It means I don't play a typical alto (as some piano players told me), but it is "my sound", and as long as I can play in tune, in rhythm, can communicate with other musicians, am creative in my improvisation and communicating with my audience, I am happy.
@@jeffreyrainey1015 I started playing when I was in college. Played "professionally" for a few years, but due to a series of events (sax getting stolen, dental problems, extensive travel, raising a family of 7 kids, …) I stopped playing for about 25 years. I started again 10 years ago. I play a variety; mostly pop, blues, ballads, some jazz (as long as the changes are not too complicated) here's a sample: ua-cam.com/video/MUio4jHq9Bo/v-deo.html
Thanks Nigel. Some great tips there. I recently bought an Alto, having played a Tenor for a few years (still consider myself a novice), and having just played the Alto for a few weeks, wondered what was the best way of keeping both going. Finding it hard to make time to practice *every* day, but even 10 minutes feels better than none at all. (Oh, and my new Alto is a black lacquered model - I noticed your Tenor is too on this video). Finding all your videos really useful.
Just started a bit on tenor and great suggestions .Alto still main horn but so right about different pieces. I love in a sentimental mood better in tenor and Harlem nocturne better on tenor but of course take 5 and a lot of cannonball better on alto and many others but again alto main horn. And you forgot to mention Paul Desmond as alto player ......he’s the man ...and love his sound going for that
Alto first, then as the embouchure tightens, the larger Tenor mouthpiece will be easier as it opens everything Back up to finish off it a combined practice session! Cheers!
Thanks a lot Nigel for these useful advices! I agree on each point. I have to pay more attention to my clarinet practice, ...my tenor takes almost all my time. I found the same that different pieces of music work better or not for each instrument, at least while I am trying to find and improve my own styles in each one as you clearly said. Thanks again!
Hi. Great tips....I usually do half an hour on each. I have been playing alto for decades but only started tenor a couple of years ago...totally agree about finding your own different sound on each...interestingly I find I am having a few embrochure issues on tenor....some squeaks that I don't get on alto.....have you done any tips on how to stop mouthpiece squeaks and what could cause them?.....I have no issues on alto....my thoughts are the squeaks will stop if I keep practicing (and they are getting better) but I don't know why they are happening in the first place. Thanks
Hi Nigel I'm a big Queen fan and sort stumbled on some notes for "I want to break free" playing on my alto sax. Sorry for yet another request but are you able to do a lesson for I want to break free again giving the letter notes for me to follow. I kinda have some of the notes starts DGAAAB DGACB Thanks Mike
Hey Nigel Sorry I don't know where to post general questions.... Can you do lessons for Scotland the Brave and Flower of Scotland on the Alto sax. I work better with the letter notes as opposed to sheet music so I'd appreciate it if your videos showed the letter notes to play for each phrase. If you are able to oblige it would be much appreciated Thanks again Mike
Great video as I have an alto and a soprano but thinking of giving up the alto for a tenor as they are both Bb sax and the fingering are same on both, and less confusing . Why every thing are all downloads ? Why not print books like the norn. Due to people who don't have a pc at home like me. I use the work pc. ( I suppose people who read this wont believe it also no TV for 22yrs) so I need things on paper. I don't mind paying the extra for things as long I can get what I would like
It is if you were speaking to me about being stuck I've had a alto sax for a little over a month I've been working on easy songs like amazing grace and doing well I have no teacher but I seem to be stuck just not moving ahead
Push your limits, learn something slightly harder. also try to improvise with a scale you've learnt.. even if it comes out as nonsense, you gotta take the time to understand the function of notes. How long do you play for each day? I've been playing alto for 2 months now but I have been playing guitar for 12 years already.
I have a question so I have an alto saxophone but I want to switch to a tenor but if I go to a tenor would the fingerings be the same? Like if I just went straight to tenor would I be able to play it right away without having to learn a whole set of new fingerings?
I like the look of that Tenor! What is it, please? I'm a total noob to Sax. Tenor and soprano are both Bb, correct? Does that mean it's easy to hop from one to another, or is the 'key work' different? I understand (or think I do) that Alto Tenor is different, because they are tuned in different keys, yeah? Eb and Bb, respectively. Do they not manufacture C Melodic tuned Saxs anymore?
Hey Kieren. You’re right about the different keys - alto is in Eb, tenor is in Bb. But the finger patterns are exactly the same for all saxophones. So that makes moving between then pretty easy. The real challenge though is getting a convincing sound on each. I don’t think they make C melody saxes anymore but there are still some around. Thanks for watching!
You can get a cheap C melody sax on Thomann if you'd like one. I bought both my tenor and soprano from them. They make good beginner/intermediate level instruments.
I'm also learning trumpet and tenor sax but I decided to stick to tenor since I feel more comfortable with it but if u feel like u can control both then go ahead.
I do play both - you have to keep in mind that the embouchures are different. I would advise that you take a bit of a break between practicing each, and you really do need to practice trumpet every day.
I think it's a mistake (I won't repeat 'big' one) to chase someone's sound on your horn with your setup and you behind the mouthpiece. I'm not talking about someone's style (articulation and phrasing), I'm talking about the tone and timber. You nee to develop the best of your own tone, because it's unique and if you'll push your tone towards some other player's model you'll work against your natural tone production tendencies. There are principles of good tone production for a saxophone. They are the same. I heard that C.Parker had a period when he grabbed a tenor and played his way on the horn. C.Hawkins yelled at him "You can't play tenor that way!" - and who cared?
Great points here and I do agree that it’s important to develop your own sound. But as a starting point I think it’s a great idea for new players to discover sounds and styles they like. Then eventually use this inspiration as a launchpad for developing their own sound. Thanks for your comments.
I agree that someone needs to know what a good sax sound concept is and what it is not. Yes, it's important to listen to players with full sonorous sound and have that sound in mind. That's probably what you mean when you refer to "imitation".
The core information of this video is great but the video in fact starts at 1:30 because I have heard the stuff before lots of times so try to keep it short in the start
Throw in a Soprano as well! I think treat them as DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS not saxophones! Not the same animals. Get the sound you want IN YOUR HEAD before you pick it up. Of course adjust the amount of air you put through.
Another great video, but for once I'd actually have to disagree with you on one point. While finding another player can be great if you want a voicing to style yourself off of, personally I prefer not to listen to other players as I enjoy developing my own unique style that's not quite anyone else's
Good for you Champion. If you can do that then fantastic. Most people though need a little inspiration from others to find their sound. I’m glad you have that worked out. Cheers for watching.
McGill Music Sax School Perhaps it is a little strange. But I do find great pride in keeping my sound unique to myself and knowing I have a degree of originality in my playing
Bass clarinet player: FOR GOD SAKES JAKE I PLAY A BASS CLARINET NOT A SAXOPHONE THERE'S A DIFFERENCE LOOK AT THIS *points to Bass Clarinet* is a Bass Clarinet that *points at random sax* looks nothing like it Said random sax: 2:11 (look at tenor)
Interesting fact, but did you know the saxophone was modeled after the bass clarinet? Adolph sax not only created the saxophone, but modernized the bass clarinet to have the shape it has so next time someone tells you your bass clarinet looks like a sax, say "actually, saxophone looks like a bass clarinet" lol
@@maddisonhsiao3877 Yes I did as a member of the sax cult I have refined my knowledge on said instrument to a decent amount. I am however not the most knowledgeable.
Hey Nigel, I’m now playing all three, Alto, Tenor and more recently Baritone. Also dabble on Clarinet. I tend to focus on one horn per session and maybe finish up blowing a tune on another. Totally agree about not making each horn sound the same, some tunes just don’t sound right on the other horns. Have a great weekend
Watson
Cheers Watson. Great to hear how you are approaching this. It’s a full time job keeping all your saxophone chops together plus clarinet!
Play like Stan Getz and sound like an Alto on the Tenor. LoL.
Damn... i guess i was switching to alto in highschool and constantly trying to sound like all the tenor players i liked...
I doing practice day by day sir
I see this video is older. Have both alto and renor, but have been hesitant about working too much on tenor. This provides great insight on how to incorporate both in my practice sessions.
Glad it was helpful Gene.
I want to sound like Phil Woods on Alto and Albert Ayler on Tenor, but although nowhere near as good I find myself sounding like Sam Rivers on Tenor and Sonny Fortune on Alto. As a result of sounding like them I find myself listening to them more.
Thanks for the video 👍
Hey man, that black tenor sax is beautiful! I want one 😭
Cheers Luis! It’s a beauty!
These are all good points that I have not thoroughly considered before. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
For me, that's a timely reminder of how much I've neglected my Clarinet and Soprano Sax in favour of Alto Sax! I've totally given up on Tenor because I can't get my fingers round it, which I'm disappointed about. So, starting today, I'll rotate my many hours of practice around all three instruments, and maybe start including my Tin Whistle in the rotation as well! After all, rhythm applies to all of them, and that's where I'm really struggling!
Go for it Bob!
I play tenor (80%) and soprano (20%) in 2 bands, so my practise is mainly with those. I add a bit of alto, baritone (only had it a month, and just developing my technique) and clarinet (still learning the notes after a year). I try to do my practise sessions in lots of 10, 20 or 30 minutes at a time. Tenor and baritone, I find, need 'formal' sessions, getting all strapped up and either standing up or sitting on a hard chair, but the soprano and alto are great for sitting noodling in the armchair in front of the telly.
Cool Dennis. Sounds like you have a good system of practice going on there!
Hi Nigel, I have been using your guid to practicing since I began to learn. Simple to use and easy to focus on issues.
Great to hear that Dazza!
Purchased the book. Will be going through it this week
Hi Nigel. Thanks for this tip. I play alto, but have always tried to imitate the tenor, playing a lot in the lower register, using a lot of subtones, etc. And most of the sax players I listen to play tenor. There are a few alto players whose tone I like, but relatively few. I am always looking for alto players that produce the sound I want, but they are hard to find. Recently a sax teacher listened to a clip I made and said, "Have you considered switching to tenor?" He could hear my heart and basically read my mind!.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has this complex. While I'm still a rookie on the saxophone having only been playing an alto for 7 months, a lot of the songs I enjoy playing in jams were originally played on tenors. While proper technique is a must for all saxophones in the family, I'm probably already guilty of Nigel's first mistake in this video. As far as range goes, you can't go lower than a concert C-sharp on an alto, and to get past a concert high E on the tenor you're into the altissimo register.
- For now, I'll stop worrying and keep practicing and having fun!
@@jeffreyrainey1015 After posting this I went to a sax shop and test played a tenor sax. It took me a while to get the low notes and to produce a sound I like. But I must say, although I like the tenor, I don't think it is "my instrument" and I will continue to play alto, trying to "imitate" the tenor. It means I don't play a typical alto (as some piano players told me), but it is "my sound", and as long as I can play in tune, in rhythm, can communicate with other musicians, am creative in my improvisation and communicating with my audience, I am happy.
@@robstevens9590 Fascinating; thanks for the update and good on ya! How long have you been playing, and what music do you lean towards?
@@jeffreyrainey1015 I started playing when I was in college. Played "professionally" for a few years, but due to a series of events (sax getting stolen, dental problems, extensive travel, raising a family of 7 kids, …) I stopped playing for about 25 years. I started again 10 years ago. I play a variety; mostly pop, blues, ballads, some jazz (as long as the changes are not too complicated) here's a sample: ua-cam.com/video/MUio4jHq9Bo/v-deo.html
Thanks Nigel. Some great tips there. I recently bought an Alto, having played a Tenor for a few years (still consider myself a novice), and having just played the Alto for a few weeks, wondered what was the best way of keeping both going. Finding it hard to make time to practice *every* day, but even 10 minutes feels better than none at all. (Oh, and my new Alto is a black lacquered model - I noticed your Tenor is too on this video). Finding all your videos really useful.
Brilliant Andy. Glad the video helped! You’re right about even doing just a few minutes. It’s consistency that is most important.
Just started a bit on tenor and great suggestions .Alto still main horn but so right about different pieces. I love in a sentimental mood better in tenor and Harlem nocturne better on tenor but of course take 5 and a lot of cannonball better on alto and many others but again alto main horn. And you forgot to mention Paul Desmond as alto player ......he’s the man ...and love his sound going for that
You’re right George, how could I forget Paul Desmond! Glad the video was helpful.
Alto first, then as the embouchure tightens, the larger Tenor mouthpiece will be easier as it opens everything Back up to finish off it a combined practice session! Cheers!
Thanks a lot Nigel for these useful advices! I agree on each point. I have to pay more attention to my clarinet practice, ...my tenor takes almost all my time. I found the same that different pieces of music work better or not for each instrument, at least while I am trying to find and improve my own styles in each one as you clearly said. Thanks again!
No problem Alfredo! I’m glad you liked the video.
Hi. Great tips....I usually do half an hour on each. I have been playing alto for decades but only started tenor a couple of years ago...totally agree about finding your own different sound on each...interestingly I find I am having a few embrochure issues on tenor....some squeaks that I don't get on alto.....have you done any tips on how to stop mouthpiece squeaks and what could cause them?.....I have no issues on alto....my thoughts are the squeaks will stop if I keep practicing (and they are getting better) but I don't know why they are happening in the first place. Thanks
Just about to start learning bari sax as well as my alto so this video was very helpful
Cool! The bari is great fun to play.
great pragmatic approach..... thanks
Cheers Jonathan. Hope it was helpful.
Hi Nigel
I'm a big Queen fan and sort stumbled on some notes for "I want to break free" playing on my alto sax. Sorry for yet another request but are you able to do a lesson for I want to break free again giving the letter notes for me to follow.
I kinda have some of the notes
starts DGAAAB
DGACB
Thanks Mike
I have the opposite saxs of you I have a black alto and just got a gold tenor
Great tips
Cheers Jay, hope it was helpful.
Hey nigel i am musician from india i like your all videos ... Plz make one new video ...saprano sax all major scale
Hey Nigel Sorry I don't know where to post general questions.... Can you do lessons for Scotland the Brave and Flower of Scotland on the Alto sax. I work better with the letter notes as opposed to sheet music so I'd appreciate it if your videos showed the letter notes to play for each phrase. If you are able to oblige it would be much appreciated
Thanks again
Mike
Great video as I have an alto and a soprano but thinking of giving up the alto for a tenor as they are both Bb sax and the fingering are same on both, and less confusing . Why every thing are all downloads ? Why not print books like the norn. Due to people who don't have a pc at home like me. I use the work pc. ( I suppose people who read this wont believe it also no TV for 22yrs) so I need things on paper. I don't mind paying the extra for things as long I can get what I would like
It is if you were speaking to me about being stuck I've had a alto sax for a little over a month I've been working on easy songs like amazing grace and doing well I have no teacher but I seem to be stuck just not moving ahead
Push your limits, learn something slightly harder. also try to improvise with a scale you've learnt.. even if it comes out as nonsense, you gotta take the time to understand the function of notes. How long do you play for each day? I've been playing alto for 2 months now but I have been playing guitar for 12 years already.
Quantametric Coluccio Good advice I try to practice about an hr every day now I am going to start on a blues scale
Can u do who can it be now on alto saxophone
Hi Nigel what about tenor and soprano? Should one play different tunes on them although both are B flat instruments?
Hi Dave. You can play the same music on soprano and tenor. Basically any Bb saxophone music will work.
Is there a difference in the kind of soprano?
I have a question so I have an alto saxophone but I want to switch to a tenor but if I go to a tenor would the fingerings be the same? Like if I just went straight to tenor would I be able to play it right away without having to learn a whole set of new fingerings?
For the most part, the fingerings are the same but the instruments are in different keys. So a C on a tenor would sound different from a C on an alto.
Hey Nigel to you know anything about Rene guenot Saxophones. I have one from 1928. I've looked on line to get more info but to no avail.
Hey Steven. I haven’t come across them actually. Sounds like a good piece of history!
Mine is tenor at school and alto at home
I like the look of that Tenor! What is it, please?
I'm a total noob to Sax. Tenor and soprano are both Bb, correct? Does that mean it's easy to hop from one to another, or is the 'key work' different? I understand (or think I do) that Alto Tenor is different, because they are tuned in different keys, yeah? Eb and Bb, respectively. Do they not manufacture C Melodic tuned Saxs anymore?
Hey Kieren. You’re right about the different keys - alto is in Eb, tenor is in Bb. But the finger patterns are exactly the same for all saxophones. So that makes moving between then pretty easy. The real challenge though is getting a convincing sound on each. I don’t think they make C melody saxes anymore but there are still some around. Thanks for watching!
You can get a cheap C melody sax on Thomann if you'd like one. I bought both my tenor and soprano from them. They make good beginner/intermediate level instruments.
Thanks for your response. So, what is that Tenor Sax in your video?
Thanks LOLIPOP1136 - will check out Thomann, as well. :)
Really, that’s cool! I didn’t know Thorman had them.
You forgot transposing
Also very important.
Do you advise people learning sax and trumpet at the Same time?
Good question. I know some players that do - it really depends on you, but it does take twice the amount of practice to learn two instruments.
McGill Music Sax School I heard that learning both at the same time is not good?
I'm also learning trumpet and tenor sax but I decided to stick to tenor since I feel more comfortable with it but if u feel like u can control both then go ahead.
Benjamin Contreras Cruz very cool! I've had hard time finding people who play both..
I do play both - you have to keep in mind that the embouchures are different. I would advise that you take a bit of a break between practicing each, and you really do need to practice trumpet every day.
What do you have for soprano sax?
Hi Terry. I have a Yamaha custom 875EXB soprano. I like the one piece body.
Will switching to tenor after years of playing alto ruin my alto embouchure?
Not if you often come back to alto.
Why did I get an Ad from you ON YOUR video
Wow - perhaps you’re just lucky!
Great tips thanks
Cheers Tina!
is this the same as bari?
Absolutely.
I think it's a mistake (I won't repeat 'big' one) to chase someone's sound on your horn with your setup and you behind the mouthpiece. I'm not talking about someone's style (articulation and phrasing), I'm talking about the tone and timber. You nee to develop the best of your own tone, because it's unique and if you'll push your tone towards some other player's model you'll work against your natural tone production tendencies.
There are principles of good tone production for a saxophone. They are the same.
I heard that C.Parker had a period when he grabbed a tenor and played his way on the horn. C.Hawkins yelled at him "You can't play tenor that way!" - and who cared?
Great points here and I do agree that it’s important to develop your own sound. But as a starting point I think it’s a great idea for new players to discover sounds and styles they like. Then eventually use this inspiration as a launchpad for developing their own sound. Thanks for your comments.
I agree that someone needs to know what a good sax sound concept is and what it is not. Yes, it's important to listen to players with full sonorous sound and have that sound in mind. That's probably what you mean when you refer to "imitation".
What are those mouth pieces?
Hi Ian. I’m a Theo Wanne artist and play a TW Gaia 8 hard rubber on Alto, and a Slant Sig 2 size 8 hard rubber on tenor.
Yo
The core information of this video is great but the video in fact starts at 1:30 because I have heard the stuff before lots of times so try to keep it short in the start
Throw in a Soprano as well! I think treat them as DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS not saxophones! Not the same animals. Get the sound you want IN YOUR HEAD before you pick it up. Of course adjust the amount of air you put through.
Definitely agree with you Derek. I talk a lot in Sax School about finding your voice on each “instrument”.
Another great video, but for once I'd actually have to disagree with you on one point. While finding another player can be great if you want a voicing to style yourself off of, personally I prefer not to listen to other players as I enjoy developing my own unique style that's not quite anyone else's
Good for you Champion. If you can do that then fantastic. Most people though need a little inspiration from others to find their sound. I’m glad you have that worked out. Cheers for watching.
McGill Music Sax School Perhaps it is a little strange. But I do find great pride in keeping my sound unique to myself and knowing I have a degree of originality in my playing
I hear some tenor players that play the alto sax like it's a tenor and sound the same. They play it loud and thick like it's a tenor.
Bass clarinet player: FOR GOD SAKES JAKE I PLAY A BASS CLARINET NOT A SAXOPHONE THERE'S A DIFFERENCE LOOK AT THIS *points to Bass Clarinet* is a Bass Clarinet that *points at random sax* looks nothing like it
Said random sax: 2:11 (look at tenor)
Interesting fact, but did you know the saxophone was modeled after the bass clarinet? Adolph sax not only created the saxophone, but modernized the bass clarinet to have the shape it has so next time someone tells you your bass clarinet looks like a sax, say "actually, saxophone looks like a bass clarinet" lol
@@maddisonhsiao3877 Yes I did as a member of the sax cult I have refined my knowledge on said instrument to a decent amount. I am however not the most knowledgeable.
I hear some people that play an alto like it's a tenor.
Alto for 3 years switching to tenor
Cool.
I spend 10 minutes on scales 10 minutes on articulating
5 minute break
Look at piece or pieces
That's a great breakdown Logan. Do you spend any time tone building exercises?
McGill Music Sax School nice he ignored you