I was having this same problem last week so, I spent about 10 minutes just going back and forth between C and D. Then, I'd play B,C,D,E,D,C then back to B. Over and over. There's a great quote that goes, Don't practice til you get it right; practice til you can't get it wrong.
Uh ha!! So the G key does cancel the main octave pad‼️‼️ ouffff i thought my sax was bent or something... G opens an alternative pad when octave key is pressed with it. Glad i helped u guys. Thx
Awesome that you addressed this. Something simple but really gave me trouble early on. I really slowed my self down and went over this several times until I got it.
Dear Nigel, I'm so happy and relieved I've found out your video: I've been struggling with this issue for almost a year! Nobody, even my teacher, ever thought to told me that the problem may have been the right annular finger, a little slower than the other to close up its key: as a matter of fact, I've always heard an A squeak (on an alto sax) while doing the passages from Bb and upwards to high D. You really made my day, thanks from the bottom of my heart!
I'm new as well. And I have, or almost had, the same problem. Still working it, It's gettin better. I use my laptop cam. That way I can play it back, listen for the squeaks and squawks and very carefully stop the video and double check my finger timing. Also, I have an old, very, very old sax. I found that the screw that holds the pivot rod that operates with the octave key was coming loose allowing the rod to move laterally as well as rotate. This changed the valve timing significantly
omg this was driving me crazy. i played saxophone for 4 years in high school. just got out my sax to play and the high D key kept going super airy and it was driving me crazy!!! it needed to tighten my octave mechanism bc it was too loose and not closing properly. sounds beautiful now, thank you!!
Thank You so much...I played sax for years and of course stopped when I got older. I gave the instrument to my son for high school band and he was struggling with this issue. I would play with him and it would happen to me. Your tip about having the G down which should close the octive key was my issue. The cork from underneath the octive key was missing! Thanks again!
There's an alternate fingering for C to D. Maybe others know about it too? If you want to trill quickly between mid C and mid D, it's going to be more difficult doing that with the standard fingering. But if you go from mid C and then press down the palm D and Eb keys (ie what would normally be a high Eb with the palm keys and the octave key) but DON'T press the octave key, it gives you mid D. It only works in that particular range though. If you add the octave key to it, it will become Eb. And if you just press the palm key D without the octave key, it sounds more like a C# or a very flat D. But playing the D and Eb palm keys without the octave key allows you to get mid D and to do a trill between C and D which wouldn't be possible in the normal way (well, it is possible but doesn't sound good because you can't do it fast or smooth enough).
Is your pressy thingy stuck because all you have to do is try turning your mouth piece part and sorry I’ve been playing sax for only 1 yr and a half lol
Make sure your octave key is lifting off if it’s not check the mechanism and if that’s working there’s a good chance it’s bent and you’ll have to bend it back
@@davidwyatt1446 I get this too, i thought i was my mechanism as there is a secondary octave pipe that needs to open with key 3 on the left hand. It is also my emboucher as my jaw position is actually blowing the overtone instead!
Thanks for the very valuable tips. What I'm hearing when I go to the D from a C or C# is the high A, so I'll apply these and see if they solve the problems.
I couldn't get high D. I eventually realised that one of my low register tone holes was stuck closed. All good now. Am just a beginner but learning all the time!!
Didn't practice for some time. Today tried to practice and found the problem with the G key pressed and octave hole not completely covering the hole. Thanks.
One tip I've found to make the D note with octave key on sound as clear and as bright as the other notes is to bump open the D, palm key with the left hand. Works well if you have enough time to pump it open before you must move on to the next note. Give it a try!
Hey Randy. That's a great tip. It's also a cool way to get an alternative sound on the D that works well to add color to a line when improvising. I use a palm middle D often when improvising over ballads for example.
Wow guys thanks! That is my biggest issue w tone on my tenor. I’m gonna try that out. When I play D w octave, it sounds almost muffled. Then I jump to E and it sounds “crisp” .. more treble - pretty sound .
I was having a really hard time playing the low d, I’m a clarinet player of 4 years and I decided to start playing saxophone as well. I would be able to hit the low g, and e but then the second I went for a d, it went to a high d, the whole “yawning trick” really helped
I literally got up to Grade 6 AMEB and only just realised what the issue is with transitions from c to d. My thumb was hitting the octave key just slightly before putting down the other six fingers, meaning the octave valve was doing a tiny jump in the transition. Now using my emboucher to get the middle d sound and pressing down the octave key late, it works like a dream
Thanks Nigel, I thought there would be a quick hack to go from c to d without sounding clunky, like there is for the B to C with the alternate finger positions so there is no clunkyness. Yes I love Sax school, its helped me get into good practice habits.
It happens to me that it’s just the sax that is broken like, the part from G to F closes 2 keys... the top one sometimes don’t close as much as I want.
Thank you so much for this video! I've been struggling with the D (but not the low D) for days now and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It turns out it might be a mechanical issue, as when I press down the L3 (third finger on left hand, or as you call it, G) key, with the octave key at the same time, the octave mechanism opens about halfway. I'm not sure what to do at this point, but at least I'm not going crazy!
I just sort of bent the octave mechanism down to seal the hole and fixed it! That was creating far more problems than just the C to D transition, so thank you for this video!!!
I know how to play D because I'm not a beginner but I was at my school concert and I set my sax down on my case because that's what we do before we perform I was about to play a D and it kept jumping to High G
I switch from bari to alto for marching season so some of my high notes on alto just kinda..don't do what they're supposed to. I know it's me but I feel silly not being able to play the notes
Hey Nigel, I was wondering if you had any tips for me? I play the alto sax and am auditioning for jazz band. The requirements are as follows; a jazz style solo, sight reading, and an optional improv solo over the Bb Blues Progression. I am in 8th grade and am really, really, really into jazz. Thanks. Sincerely, Luke🎷
Saxlife just practice a lot, for improv if you want to do it, just practice over a backing track of Bb blues and go crazy basically. (Using your Bb blues scale) do it a bunCh to get plenty of different ideas to use if you do it in audition. Even just learning a few licks sounds super cool if you play them well. Not sure how long you’ve been doing jazz music but make sure to learn/practice all your Blues scales and other scales to use in soloing. (In my opinion improv solos are always better and look more professional to have no music in front of you) with sight reading just be careful with tempo and rhythms because especially in jazz there can be some tricky ones especially if your new to it. It’s really a matter of feeling the music rather than reading exactly what’s on the page. If you need anything or have any other questions feel free to ask! I’ve been playing in jazz bands since 6th grade (I’m in 10th) and my high school has the best one in the state. I also play alto, tenor, and soprano sax so yeah. I’ve got some experience lmao.
Hi, N, I had that same problem, and this is what I did to fix it. You always saying slow it down to play fast. So I play the C and move to the D slow with fingers close to the keys, but make sure I get a full tone on the D only with scales Quick fix
I’ve been playing soprano for years and recently got a tenor. I have no problem with the soprano but this D on the tenor is really giving me some problems.
That's strange Jerome. Have you had the sax checked by a repairer? Also, just make sure your embouchure is right. Too much mouthpiece could cause this too.
I’m in a advance band, my sax dropped off a chair,and flipped over Now my middle D and low D is not in tune and unplayable. PLUS I have a concert today and tomorrow, plus a little hook up the next day after that
Nigel, I am currently taking part in your 14-day free trial on Sax School and I am really enjoying it, but I am having a lot of trouble with the second octave... After watching this video - I went back to my sax, and I noticed when I press the G key, the upper octave key shows no movement at all. Is that a sign that my sax has a mechanical problem and needs to be repaired? My trial is running out and I am feeling so frustrated because I could not play even your five-minute warm up exercise because of this octave key issue! Please help - much appreciated!
Hi Nigel, thanks for all the info so far, I will be going for the lifetime beginners course you recommended very soon, can I ask a question in the meantime please as I feel I'm at a brick wall untill I move past this. when working on your pentatonic scale video which in on the alto sax f#minor I believe, when I get to the 5th note (e) it sounds super low and not high pitched like the video. I can't understand what's going on as the rest of my notes sound ok. Thanks in advance.
Having trouble with this as well. It seems that in order to play middle D or E I need to move the mouthpieces out of my mouth slightly, but to play low D and C, I need to move the mouthpiece in, if I don't - low D and C come out squeaky. I can't seem to find a mouthpiece position that works for both! Very confusing... I'm on a super cheap amazon saxophone, but I do have a standard Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and 2.0 Rico reeds.
See, my problem is hitting the low E on tenor. I seem to always make it sound like a high E. This only happens when I'm tonguing, but not when I'm slurring..and that my high D sounds muffled... oh and my high g squeaks weirdly Sometimes.
I have a different "D" problem. When I go from low D on my soprano sax, to middle D with the octave key, the note often wants to slide back down to low D. Sometimes, it only does it partially, sometimes it will go completely back to low D. I think it may be something that I'm not doing properly because, I don't usually have this problem when I'm doing long tone exercises. I've only been playing soprano sax for just about 2 months. Is this something I need to focus on with my embouchure?
I was squeaking from c to d consistently until i changed reeds (went up half a grade). I guess it has to do something with the vibrating with the reed. Or just a shitty reed!
My tenor saxophone can play everything but when I go to normal c to d, the d shoots up. Even when I press all of them down and play it by itself, it still does it. My octave key stays down and I’ve checked for repairs. It’s so stressful.... I can’t play the normal D. The other ones are fine.
I’ll bet that’s frustrating. Start by making sure your mouth is in the right position when you’re playing and your fingers are correct, if you can’t play any notes higher than the C, then it could be a mechanical issue. I would suggest working through my free ToolKit QuickStart Lesson first here: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses. Then reach out for more help via email if that doesn’t help. Good luck.
I need help, notes that need an octave key I can ONLY play without the octave key. When I use the octave key it is too high and squeaky. I can play the correct notes without the octave key. What do I do? Is it ok to not use the octave key?
Have you tried using a tuner?. I have a habit of biting the reed and changes my embouchure when I do overtones (which is when you play high notes without octave key) but either your overtones are out of tune or it could be your embouchure when you play with your octave key. So really just mess around your embouchure with your tuner and see which way is more in tune. Let me know if this helps!
I’m still having that problem. I’ve been playing for around 6 weeks, practicing a couple of hours every day. I have a YTS480 with a 5C mouthpiece and a 1.75 Légère American Cut Reed. The sax was new when I purchased it. I’ve been into the supplier and had my tutor play it as well. My tutor said it was ok. So why, when playing Cold Duck Time am I still getting that squeal going from D to C to D. At times I can even replicate it at will and I feel as if my embouchure hasn’t changed. I look in the mirror when I do and have videoed myself to see if I can notice anything. I’m pretty sure it’s tuned correctly. I keep an eye on the octave key to make sure there’s no movement during the change up. I also tongue the notes slowly and press the keys on time. All of this is hit and miss. My question here is will this cause my embouchure to develop slower because I’m concentrating too much on one note. Should I just play through it until I get it right. I still do my basic scales F and D majors and there is no problems there at all. I’m up to 250 bpm on the D Major and 144 on the F major. No squeaks! What could it be about that particular piece of music that makes me want to kick the music stand over 😳🥴???
Great question DD. I’ll bet that is super frustrating. My guess is it’s something with your mouth position that is causing the squeak. I’d try using a little less mouthpiece and also make sure your bottom teeth aren’t connecting with the Reed at any stage.
I'm playing the sax, and having troubles on the transition between low C and low D, i noticed that my ligature is getting loose when i play, may it be the problem?
I have had a problem with this, and it seems like I can play the notes just fine as harmonics, but the notes D-A in second register are very stuffy if I actually put down the octave key. Above that is fine and below that is fine. I think maybe that it's the mechanical issue you mentioned? Is that something I can adjust myself?
i am having problems with my d. when i put on the proper fingerings it squeaks a high pitch. but when I take off the back it sounds correct. Please help!!
So I’m a beginner and I was learning notes by playing a “D” and then releasing the keys I hold with my right hand, although the tone/pitch/note wasn’t changing as I released the keys or press the keys (right hand). Is something wrong with my instrument?
I have a nearly opposite problem. The D has the loudest tone, and it's also the most "open/loud." I've been playing around with recording on Audacity, and D is the loudest note it records. Any idea why that might be?
Hey Nate. That’s interesting. I’d suggest working on some long tones over that area on your sax to smooth things out. The best way to do this is playing really quiet long tones. Check it with your tuner too. This will help you build your embouchure strength and that should even things out for you.
i’m a beginner on sax but an advanced clarinet player and i struggle with getting low notes on sax out?? i can do a g in the staff pretty well but once i get to the f in the staff down to a d it sounds an octave higher than it’s supposed to be. is it my embouchure?? is it my sax?
Hi Kaylee, since you are an advanced clarinet player it’s most likely an issue with the sax itself. This is really common and generally easily fixed - often it’s just some adjustment needed to sort a leaky pad. I would get it checked by a repairer if possible to make sure.
Hey McGill, thank so much for this video and all of your work ! Yet, it seems me, by playing and by reading on internet, that the middle d is a difficult note by itself, and you hear when you play it along with other notes that it's much weaker (like if there is a cloth in the sax). So of course the transition with the octave key is a issue, but middle D is an issu by itself, specialy on the tenor. I'm a begginer, and I was not struggling at all with the middle D on the alto. Realy, my middle D on a tenor is miserable. How could I (we) fix that ? Thank you very much !
Thanks for your comment. Middle D isn’t normally that difficult so long as you have all your fingers down correctly. I’d suggest if you are really struggling that you get your sax checked over by a repairer. Hope you get it sorted.
Sometimes when i play a 'D' on my alto it comes out as a 'B.' For some reason its always a 'B.' It doesnt always happen but it tends to happen more in transitions between notes. Anything more specific to help with this?
Kieran Mehlig it is because the alto is a instrument a E flat I think it just means that a piano (or trombone)G for example is actually a B flat in sax but it is disguised as a g for easier understanding of notes cuz if everything was flat beginners would be all confused ,trumpets are in Bb like tenors and clarinets and flutes are in c so on and so on sorry for the long read have a nice day :)
im not having issues going from top middle key to all 6 and the F# to make D...its its sound..the D sounds flat...not like when i played trumpet..where it was just as crisp as the C but a pitch higher...on my tenor..it goes up in pitch, but sound muted..or flat sound..almost like its lower than the C, but in a D pitch..
You should find that gets better as your embouchure gets stronger. I would practice some long tones going between the C and the D - try to get your sound consistent between the two, and most importantly, keep your throat open for both notes too. Good luck with it.
My yamaha yas23 used to play d and c both octaves just fine but now it just keeps sqeaking and if i manage to sound d or c, it's muffled. What could be causing this? Im using Bari synthetic 2.5
Hi Sarah. Sounds like you will need to adjust the octave key. Check out these tips: Saxophone high notes not working - how to fix them quickly ua-cam.com/video/snfW_kBqoU0/v-deo.html
Thanks for this video. I am having the same problem. However, it occurs only when I go up from mid C to mid D then to mid E. The sound then drops down to normal when I reach mid F. Then mid E and mid D will sound normal as I go down the scale. With no change in embouchure, everything sound good when I start at high C and go down to mid C. This rules out the defective instrument. Do you have any idea what could have cause that ? Thanks.
@@viviennesoan1 It was my embouchure, bire pressure. I relaxed my bite and tighten my lips a bit and it went away. It took hours of trial and error. Good luck.
@@l.nguyen860 Thank you for letting me know, that difference between mid C to mid D is always something to work on if you have left the Saxophone and not played for a while ...it's like a kind of test!!
I don’t believe this answered his question... my D always comes out quiet, or as a high B. Even my tutor irl doesn’t know what’s wrong... I have a feeling it might just come with practice
I was wondering maybe it was different from my school one but it is alto and I thought they where the same which they are it just idk it might be my reed or the saxophone but it probably the reed cause it is chipped enough to miss it up
I will get a new reed soon and see if that fixes the problem just idk if my school will let me use my saxophone it A Selmer AS500 and we use Yamaha,Cannonball,Jupiter that what they recommend I hope they let me use it for school
Good question Adrian. It could be the reed, but sometimes you can get this problem if your octave mechanism isn’t working properly. Check out my videos on this for more help: ua-cam.com/video/snfW_kBqoU0/v-deo.html
nigel , are all the keys on the sax suppose to be in the centered with the pads, especially my octive key mechanism, it isn't in the center of the pad , is it suppose to be that way ? i really don't know if that's why my " d" comes out flat, can you help me with this .thank you
I was having this same problem last week so, I spent about 10 minutes just going back and forth between C and D. Then, I'd play B,C,D,E,D,C then back to B. Over and over.
There's a great quote that goes, Don't practice til you get it right; practice til you can't get it wrong.
Love that quote.
amazing quote
Uh ha!! So the G key does cancel the main octave pad‼️‼️ ouffff i thought my sax was bent or something... G opens an alternative pad when octave key is pressed with it. Glad i helped u guys. Thx
Thanks a million...that devise on the G finger and octave key 🔑 was spot on. You saved me so much effort and issues. Truly appreciate
Awesome. Glad it helped Brian.
Awesome that you addressed this. Something simple but really gave me trouble early on. I really slowed my self down and went over this several times until I got it.
Nigel, you always have the kindest, most helpful lessons!
Thank you for the tip. Just a little pressure in the mechanism and the problem was fixes.
Brill. Glad it helped you Adilson.
Dear Nigel,
I'm so happy and relieved I've found out your video: I've been struggling with this issue for almost a year!
Nobody, even my teacher, ever thought to told me that the problem may have been the right annular finger, a little slower than the other to close up its key: as a matter of fact, I've always heard an A squeak (on an alto sax) while doing the passages from Bb and upwards to high D.
You really made my day, thanks from the bottom of my heart!
Brilliant Riccardo! I’m so glad this helped you.
I'm new as well. And I have, or almost had, the same problem. Still working it, It's gettin better. I use my laptop cam. That way I can play it back, listen for the squeaks and squawks and very carefully stop the video and double check my finger timing. Also, I have an old, very, very old sax. I found that the screw that holds the pivot rod that operates with the octave key was coming loose allowing the rod to move laterally as well as rotate. This changed the valve timing significantly
Cool. Glad you found that loose screw - common problem on older saxes.
omg this was driving me crazy. i played saxophone for 4 years in high school. just got out my sax to play and the high D key kept going super airy and it was driving me crazy!!! it needed to tighten my octave mechanism bc it was too loose and not closing properly. sounds beautiful now, thank you!!
Thank You so much...I played sax for years and of course stopped when I got older. I gave the instrument to my son for high school band and he was struggling with this issue. I would play with him and it would happen to me. Your tip about having the G down which should close the octive key was my issue. The cork from underneath the octive key was missing! Thanks again!
Dude I’ve been struggling with this for 4 months. Not a single video on it
Glad it helped you Brady.
You're a legend. The hint about the G action at the end allowed me to play last night hours. Thank you!
first tip worked!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Awesome!
Thank you I struggled with this today and it was frustrating 😂😂😂
There's an alternate fingering for C to D. Maybe others know about it too? If you want to trill quickly between mid C and mid D, it's going to be more difficult doing that with the standard fingering. But if you go from mid C and then press down the palm D and Eb keys (ie what would normally be a high Eb with the palm keys and the octave key) but DON'T press the octave key, it gives you mid D.
It only works in that particular range though. If you add the octave key to it, it will become Eb. And if you just press the palm key D without the octave key, it sounds more like a C# or a very flat D. But playing the D and Eb palm keys without the octave key allows you to get mid D and to do a trill between C and D which wouldn't be possible in the normal way (well, it is possible but doesn't sound good because you can't do it fast or smooth enough).
Thank you I had a big problem with my middle d and you just fixed it for me, thanks a lot :)
Awesome! I"m so glad it helped you John.
My high D is just playing as low D
Same :(
Is your pressy thingy stuck because all you have to do is try turning your mouth piece part and sorry I’ve been playing sax for only 1 yr and a half lol
GraspingFob opposite for me low d sounds like high d and I’m good at high an it’s so annoying
Make sure your octave key is lifting off if it’s not check the mechanism and if that’s working there’s a good chance it’s bent and you’ll have to bend it back
@@davidwyatt1446 I get this too, i thought i was my mechanism as there is a secondary octave pipe that needs to open with key 3 on the left hand. It is also my emboucher as my jaw position is actually blowing the overtone instead!
Thanks for the very valuable tips. What I'm hearing when I go to the D from a C or C# is the high A, so I'll apply these and see if they solve the problems.
I hope it helps Tim.
Having this same problem
I couldn't get high D. I eventually realised that one of my low register tone holes was stuck closed. All good now. Am just a beginner but learning all the time!!
Great stuff Noel. Glad you got it sorted!
Didn't practice for some time. Today tried to practice and found the problem with the G key pressed and octave hole not completely covering the hole. Thanks.
Thanks, helped me greatly
One tip I've found to make the D note with octave key on sound as clear and as bright as the other notes is to bump open the D, palm key with the left hand. Works well if you have enough time to pump it open before you must move on to the next note. Give it a try!
Hey Randy. That's a great tip. It's also a cool way to get an alternative sound on the D that works well to add color to a line when improvising. I use a palm middle D often when improvising over ballads for example.
Wow guys thanks! That is my biggest issue w tone on my tenor. I’m gonna try that out. When I play D w octave, it sounds almost muffled. Then I jump to E and it sounds “crisp” .. more treble - pretty sound .
I was having this problem going from C# to D - the D was sounding a high A sometimes. I changed my reed and the problem was solved.
I was having a really hard time playing the low d, I’m a clarinet player of 4 years and I decided to start playing saxophone as well. I would be able to hit the low g, and e but then the second I went for a d, it went to a high d, the whole “yawning trick” really helped
I literally got up to Grade 6 AMEB and only just realised what the issue is with transitions from c to d. My thumb was hitting the octave key just slightly before putting down the other six fingers, meaning the octave valve was doing a tiny jump in the transition. Now using my emboucher to get the middle d sound and pressing down the octave key late, it works like a dream
Brilliant Ella. And congrats on your grade 6! Glad this helped you.
Thanks Nigel, I thought there would be a quick hack to go from c to d without sounding clunky, like there is for the B to C with the alternate finger positions so there is no clunkyness. Yes I love Sax school, its helped me get into good practice habits.
My D went down so low because I was playing Star Wars a lot so I needed the low D and now I’m stuck with the low D
It happens to me that it’s just the sax that is broken like, the part from G to F closes 2 keys... the top one sometimes don’t close as much as I want.
waoh you are so amazing you repair my sax for me thank you it was mechanism
My D sounds off, everything else is fine but my low D is hard to hit. I haven't played in a while but I've been playing for years.
Thank you so much for this video! I've been struggling with the D (but not the low D) for days now and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It turns out it might be a mechanical issue, as when I press down the L3 (third finger on left hand, or as you call it, G) key, with the octave key at the same time, the octave mechanism opens about halfway. I'm not sure what to do at this point, but at least I'm not going crazy!
I just sort of bent the octave mechanism down to seal the hole and fixed it! That was creating far more problems than just the C to D transition, so thank you for this video!!!
My low d is playing as octave d and so is my low e and f#
You just gotta practice going down the scale
I know how to play D because I'm not a beginner but I was at my school concert and I set my sax down on my case because that's what we do before we perform I was about to play a D and it kept jumping to High G
Helped me, it was my own stupid fingers that was causing it, Thanks
Glad it helped!
I switch from bari to alto for marching season so some of my high notes on alto just kinda..don't do what they're supposed to. I know it's me but I feel silly not being able to play the notes
Hey Nigel,
I was wondering if you had any tips for me? I play the alto sax and am auditioning for jazz band. The requirements are as follows; a jazz style solo, sight reading, and an optional improv solo over the Bb Blues Progression. I am in 8th grade and am really, really, really into jazz.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Luke🎷
Saxlife just practice a lot, for improv if you want to do it, just practice over a backing track of Bb blues and go crazy basically. (Using your Bb blues scale) do it a bunCh to get plenty of different ideas to use if you do it in audition. Even just learning a few licks sounds super cool if you play them well. Not sure how long you’ve been doing jazz music but make sure to learn/practice all your Blues scales and other scales to use in soloing. (In my opinion improv solos are always better and look more professional to have no music in front of you) with sight reading just be careful with tempo and rhythms because especially in jazz there can be some tricky ones especially if your new to it. It’s really a matter of feeling the music rather than reading exactly what’s on the page. If you need anything or have any other questions feel free to ask! I’ve been playing in jazz bands since 6th grade (I’m in 10th) and my high school has the best one in the state. I also play alto, tenor, and soprano sax so yeah. I’ve got some experience lmao.
Hi, N, I had that same problem, and this is what I did to fix it. You always saying slow it down to play fast. So I play the C and move to the D slow with fingers close to the keys, but make sure I get a full tone on the D only with scales Quick fix
I’ve been playing soprano for years and recently got a tenor.
I have no problem with the soprano but this D on the tenor is really giving me some problems.
That's strange Jerome. Have you had the sax checked by a repairer? Also, just make sure your embouchure is right. Too much mouthpiece could cause this too.
I’m in a advance band, my sax dropped off a chair,and flipped over
Now my middle D and low D is not in tune and unplayable. PLUS I have a concert today and tomorrow, plus a little hook up the next day after that
Nigel, I am currently taking part in your 14-day free trial on Sax School and I am really enjoying it, but I am having a lot of trouble with the second octave... After watching this video - I went back to my sax, and I noticed when I press the G key, the upper octave key shows no movement at all. Is that a sign that my sax has a mechanical problem and needs to be repaired? My trial is running out and I am feeling so frustrated because I could not play even your five-minute warm up exercise because of this octave key issue! Please help - much appreciated!
I'm supposed to play ode to joy and the transition from c to d at the start it often would squeak or would just stop playing so thank you
Great! Glad it helped you Robert.
Next I'll make my left pinky grow a little to reach that pad on the edge to play low c#😅
When I play a high g# on my alto it goes down the a low one with a horrible sound but if I bite it comes out any tips?
In alto sax. If we press which keys, the octave crook key does not go up?
I have been having trouble with this for 2 years. This is hopefully what I need. Thank you. My d is always very sharp.
Hi, how do you fix that?, I have the same problem. All the first notes are on tune, but that D is a little sharp
@@rodrigomartinezmx I found that if you tune the g a little flat and then loosen your ambatour for the d, you can get it in tune.
Hi Nigel, thanks for all the info so far, I will be going for the lifetime beginners course you recommended very soon, can I ask a question in the meantime please as I feel I'm at a brick wall untill I move past this.
when working on your pentatonic scale video which in on the alto sax f#minor I believe, when I get to the 5th note (e) it sounds super low and not high pitched like the video. I can't understand what's going on as the rest of my notes sound ok.
Thanks in advance.
Having trouble with this as well. It seems that in order to play middle D or E I need to move the mouthpieces out of my mouth slightly, but to play low D and C, I need to move the mouthpiece in, if I don't - low D and C come out squeaky. I can't seem to find a mouthpiece position that works for both! Very confusing...
I'm on a super cheap amazon saxophone, but I do have a standard Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and 2.0 Rico reeds.
See, my problem is hitting the low E on tenor. I seem to always make it sound like a high E. This only happens when I'm tonguing, but not when I'm slurring..and that my high D sounds muffled... oh and my high g squeaks weirdly
Sometimes.
I have a different "D" problem. When I go from low D on my soprano sax, to middle D with the octave key, the note often wants to slide back down to low D. Sometimes, it only does it partially, sometimes it will go completely back to low D. I think it may be something that I'm not doing properly because, I don't usually have this problem when I'm doing long tone exercises. I've only been playing soprano sax for just about 2 months. Is this something I need to focus on with my embouchure?
I was squeaking from c to d consistently until i changed reeds (went up half a grade). I guess it has to do something with the vibrating with the reed. Or just a shitty reed!
when playing d,does the register open? When does the register opens?
Whenever I try to play a high D my reed stops vibrating our I just go back down to low D. Is there something I’m doing wrong?
My middle C sound the same as the C#. Please how am I going to fix it. Help me it has been a while I played the sax due to this dissonance.
I've tried my best to get my delayed lower C# key back to its position, please I need directories.
Was I the only one to yawn when McGill yawned? 🥱
My high D does not close all the way and I got it fixed too.
Cool, glad you got it sorted out.
I have a a problem with and low B flat and this low C. They both seem to meet the Reed squeak.
Relax your jaw...
I have the same problem. If it is the mechanical malfunction, how can I fix it?
My tenor saxophone can play everything but when I go to normal c to d, the d shoots up. Even when I press all of them down and play it by itself, it still does it. My octave key stays down and I’ve checked for repairs. It’s so stressful.... I can’t play the normal D. The other ones are fine.
Sorry to hear that. Might be time to visit your local repairer.
Is there a way to fix the normal and low D note
Hi, my B and C seem unturned... Each of them sound half tone lower... Am a beginner, need help please
I’ll bet that’s frustrating. Start by making sure your mouth is in the right position when you’re playing and your fingers are correct, if you can’t play any notes higher than the C, then it could be a mechanical issue. I would suggest working through my free ToolKit QuickStart Lesson first here: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses. Then reach out for more help via email if that doesn’t help. Good luck.
I need help, notes that need an octave key I can ONLY play without the octave key. When I use the octave key it is too high and squeaky. I can play the correct notes without the octave key. What do I do? Is it ok to not use the octave key?
Have you tried using a tuner?. I have a habit of biting the reed and changes my embouchure when I do overtones (which is when you play high notes without octave key) but either your overtones are out of tune or it could be your embouchure when you play with your octave key. So really just mess around your embouchure with your tuner and see which way is more in tune. Let me know if this helps!
I’m still having that problem. I’ve been playing for around 6 weeks, practicing a couple of hours every day. I have a YTS480 with a 5C mouthpiece and a 1.75 Légère American Cut Reed. The sax was new when I purchased it. I’ve been into the supplier and had my tutor play it as well. My tutor said it was ok. So why, when playing Cold Duck Time am I still getting that squeal going from D to C to D. At times I can even replicate it at will and I feel as if my embouchure hasn’t changed. I look in the mirror when I do and have videoed myself to see if I can notice anything. I’m pretty sure it’s tuned correctly. I keep an eye on the octave key to make sure there’s no movement during the change up. I also tongue the notes slowly and press the keys on time. All of this is hit and miss. My question here is will this cause my embouchure to develop slower because I’m concentrating too much on one note. Should I just play through it until I get it right. I still do my basic scales F and D majors and there is no problems there at all. I’m up to 250 bpm on the D Major and 144 on the F major. No squeaks! What could it be about that particular piece of music that makes me want to kick the music stand over 😳🥴???
Great question DD. I’ll bet that is super frustrating. My guess is it’s something with your mouth position that is causing the squeak. I’d try using a little less mouthpiece and also make sure your bottom teeth aren’t connecting with the Reed at any stage.
You'd be amazed how much a saxophone sound is in an your head.
Did you get a break through on this?
when i use my octave key on/off d it both sounds the same (both low/deep) im guessing i should get my sax tuned?
I'm playing the sax, and having troubles on the transition between low C and low D, i noticed that my ligature is getting loose when i play, may it be the problem?
I have had a problem with this, and it seems like I can play the notes just fine as harmonics, but the notes D-A in second register are very stuffy if I actually put down the octave key. Above that is fine and below that is fine. I think maybe that it's the mechanical issue you mentioned? Is that something I can adjust myself?
I was having this problem too (it is like a 5% chance). You deserve much more sub, don’t you think?
Cheers! Thanks for watching.
i am having problems with my d. when i put on the proper fingerings it squeaks a high pitch. but when I take off the back it sounds correct. Please help!!
Can you please help me im having a hard time playing C im using soprano saxophone
Everytime I play g sharp it brings down the third key below E do you why this happens?
My problem is that there is a massive delay between the C and D notes even though I press the right keys properly and on time.
Perhaps you need more air Ralph. Spending time on long tones down around this area really helps (I still do this daily!)
So I’m a beginner and I was learning notes by playing a “D” and then releasing the keys I hold with my right hand, although the tone/pitch/note wasn’t changing as I released the keys or press the keys (right hand). Is something wrong with my instrument?
That sounds strange to me Tim. I’d just check over your sax and make sure all your pads are closing properly. Hope you get it sorted.
I was wondering why my D note just wouldn’t play right, then after an hour I found a sock in it.🤦♂️
My octave key doesn’t go up after b and c
I have a nearly opposite problem. The D has the loudest tone, and it's also the most "open/loud." I've been playing around with recording on Audacity, and D is the loudest note it records. Any idea why that might be?
Hey Nate. That’s interesting. I’d suggest working on some long tones over that area on your sax to smooth things out. The best way to do this is playing really quiet long tones. Check it with your tuner too. This will help you build your embouchure strength and that should even things out for you.
My middle D plays 20 cents Sharp after warming up, neighboring notes all fine, been doing embrochure
work to no avail... Help!
Hey Tommy. That doesn’t sound good. Might be a good idea to get it checked over by a repairer.
i’m a beginner on sax but an advanced clarinet player and i struggle with getting low notes on sax out?? i can do a g in the staff pretty well but once i get to the f in the staff down to a d it sounds an octave higher than it’s supposed to be. is it my embouchure?? is it my sax?
Hi Kaylee, since you are an advanced clarinet player it’s most likely an issue with the sax itself. This is really common and generally easily fixed - often it’s just some adjustment needed to sort a leaky pad. I would get it checked by a repairer if possible to make sure.
McGill Music Sax School thank you so much!
Hey McGill, thank so much for this video and all of your work ! Yet, it seems me, by playing and by reading on internet, that the middle d is a difficult note by itself, and you hear when you play it along with other notes that it's much weaker (like if there is a cloth in the sax). So of course the transition with the octave key is a issue, but middle D is an issu by itself, specialy on the tenor. I'm a begginer, and I was not struggling at all with the middle D on the alto. Realy, my middle D on a tenor is miserable. How could I (we) fix that ? Thank you very much !
I'm not english so sorry for the mistakes :)
Thanks for your comment. Middle D isn’t normally that difficult so long as you have all your fingers down correctly. I’d suggest if you are really struggling that you get your sax checked over by a repairer. Hope you get it sorted.
Sometimes when i play a 'D' on my alto it comes out as a 'B.' For some reason its always a 'B.' It doesnt always happen but it tends to happen more in transitions between notes. Anything more specific to help with this?
Kieran Mehlig it is because the alto is a instrument a E flat I think it just means that a piano (or trombone)G for example is actually a B flat in sax but it is disguised as a g for easier understanding of notes cuz if everything was flat beginners would be all confused ,trumpets are in Bb like tenors and clarinets and flutes are in c so on and so on sorry for the long read have a nice day :)
That happened to me last year my D sounded like a B flat and i think it was because one of my springs were out of place so maybe check for that
im not having issues going from top middle key to all 6 and the F# to make D...its its sound..the D sounds flat...not like when i played trumpet..where it was just as crisp as the C but a pitch higher...on my tenor..it goes up in pitch, but sound muted..or flat sound..almost like its lower than the C, but in a D pitch..
i started 2 days ago on tenor sax.
You should find that gets better as your embouchure gets stronger. I would practice some long tones going between the C and the D - try to get your sound consistent between the two, and most importantly, keep your throat open for both notes too. Good luck with it.
I figured it out By the way. I have to use palm D to sharpen it up. while holding D+F#
My yamaha yas23 used to play d and c both octaves just fine but now it just keeps sqeaking and if i manage to sound d or c, it's muffled.
What could be causing this?
Im using Bari synthetic 2.5
That's no good Jarlo. I'd suggest checking out the octave mechanism.
The last button dont go down all the way
My Octive key on my neck doesn’t sit flat, what do I do?
Hi Sarah. Sounds like you will need to adjust the octave key. Check out these tips: Saxophone high notes not working - how to fix them quickly ua-cam.com/video/snfW_kBqoU0/v-deo.html
I have the octave key problem where it is open when i play notes below G. How can i fix this?
This might help you: Saxophone high notes not working - ua-cam.com/video/snfW_kBqoU0/v-deo.html
What happen that my saxopfon do not play the G#.
Check that your G# key isn’t stuck down Eugenio. That is a common issue.
Thanks for this video.
I am having the same problem. However, it occurs only when I go up from mid C to mid D then to mid E. The sound then drops down to normal when I reach mid F. Then mid E and mid D will sound normal as I go down the scale.
With no change in embouchure, everything sound good when I start at high C and go down to mid C. This rules out the defective instrument. Do you have any idea what could have cause that ? Thanks.
did you get an answer to this question as I have the same problem?
@@viviennesoan1 No. I did not. Let me know when you figure what could have cause it.
@@viviennesoan1 It was my embouchure, bire pressure. I relaxed my bite and tighten my lips a bit and it went away. It took hours of trial and error. Good luck.
@@l.nguyen860 Thank you for letting me know, that difference between mid C to mid D is always something to work on if you have left the Saxophone and not played for a while ...it's like a kind of test!!
@@viviennesoan1 It's muscle memory. I try to practice at least an hour a day. Or else, like you said, my lips forget where it was on the mouth piece.
There is a way to solve that problem. It's called: Practice, baby! Practice ......
I don’t believe this answered his question... my D always comes out quiet, or as a high B. Even my tutor irl doesn’t know what’s wrong... I have a feeling it might just come with practice
Hi Michael. That sounds strange to me and pretty unusual. The most likely cause is a leaky pad. I'd suggest getting your repairer to check it over.
does sax school cost money?
Hi. You Can find out more about membership here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join.
My high d is just playing high a
My D seems a bit muffled. So when I transition it doesn’t sound as smooth
I hope this video helps you Brooke.
I just have long D problems
Oi
Christiano, ask out Kass
Is Every alto saxs e flat?
Hi Adrian. Yes, all Alto saxes are in Eb. Tenor saxes are in Bb.
Ok so I have one question my note d come out high even though I don’t push the thumb down for it to come out high
I was wondering maybe it was different from my school one but it is alto and I thought they where the same which they are it just idk it might be my reed or the saxophone but it probably the reed cause it is chipped enough to miss it up
I will get a new reed soon and see if that fixes the problem just idk if my school will let me use my saxophone it A Selmer AS500 and we use Yamaha,Cannonball,Jupiter that what they recommend I hope they let me use it for school
Good question Adrian. It could be the reed, but sometimes you can get this problem if your octave mechanism isn’t working properly. Check out my videos on this for more help: ua-cam.com/video/snfW_kBqoU0/v-deo.html
nigel , are all the keys on the sax suppose to be in the centered with the pads, especially my octive key mechanism, it isn't in the center of the pad , is it suppose to be that way ? i really don't know if that's why my " d" comes out flat, can you help me with this .thank you
Hi Gerald. Do you mean the pearls aren’t in the centre of the pad? That’s normal.
I am struggling with D to B back to D (with octave key). I will try using a mirror.
Cool. I hope that helps you.