Altissimo G# fingering

[Lockjaw]

Hi

Does anyone know of any other tenor fingerings for the high G# just in the altissimo range?

The usual OK / LH 1 + 3 / RH 1 + RSK 2 is flat on my horn (a YTS-62). I can just get away with it on a passing note but not to sustain. Maybe another side key can pull it up a little, but I can't find it!

The other fingering I've seen (in Rousseau) is OK / LH2 / RSKs 1 + 4, but this seems a very weak note.

Any help appreciated.

Simon

 

[thomsax]

On my Martins from the 50's (without high F#) I also can use (the following keys should be pressed on) :

altissimo G#: octave key, aux F key, B key. A key and F key.

altissimo G#: octave key, B key, G key, F key, D key + middle right hand side key.

I just learned and use two altissmo tones: G# and B. Good tones for the rocksax player. I often plays in the keys of A and E.

Thomas

 

[Lockjaw]

Thanks thomsax. I think the 2nd one is the same as I normally use, it's flat for me.

I'm not quite getting the first one though - if you hold the front F down surely the B is down as well? (Plus I don't have the extra finger needed for both!).

I've tried it as I think you mean, but all I get is an F#+.

 

[dooce]

G# is also required for Dick Parrys sax solo in Pink Floyds Money, which I have been grappling with. Thanks for the alternative fingerings, 'cos I really struggle with it too.

 

[thomsax]

Thanks thomsax. I think the 2nd one is the same as I normally use, it's flat for me.

I'm not quite getting the first one though - if you hold the front F down surely the B is down as well? (Plus I don't have the extra finger needed for both!).

I've tried it as I think you mean, but all I get is an F#+.

Sorry! Yes, when I press the front F key the B keycup also comes down. I have a bad habit to press both the front F- and the B-pearls/key with the same finger. Not correct, other players are always pointing this out for me but You can't teach an old dog new tricks!!

The best altissimo G# for me is the one you think is flat (OK, B, G, F + RSK 2). To add the D key is also working but not as good as the one without D. I prefer to play without pressing too many keys. I think a tremolo between altissimo G# and B (OK, Palm key D, G ) is good.

To learn and play well on the altissimo tones are hard. I'm just fine with two or three tones. How you play the altissimos depends on what kind of sax you're playing. My freind is playing on a Selmer MKVI alto with low A. It has differnt altissiomos comparing to a selmer without low A. Yamaha 62 is a sax that most tones comes out well. Wellbuilt saxes with an even scale.

Thomas

 

[Lockjaw]

I agree Thomsax, I find mosts tones on a Yam 62 are very even and accurate including altissimo. But the g# seems to be the exception for me!