Tone Altissimo G

[jazzdoh]

I'm trying this too.
How many overtones should I be trying to get for each note?

As high as you can go and then on to the next one.

Overtones is way to go to make altissimo easier,the book "Top-Tones for Saxophone by Sigurd M Rasher"is a good book to help you also.

 

[ProfJames]

Okay.

Not sure how long the other half will put up with the racket, though.

That is why I am single! Those darn overtones!

 

[jonf]

That is why I am single! Those darn overtones!

Oh, really........

 

[ProfJames]

You are right.........it could have been the Undertones!

 

[mpj.brennan]

Can I be clear on this - how far up should one do the overtone exercises? Starting from low Bb- low C# or should one go higher - say low D (or even higher)? Hope my question is clear.

 

[kevgermany]

There's a big section on overtones in taming the sax vol 2. The first few exercises use fundamentals from low Bb to low A. And although he gives exercises with a lot more overtones, Pete suggests not worrying too much if you struggle to get past the second overtone on each note. It's certainly possible to get overtones from notes higher than low A. I should do more of these exercises, I've only ever bothered with first overtones.

But remember that as soon as you press the octave key, you're playing an overtone, not a higher fundamental. Which is why the sound changes so much between the registers, and why a soprano sax in the lower register sounds fuller than a tenor in the high register.

 

[Targa]

You are right.........it could have been the Undertones!

Did you misunderstand the line 'Teenage kicks all through the night'?

 

[jazzdoh]

Can I be clear on this - how far up should one do the overtone exercises? Starting from low Bb- low C# or should one go higher - say low D (or even higher)? Hope my question is clear.

You can go higher but remember the higher you go the harder it is to get more overtones.

 

[Veggie Dave]

But remember that as soon as you press the octave key, you're playing an overtone, not a higher fundamental. Which is why the sound changes so much between the registers, and why a soprano sax in the lower register sounds fuller than a tenor in the high register.

While practising overtones I keep thinking that using overtones rather than the octave key would make the sax sound bigger in more rock orientated or musically busy environments.

I'm guessing that I'm not the first person to explore this idea?

 

[Nick Wyver]

I'm guessing that I'm not the first person to explore this idea?

Indeed not. You have to watch tunings though.

 

[Alice]

While practising overtones I keep thinking that using overtones rather than the octave key would make the sax sound bigger in more rock orientated or musically busy environments.

I'm guessing that I'm not the first person to explore this idea?

Pete's book is great on this subject.

 

[allansto]

glad I found this post
Im going through the same issue at the moment and also trying to play money
I think its a little ambitious but hey we all need a little challenge
So I will check out petes overtones lesson and keep on practising
Thanks for all the tips
Oh by the way I have an allegro Yamaha 575 tenor and ive gone from a 6* jody jazz hr and 3 marca reed to....
the same sax but a claude lakey 8* metal gold plated with a 2.5 marca
have I jumped too far from a 95 facing to a 125 facing ??????
I am getting some squarking on lower notes but I intend to practice long notes to rectify this.
allansto

 

[Merryfisher]

A few month's ago I posted my attempt at Dexter Gordon's solo on Watermelon Man, where I failed utterly to hit Alt. G. I've been practising ever since and still can't get it, and now I've been challenged to play Money by Pink Floyd, which, of course, uses Alt. G - in fact, it's probably the most iconic part of the solo.

I'm obviously missing something. There's no point spending hours practising something if you're practising the wrong thing. Dexter hits this note with an unbelievable ease so I should be able to hit it after some serious practise.

What did you practise to become able to hit this note?

I find G pops out very easily using the fingering in shown (left 1 (B) with side F#, together with side Bb to stabilise it.)

Forgive me tho - having played Money with several PF tribute bands - is'nt the high note in the solo Alt G#, which again pops out well the fingering shown (left fingers 1 and 3, right finger 1 and side C).

 

[Veggie Dave]

I still can't get it!

It's a little frustrating...

I'm wondering if it's something that's just very difficult on my sax.

 

[Nick Wyver]

I'm wondering if it's something that's just very difficult on my sax.

It could be. They're all different. I get on better with modern ones rather than vintage - but that might be just because I'm more used to them. You'd either need to try a different one or get someone else to try yours.

 

[Veggie Dave]

I find G pops out very easily using the fingering in shown (left 1 (B) with side F#, together with side Bb to stabilise it.)

Woohoo! Finally hit it ... and then hit it again!

It doesn't sound great to be honest but it is a real, genuine, can't argue that it's not a proper G, G.

Happy day today.

Thanks everyone.

 

[saxyjt]

Good job @Veggie Dave !

I haven't really consciously worked on those overtones or altissimo notes yet, but ran into them by accident while experimenting with so many different mouthpieces. But I have to say that it sounds like something I should be trying, now that I am starting to get a better grip on the tenor.

Squeaking my way up the scale sounds like an exciting project!

 

[allansto]

I find G pops out very easily using the fingering in shown (left 1 (B) with side F#, together with side Bb to stabilise it.)

Forgive me tho - having played Money with several PF tribute bands - is'nt the high note in the solo Alt G#, which again pops out well the fingering shown (left fingers 1 and 3, right finger 1 and side C).

yes your right G#

 

[Ivan]

Another vote for G sssshhhhhaarrrp, @Veggie Dave

 

[Veggie Dave]

I saw no point trying to play G# when I couldn't even play G. Of course, the quest for that sharp now begins...