Altissimo G#

Martin · Aug 18, 2011

I just found a fingering for altissimo G# which works really well for me, especially if coming from altissimo F#.

OK...I play the F# using register key (obviously), left hand first finger on the 'aux F' key, left hand second finger on the 'A key', right hand first finger on the 'F key' and also pressing the first side key.

Now...to move to G#, simply slide the right hand first finger up to the second side key, keeping everything else the same.

Now you're probably going to tell me that everyone already knows that...but I didn't...

Martin

dave 645 · Aug 19, 2011

I didn't know that, so thank you, but in truth I don't even venture into the altissimo range, (yet)

Nick Wyver · Aug 19, 2011

Lots of variations on that theme seem to work. Which sax was it?

Martin · Aug 21, 2011

Nick Wyver said:
Lots of variations on that theme seem to work. Which sax was it?

Hi Nick,

It's my 'The Martin' tenor, circa 1947.

Not tried it on my Yamaha alto yet.

Martin

zootspiker · Mar 27, 2013

G# has proven elusive for me on my vintage Kings. (BTW they do not have the modern F# key)

I tried your fingering and I ended up with a G; However, when I lifted the F key, G# came out. I have played around with this for about 20 minutes with the same result for both horns.

My set up on the Siversonic (400xxx) is a PNR Guardalla Super King with a MH Harry Hartmann Fiberreed.
My set up on the Super 20 (300xxx) is a Wanne Datta (9) with a 2.5 Fibercell

I also found that by taking more mouthpiece the tone was a little fuller. I'm used to the
Front F/Bb side key for G as well a adding 1 for F#; Lift the Bb side key for F; 1,2 for E; 1,2,3 for Eb;
so I'll have to work on transitions which are a little awkward. But, I have found G# on these two vintage horns!!!! Yeah!

thomsax · Mar 27, 2013

You can try:
Octave pressed on all
Front F, B A, F.
B, G, side C.
B, G, F, D and side C.
B, G, F and side C.

I think alltissimo G# is a tone that is hard to blow. But I just know a few altissimo tones. I can't play a melody up there!

jonf · Mar 28, 2013

thomsax said:
But I just know a few altissimo tones. I can't play a melody up there!

My approach too. I can belt out a good altissimo tone for dramatic effect, but playing a melody in that range? No way.

jbtsax · Mar 29, 2013

It is possible to make altissimo G and G# easier to play by adjusting the front F to open the F key just 1.5 - 2 mm. The trade-off is that it makes the front high F stuffy, and the front high E unuseable.

Littlewailer · Apr 22, 2013

I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

If it's a fast passage you can't hear really that it's super sharp. Almost an A but not quite. But it speaks perfectly every time. I use OXX|OXO (just adding the middle finger in the right hand) to bring the pitch down but it will break and die really easily if I'm not really careful.

ArtyLady · Apr 22, 2013

Littlewailer said:
I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

If it's a fast passage you can't hear really that it's super sharp. Almost an A but not quite. But it speaks perfectly every time. I use OXX|OXO (just adding the middle finger in the right hand) to bring the pitch down but it will break and die really easily if I'm not really careful.

Thats what I use too - it is a little sharp but I can't get it any other way!

saxismyaxe · Apr 23, 2013

Martin said:
Hi Nick,

It's my 'The Martin' tenor, circa 1947.

Not tried it on my Yamaha alto yet.

Martin

The Martin Committee III horns have the easiest to hit altissimo of any make or model sax I have played. I love them.

Fraser Jarvis · Apr 23, 2013

OXX/OOO for G#, OOX/OOO for A, swiftly moving to side D for B.......Simples

aldevis · Apr 23, 2013

Are we still talking tenor? I find huge differences in that area between alto and tenor.

Fraser Jarvis · Apr 23, 2013

aldevis said:
Are we still talking tenor? I find huge differences in that area between alto and tenor.

I was talking tenor, cant offer any advice for alto though...

saxnik · Apr 23, 2013

I try to use the same fingerings for alto and tenor or I confuse myself.
I use
F#: TXOX|XOO
G: TXOX|OOX
G#: TOXO|OXO
A: TOXX|OOO (with the G# key too on my tenor or it's flat).

Fraser Jarvis · Apr 23, 2013

Just tried Nick's fingerings above, his A with G# gives me a great and very stable G on my Selmer!

Martin · Apr 23, 2013

Littlewailer said:
I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

So how do you play your A?

Martin

Ivan · Apr 24, 2013

saxnik said:
I try to use the same fingerings for alto and tenor or I confuse myself.
I use
F#: TXOX|XOO
G: TXOX|OOX
G#: TOXO|OXO
A: TOXX|OOO (with the G# key too on my tenor or it's flat).

Acute brain death, please help

T = ?