Beginner C to D - Old BR Thread

[AlanB]

Hello all. I have the hardest time making a smooth legato transition from C (no OK) to D with the Octave Key. No matter hard i try there is always a hiccough during my legato scale. Can any help with a technique or advice?
Alan

 

[griff136]

Hi Alan,

how long have you been playing? it may well be that you are closing one of the stacks (group of keys eg top stack B,A,G bottom stack F,E,D before the other) it could be a slight niggle with your octave mech, or a slight leak somewhere.

If you are relatively new to the sax it may be your technique but to pinpoint the cause get your local repairman to give it a quick look. If you came into my workshop with those symptoms I'd quickly put a leak lioght down to check for leaks and only charge if there was any real work that needed doing.

 

[half diminished]

Hello all. I have the hardest time making a smooth legato transition from C (no OK) to D with the Octave Key. No matter hard i try there is always a hiccough during my legato scale. Can any help with a technique or advice?
Alan

I find this a little hit and miss and for me it's my technique for sure but I am getting better. I have found it's getting easier to control now my embouchure is getting stronger and as my breath control improves too.

You might want to try playing D and then C# but keep holding the RH keys down. Now you only have 3 keys to open/close and it doesn't affect the tone that much. I was recommended to try this and it worked for me.