Chirping!

I’m pretty sure that your answer lies in this Ray Smith video. I’ve quoted it before, as it’s a perfect demonstration of the difference between a tight embouchure - which can still give pretty results - and an embouchure which allows the reed to freely vibrate and the notes to sing. It’s a question of tuning your ear into “the sound “ and recognising when it’s too tight and also what Ray calls “too saggy”.

https://youtu.be/Oi9iM-nZZy0
 
If you type, how to chirp on a saxophone, this popped up.
You should type that on a computer or smartphone, as it won't work on a Smith-Corona. 😵‍💫

To "chirp" on a saxophone, which essentially means creating a quick, high-pitched, almost squeaky sound, you need to apply a lot of pressure on the reed with your embouchure while blowing a focused, tight airstream, essentially creating a very controlled and concentrated vibration of the reed; this is often achieved by slightly tightening your lips and increasing air pressure while playing a high note.
 
I think I'm getting there!!! Reed/ligature adjustments didn't seem to help but what did seem to sort it was taking more mouthpiece in - I guess I've somehow reduced that over the past few months which led to this problem. I've also been concentrating on a looser embouchure to improve the tone which I've thought might have been an issue for a while - though it sounded much 'thinner' on the recording I submitted due to the microphone used. That has helped with the 'chirp/squeak' as well. Many thanks to everyone for your thoughts on the issue - I'm touched that so many of you took the time to offer your help. What a great forum - thanks!
 
but what did seem to sort it was taking more mouthpiece in - I guess I've somehow reduced that over the past few months which led to this problem.
I'm glad that sorted it for you but I wonder if there is something else at play because merely taking in less mouthpiece should not cause chirping - there could still be some other issue that is causing that embouchure to manifest it.

I find it's important to have a flexible embouchure which can mean more or less mouthpiece and less has definitely not been a reason to chirp.
 
I'm glad that sorted it for you but I wonder if there is something else at play because merely taking in less mouthpiece should not cause chirping - there could still be some other issue that is causing that embouchure to manifest it.

I find it's important to have a flexible embouchure which can mean more or less mouthpiece and less has definitely not been a reason to chirp.
Presumably it’s the more relaxed embouchure that he talks about.
 

Similar threads... or are they? Maybe not but they could be worth reading anyway 😀

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