dodgy note

[delboy1961]

I have got myself a tuner and can now get every note within 2 cents except for low D.It is ok on the 2 higher D's so Im guessing its not the sax leaking,so its gotta be me.Any tips or does everyone have to accept one bum note

 

[Linky Lee]

how much is it out by?
Can you play to 2 cents without the tuner? That's the test.

With time, conscious practise and playing without a tuner with other instruments doing long tone and intonation practise you shouldn't have any troubles.

 

[delboy1961]

Its about 6 or 7 cents out.I am ok without the tuner as I was suprised that I wasnt that much out on most notes ,except lower D!!!

 

[Pete Thomas]

That's not very far out actually. I'd be surprised if I don't play many notes at least that far out.

 

[Bobby G]

Six cents is 6/100 of a semitone, am I right? I know there was a thread some time ago about this, but it's all gone a bit hazy. However, if I am right, I would say being out by such a small amount is probably not disastrous, maybe especially so for those low notes. Try playing all the D's in sequence, unless they sound horribly out compared to each other I don't think you need to worry delboy

 

[Linky Lee]

If the others are in tune, then do octave practise.

But as others have said, 6-7 cents is no worry at all. Especially if you are playing in a section, most of the time the pitch spreads out more as more players are introduced.

Any more than 10/15 cents though and it starts getting a bit noticeable and you'd want to practise getting it closer.

 

[Bobby G]

Also, it has been said that playing very slightly sharp is less horrible-sounding than playing a bit flat.

 

[delboy1961]

Thanks guys I feel better.I had decided to quit using my teacher but maybe its too early.Hes coming round Thursday and will play my sax with his mouthpiece and ill play his...............Im sure he will play my horn spot on and ill have the same problems with his