Embouchure and MPC location

ian_uk1975 · Feb 12, 2007

I've only been playing for 3 days, but can play a scale and a couple of simple tunes and can even apply a little vibrato. However, I have the following issues and hope somebody here can provide a couple of pointers...

1) When tongueing notes, I often find that the start of the note squeaks. I consequently find it much easier to play legato (ie. without tongueing). Is this simply something that will improve with practice, or is there something specific that maybe causing this?

2) I've noticed the pitch of the sax varies according to how tight my embouchure is. I've also read that the pitch can be tuned by adjusting the position of the MPC on the cork. I've found that I have to 'squeeze' the reed quite hard between my lips in order to tune adequately with a piano. Does this indicate that I may need to adjust the position of the MPC?

3) Is it correct technique to tighten the embouchure for high notes and loosen it for low notes (I find low notes are very hard to squeeze out without squeaking)?

4) I read an article on 'buzzing the mouthpiece'. This involves removing the MPC from the sax and blowing through it to achieve constant pitch and then adjusting tongue position to vary the pitch up and down. When I tried this, I was unable to vary the pitch (except VERY slightly) regardless of what position I put my tongue in. Any pointers??

Cheers,
Ian.

Linky Lee · Feb 12, 2007

you should never squeeze the reed.

play the bottom notes as loose as possible then apply a tiny bit more pressure and that should be your standard pressure.

Your mouthpiece is to far off the crook cork so push it on a little further to tune to the piano. This means you don't have to apply more pressure to raise the pitch (lip up).

On buzzing the mouthpiece you should blow it at a concert A for alto (finger an F#) Concert G for tenor (finger an E). Learn to pitch this note right of first time as that is where you want to play normally so you can pitch up and down from here.

Bending notes down is significantly easier than upwards, to tongue pronounce a 'da' phonetic.

if your notes are squeaking it's quite likely that your ligature is too tight, it should be very loose, only tight enough to hold the reed to the mouthpiece.

Keep going, you're making quick progress and I notice you've gone and found yourself a teacher, which I believe is essential at the beginning even for someone who can already blow another instrument.

Saxlicker · Feb 12, 2007

Welcome Ian,
and Just to add my opinion F.W.I.W. assuming the sax is in good order.

problem 1
I would say its most likely that squeaks are a combination of lots of little things including a controlled embouchure and will just drift away with more practise.

Problem 2
Yes. As Linky says try pushing the mouthpiece on further (as long as you your cork lets you). But you have at least learned that you can 'bend' the pitch with your embouchure anyway 🙂 and it will not require any explanation in future...just practise.

Problem 3
There are a few differing theories about embouchure. At your stage I would go for getting all notes with a consistant not to tight, not too loose approach. Firm, comfortable, without squeezing is the best way I can describe it.
Concentrate on not having to change it too much to get the note that are impossible to you without the change. This should help you improve your control.

Problem 4
This is probably unnecessary and you sound like you have done well enough in such a short time that you'll get it soon if you really want too.