LOW Eb TO C

[daveq]

Whats the correct technique to playing a low Eb to a low C? Should you keep the Eb key pressed down and use the rollers on the keys to move across to the C key keeping the finger down,or should the finger lift.I find playing a Eb or C then moving to another note ok but Eb to C is a stretch for my little finger.

 

[justin_chune]

It gets easier with practice. Even with the rollers there to help us it's an awkward stretch. Let the Eb key come up as your finger heads for the rollers. As an exercise play C Eb G. G Eb C. over and over. Have fun.

I bought a C melody sax once and the previous owner had taken vise grips to the low Eb key and twisted it towards his pinky. That sure solved his problem. Of course he couldn't have played below low D ever again.

 

[philthd]

if youre slurring, you just have to slide or youll get a little d in the middle.

i get hugely frusrtated playing clarinet with the lack of rollers as my pinky mashes from key to key (for the recored - entirely inappropriate clarinet technique - but im too lazy to learn the appropriate alternate fingerings)

 

[justin_chune]

Hi Phil, try this. Draw the pad of your right pinky down the side of your nose and face. This will lubricate your finger and help a lot. It's one of the tricks of the trade used by players of simple system clarinets.

 

[spike]

You may find it helpful to flick the wrist slightly as well.
I have my tech. lower my C key slightly, it makes going down a bit easier for me.

 

[daveq]

Thanks for the advice/tips looks like its practice practice practice.

 

[jazzzzz8]

Also remember to relax. Cause the Sax is cool, be cool with it, and it will love you for stroking it so well... no puns lads!