octaves, keys, embouchure?

[bobk]

Another 3 day beginner's question...

I'm finding it tricky to move from C in the lower register to D in the upper register (on the alto) while maintaining a nice sounding tone. Often the D sounds much less pure than the C. I can get the high D without the octave key and sometimes this sounds better. I know I must be shifting octaves with my mouth shape (or by overblowing?) when I do this. I'm sure I should be shifting registers with the octave key (otherwise why would it be there?), but I don't know if I should be trying to keep my mouth/blowing/embouchure fixed and just rely on the key or whether I should be using my mouth and the octave key.

thanks,

Bob

ps - don't assume, because I used the term embouchure, that I know anything about what I'm talking - I learned flute as a schoolboy (so know you can change octave by blowing) but remember precious little about flute embouchure and know nothing about sax embouchure beyond Pete's DVD and this website - bottom lip a bit over teeth, 1cm down the mouthpiece, don't bite, listen to what it sounds like...

 

[peter_fitton]

Bob, the 2nd register D will start to sound good in time and with regular practice.

On Pete's DVD there is some good advice about diaphragm breathing and controlling the air that passes into the sax; these are major factors in achieving a good tone.

I had exactly the same problem when I started playing a few months ago and it's only in the last 2 to 3 weeks that I've started to get a tone in the 2nd and 3rd registers that I'm happy with - now when I use the octave key my sax actually sounds saxophonic; previously it sounded more like a flute with a slight edge to it. lol.

Listening to the notes and having a desired sound in your head is essential, I think. You may well find that one day soon that D will sound like you want it to but you can't properly analyse what it is that you're doing differently... that's usually how these things work with me, anyway.

 

[mfox]

yep your going through the cringe factor.. the time when all notes are blown the same..in time as you become to know your instruments little quirks (they all have them) it will become second nature to subtlety alter how you blow certain notes..

its a little like the door that need just that certain tweak to get it open , you can do it but a stranger can't

 

[tris]

Your embrochure is too tight.

What I said in the subtone topic appys here

? Forum Index ? BEGINNERS' SECTION ? Topic: Subtones.

hope this helps you and your daughter...

Have a nice new year!