Probably a dumb question, but....

[peter_fitton]

... how do you balance the sax when playing the left hand palm keys? I find it very tricky to play these keys without pushing the sax to the right, which makes things very awkward (admittedly, the palm keys on my Selmer Prelude alto do seem to be a tad on the stiff side, which doesn't help!).

Are there any positions the left or right hand can take up on the sax to minimise this prob?

Also, anyone else find the various sax fingering charts a bit confusing when it comes to these keys? :S or is it just me???

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Peter, I've never really analysed this, but I guess the sax doesn't move too much if it's well supported by your right thumb under the hook.

It is possible your palm keys aren't moving too well, a spot of lubricant here and there might help. You could also try shortening the sling slightly.

Good luck.

Inexpertly yours, Bob

 

[peter_fitton]

Bob Green wrote:
Hi Peter, I've never really analysed this, but I guess the sax doesn't move too much if it's well supported by your right thumb under the hook.

It is possible your palm keys aren't moving too well, a spot of lubricant here and there might help. You could also try shortening the sling slightly.

Good luck.

Inexpertly yours, Bob

Cheers Bob. I think I've been approaching these keys wrong, as I've actually been trying to play them with my palm. I gather that you're supposed to use your knuckles? Hmmm...

Came across a great link http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/sax/sax_fing.html just a few minutes after writing that post, and that's clarified things a bit. I think.... lol

 

[Lisa]

Hi Peter,

Not a silly question, I know just where you're coming from!

My teacher tells me some people use knuckles and some use palms - it depends how big your hands are! I'm just a lil girl so use my palms mainly cos my knuckles won't reach.

I had problems getting the sax to keep still, too - it's a tricky one. The thumb rest and getting the bottom of the horn nicely resting on your hip/tummy helps to keep it still, so try some variation in your stance.

Happy blowing,
L

 

[peter_fitton]

Lisa wrote:
Hi Peter,

Not a silly question, I know just where you're coming from!

My teacher tells me some people use knuckles and some use palms - it depends how big your hands are! I'm just a lil girl so use my palms mainly cos my knuckles won't reach.

I had problems getting the sax to keep still, too - it's a tricky one. The thumb rest and getting the bottom of the horn nicely resting on your hip/tummy helps to keep it still, so try some variation in your stance.

Happy blowing,
L

Cheers for the encouragement, Lisa. It is starting to get easier to play those keys now, and sometimes I can even get those notes to sound (more or less) in tune 🙂

Nice sax you got there btw.

Peter