@Sushidushi:
Going back to your original question in this thread I would like to give you my best tips to work on tuning.
I recommend that you tune up your saxophone on the G note (L123) without the octave key.
There are several reasons for this and here are a few:
1. You can play your G on the sax using one hand and play a F minor (F,Ab,C tenor) or B-flat minor(Bb,D,F alto) on a keyboard
to compare and listen to how you are tuning against that chord. Using a tuner works fine too, but by doing it the way I just
explained makes it a lot easier for you to hear what needs to be adjusted and learn how it should be sounding.
2. another reason for using the G note is that it's an easy note to play and it will harmonize well if you are part of a band.
(Most orchestras/bands tune on a Concert Bb-flat. Not referring to pop/rock bands)
3. Using the G makes it easy for you to adjust the mouthpiece with the right hand which also makes it easier to tune up.
So, how to practice?
One of the most common reasons why you can sound out of tune in between the octaves and even by playing certain notes next to each other (ex. C#2 - D2 as mentioned in previous post) is the wrong use of the air in combination with biting down on the mouthpiece too much.
Do you get a more "closed sound" and loose power in the upper register as well as sound a bit sharp?
This could be the combination of too little air and too much pressure around the mouthpiece.
Practice to improve your airflow and loosen the pressure of your jaw by:
1. Using the Neck and Mouthpiece in front of a mirror. Play the note and drop your jaw until the sound disappears.
Do the same thing and now try to adjust the jaw to the position where you get the "biggest" sound.
this can take a few tries in order to get right.
2. Now add the whole saxophone and do the same thing. Again, let this take some time and listen to where you get the "biggest"
sound, using the G note (L123), no octave.
When you yawn you open up your whole mouth and throat, right?
Now, this is the "open feeling" you are going for inside your mouth in order to get that open sound.
3. Play the G without the octave key (yawning feeling) and establish that sound. Add the octave key without adjusting the
amboshure (jaw) around the mouthpiece.
Are you getting an open sound now?
Even though your G2(with octave key) should be sounding more in tune by following these steps you may still be a bit sharp.
To fix this you need to loosen the jaw and add more air. Now, remember we are talking about really small adjustments here.
My final tip:
Use a mirror and look at your mouth as you are practicing these things. You may be doing things that you are not aware of which I know I used to do before I started doing this now and again way back.
Hope this helps you out!
Play On!
/Greger