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An Introduction to Overtones, the Basis of Playing the Saxophone’s Altissimo!

Overtones are the natural occurring intervals that form a chord. Or as the dictionary puts it; “An overtone is any frequency higher than the fundamental frequency of a sound”. But we don’t have to get caught up in this scientific explanation, and I’ll lay it out here as it relates to your efforts in developing control of the saxophone’s altissimo range. To understand the overtone principle in a musical way that relates directly to us as musicians, and in this case as saxophone students, here is a diagram showing this natural overtone series:

Natural Overtone Series

overtones-series-150

The above 6 notes are the natural overtone series of a regular major chord. The names of these notes in this particular chord are low B flat, middle B flat, F, high B flat, D, F. This makes a very full B flat major chord. We can play a complete but less full major chord using only one Bb, D, and F notes which translate into 1, 3, 5. This is simple theory which many of you probably know already, if not you do now! Remember these notes and intervals (1, 3, 5).

Natural Overtone Series Slightly Extended

overtones-150

The above shows 2 more notes of the natural overtone series, numbered as 7 and 8 and are the A flat and yet another 3rd octave high B flat.

What Does All This Have To Do With Learning How To Play The Saxophone’s Altissimo?

The reason that we can play these altissimo notes on a saxophone is possible because of this scientific law known as overtones or “harmonics”. These overtones shown in the image above can be played by using a single fingering position on the saxophone. If you’ve never tried it this may sound crazy or even impossible but it’s true. This is how you are going to develop the specialized technique needed to play the altissimo range. The fingering at this point is very simple because as I just mentioned, is only one. The tricks that you are about to learn involve air and embouchure changes required to make these notes from one fingering position a reality.

Overtone Exercise #1

Bb-overtone-1

With full air support and open throat play low B flat. Stop, then think about this next interval which is the octave B flat. Sing it out til it’s firmly in your head. Now, while keeping the same low B flat fingering (and no octave key) play the 2nd octave B flat you just sang.

There’s a good possibility you’ll get the next harmonic F or even one of the higher ones but if you do get anything other than the desired 2nd B flat, change something; air flow, lip pressure, oral cavity, throat opening.

*Tip – when preparing to go from the low 1st octave Bb to the 2nd octave sing the first two notes of “Over the Rainbow” as practiced from the ear training section. Then when going from that 2nd Bb to the F sing the first two notes of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Don’t underestimate the importance of clearly singing and hearing the desired note first.

Your mind will initiate the process and the rest will follow as you work with your diaphragm and embouchure. Your body will only be able to produce the right note if you clearly have it in your mind first. As you begin to hit the 2nd octave B flat, notice what changes your body made to get it. You’ll eventually become focused on what you need to do to get this note every time you want.

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