Getting In Tune

[Saxfella]

I’ve often wondered why if instruments are tuned to 440 why I run into difficulty being in tune with some recorded songs or backing tracks. Case in point: the setting I have for use in my band is a half tone out when trying to play JF’s backing tracks. In this particular case I have to push the mpc in at least 4-5 mm and with the cork I currently have that’s no mean feat. Tuning at 440 should be the same all over the world. Anybody care to weigh in on this?

[john]

Have you tested to see if your sax is in tune with itself? The way to do it is play a low Bb, then without changing the fingering overblow and hit the F. If that F sounds way off then your sax is not in tune to itself.

[Mark Konrad]

Hey Johnny,

I was researching a little bit about tuning my sax, I have to say that it was very helpful since I got to know also about the transposing of notes which was also new to me.

I see that you tell here to check if the sax is in tune with itself by overblowing. I do not understand what exactly you mean by that (sorry for the beginners question…). I am supposed to just blow harder? 😀

Also, while playing your songs with the videos and backtracks sometimes you get a very nice tone, specially in the rock area. It is like a rough, hard tone, how do you get that one?

Thanks again for your help, it is much appreciated!

[john]

It’s not really over blowing but holding the low Bb and getting a middle Bb with the same fingering. If you’re just starting to play yhe sax don’t worry about this right now…it will come easier a little later on.
As for getting a certain tone… everyone will develop their own. It is a combination of your mouthpiece, reeds, sax, and mostly how YOU play into it with your air and embouchure. These things all take time to develop. Personally, I have always leaned toward rock and roll style of music so that’s a big part of what I hear in my head and so it comes out that way… that’s what I try to do.

[Author]

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