john

yes exactly. Many folks that communicate with me ask about which key a certain song is in (one that I transcribed for the site) and if it has anything more than one or two sharps or flats they will keep away from it, saying it’s just too hard to play.

well, in the real world of playing with other people this would be crazy. Most bands I worked…[Read more]

that’s a great study, I had a couple of those books when I started playing the sax. it takes dedication. if we don ‘t use these methods we tend to only be comfortable in a few easier keys as well as the reading [art of it. good for you sx.

yes just sent you an email…

so do you mean you purchased the ligature pressure plates and used them in your bell?

generated pitches are good…as long as we learn the technique of levelling out the “waver” that’s the key. if done right can work as well as working with a tuner.
many good points sx,…taking in more of the mp is a lesson I share often.
when you do this, take in a bit more than feels good, and then pull it back little by little until you do…[Read more]

ya if you ordered from Danny that’s the same one that Nadir makes.
I was going to get one but then my sax shop guy here were i live also had one that they created in their shop so I took it home and it really did work.
I just didn’t have the interest to get another one , at least not right away.
I would still like to try it as it is a different…[Read more]

ya that’s a good tune, and great groove

there ya go!
also, I sometimes add another key that doesn’t actually change the pitch but will flatten or sharpen it and this can totally help get it perfectly in tune. These are usually the side keys…

as for the tuner…the one I chose is actually a little difficult to get spot on, it makes you work hard at it but this can be a good thing. if a tuner is hard to get your note spot on that’s ok, as long as you’re within a certain amount. the hard work of working with it will pay off in the long run

@sxpoet sure can be the horn as they are all different for intonation…that’s the reason we sax players need to work with a tuner.
a different fingering might help….I only put a couple options in my altissimo course, have you tried more than one?

happy new year to you as well!
glad to hear you are still on the practice plan. good luck. I hope to upload a page soon on tuning, working with a tuner etc….I think of all things saxophone this is probably the most needed improvement by most…so stay tuned for that…pardon the pun!

that’s great Robert…happy new year!

well said Keith…I would just add (in case you’re not immediately familiar with what the minor 3rd would be)…
count up 3 semi-tones from your alto note; so from B count up the next 3 notes (not including the B); C, C#, D

that’s your easy and fool-proof way to figure it out

there is a more detailed explanation on the blog…[Read more]

yes will do…sorry I was updating some things and got some wires crossed.

that’s an interesting story William…makes sense cause he’s known to be the kind who marches to his own drum beat.

yes noticable improvements…way to go Leo!

very cool Simon…where’s the drummer?

nicely done Mike …you guys are in tune too!

which reeds are you guys using with the fatboys?

thanks sp! and thanks Mike! was thinkin about NAMM the other day as they are emailing invites again….it’s that time of year and it was only virtual last time or 2.
It was a real pleasure meeting Nadir as well….great guy and what a collection of mp’s he was carrying!
I really don’t feel like traveling to the States right now tho.