Learn How to Play the Saxophone
Understanding Reed, Mouthpiece, and Ligature Settings
Ligature itself is an important part of the Saxophone which is usually reinforced with two pairs of bolts. The trick you can do is to loosen one of the bolts attached. Where it will give a positive effect on the reed so that more easily vibrate, in addition, the reed's height on Saxophone can also be set according to your comfort. The most commonly used setting is to increase the reed as much as 1mm towards the top can make it easier for you to play Saxophone perfectly.
Then to get a more unique sound from your Saxophone then do not hesitate to do a little experiment. Where you can start using different reeds for each Saxophone. One of the things you can try is to apply a reed Tenor Saxophone to Alto Saxophone or you can also apply a reed bariton on a Tenor Saxophone.
Train Finger Dexterity (Fingering Technique)
One of the things you need to keep in mind and understand is that the sound source of the Saxophone comes from the resulting reed vibration. Therefore, when the Saxophone is held too strong, it will inhibit the resulting reed vibration. So the sound also cannot be produced perfectly. In addition, you must understand how to hold the Saxophone correctly, you also have to practice diligently in order to give the right emphasis on the Saxophone key. Because of the strong pressure on the key will also increase the likelihood of any damage. Therefore finger dexterity in playing Saxophone is very important and you can not ignore.
As a beginner player, it is certainly a natural thing when you hear a strange sound coming out of the Saxophone that you play when you make a change of tone. To accomplish that of course practice is the key to your success. It will take a long time to be perfect, but when you reach that perfection then it will be a beautiful gift for yourself.
Understanding the Various Saxophone Sound Effects
Like any musical instrument, the Saxophone can not only produce the same kind of sound but can also produce different kinds of sounds. Surely it fits your skill in playing Saxophone. Because to produce these sound effects, you need to know some of the tricks used.
Here are some effects you should know:
- Slurring, playing a scale from top to bottom without giving pause.
- Growling, humming while blowing the Saxophone.
- Tonguing, touching the reed with the tongue while playing various notes.
- Slaptongue, make a blast sound.
- Honking, making sounds that resemble swans.
- Note Bending, sound a tone and then lower or raise it quickly.
- Flutter Tongue, performing growling effect but by using tongue.
Caring for Saxophone
Although it looks very strong, actually Saxophone is one of the musical instruments that are very susceptible to damage. Because basically, the way to care for Saxophone is also not as easy as you imagine. Therefore always make sure to remove all parts of Saxophone and clean it every time you finish playing it.
The main principle is when releasing the Saxophone never to lift the Saxophone from the neck. This is because the neck is the main voice-forming on the Saxophone, so when this part is broken it is certain you have to buy a new Saxophone. Therefore grasp the bell part if you want to lift the Saxophone. Then do not forget to remove and clean the reed and mouthpiece. Then to remove water or dew just clean the part between the keypad with the tone hole.
Never Stop Practicing
As you know that there is nothing you can do perfectly without being accompanied by good practice. Because exercise is one of the keys to success that can be useful for a variety of things including the skills of playing Saxophone. Without the application of consistent practice, you will not be able to play the Saxophone perfectly. Because the Saxophone is not an easy instrument to master. Therefore do not ever stop or even give up to continue practicing Saxophone play.