getting to D

[A.C.]

The octaves and fifths are popping out, and some really high ones also. But are there any embouchure or blowing techniques to get the D that's the 4th overtone when fingering a low Bb?

[MS]

Pre-hearing is important. Try playing some bugle tunes like "Taps" or "Revelle", starting on F2 (fingering low Bb no register key).Two exercises to get you to Bb3 (while fingering low Bb) are:

1) finger low Bb scale (no octave key) while playing an octave higher. (finger Bb1 to Bb2 while playing Bb2 to Bb3).

2) finger Bb1,C1, D1, Eb1 then Bb1, C1, D1, Eb1 while playing the Bb scale from Bb2 to Bb3.

This gets you from the first mode (finger Bb1 but play Bb2 through voicing).

Exercise gets you to the second mode starting on F2 (while fingering low Bb1) up to Bb3.

Once you can do exercise 2 then

3) finger Bb1 while playing Bb3. Then finger C1 while playingC3. The finger Bb1 while playing D3. Then play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" starting on D3 (while fingering Bb1) C3 (fingering C1), Bb3 (while fingering Bb1. THe F3 (fingering Bb1) may pop out for you.

There are a series of old songs that you can play fingering the bottom octave and playing the overtone modes. "O Suzanna", "Joy to the World" are a couople that are possible.

[saxboy]

Good sugestions. Another thing to try is to play the note you want - your high D, then slur to the low Bb fingering and try to hold on to the High D after you finger the Bb. You can try this on any overtone that has a regular fingering.
SAXBOY
www.gregvail.com

[Jeff D]

That 4th overtone/5th partial (we know what we mean) is the real test. The harmonics below that are very easy to control in many different ways. But to go higher than the 2nd octave your choices in oral configurations that work are greatly reduced. I worked for (literally) years to get past the 2nd octave and then one day it just clicked--on accident!

I recommend playing Front F pitch bends to strengthen your facial muscles. Also if you are able to skip a few partials (to Ab or Bb or C perhaps) hang onto those and try to control a descent from them. Reverse engineering can be very helpful.

Some people have a very hard time getting the 5th and higher partial to work. Some people get them quite easily. Just remember that once you get them the right way you will know it because of how solid they will be and you will always know how after that.

JD