Octave problems

[ddeg10]

Sometimes when I'm playing my sax I get an unpleasant sound when playing certain notes because it seems the sax can't tell if I'm trying to hit the upper or lower register. When I adjust my embouchure and play the note by itself again, it's fine. I believe this is an embouchure problem and will be corrected over time as I practice more.... or is this some kind of octave setting that can be adjusted on the sax? With the high notes I'm obviously using the octave key and let go of it when I'm in the lower register.

Thanks for any help.

[Bernards20040]

I had the same problem myself when i started (9 months ago) and it was all embouchure. i still have problems going from anything above the break to E and below even G can give me grief from time to time.
biting on the upper register dosn't help either.

Practice Practice and then More practice:D

[Ari]

Both emboucher and poorly adjusted octave mechanism can give you a similar problem. Have an experienced player check out your sax to get a clearer opinion.:)

[Dave Dolson]

ddeg: I agree with Ari. It could be an adjustment problem.

But newer players have a lot to think about as they learn saxophone (or any instrument). One is that making the registers play cleanly (meaning having a solid attack in whatever register you are playing) is a mental issue. After you become more comfortable with playing, the changing of registers will become second-nature to you.

Experienced players know what they plan to do before it is done - AND, they THINK the notes out as they play them. By a slight change in embouchure, you should be able to play either register without the octave key. Of course, I think it helps to use the ocatve keys appropriately, but knowing you want to change registers, then thinking about the pitch you want to sound will help ensure the trueness of that tone. DAVE

[ddeg10]

It's my embouchure for sure. Thanks for the help guys.