Thumb on the left hand...

[Konrad]

Mine keeps going numb!

Maybe I'm holding the sax a bit wrong. Should I turn my thumb so that it rests flatter on the rest or a bit to the side?

Anyway, I've settled on a key a week to try and drill the scales into my head. Last week was the key of C. I work on thirds and fourths, major, minor, pentatonic, mix and dorian scales. It seems to be working. In 12 weeks maybd I'll be somewhere.

Anyway, my small, beat up hands are a pain. I find that reaching the Bb is hit or miss (sometimes I fudge it). Should I put a riser on the left hand key, or should I try to deal with it and maybe my hand will stretch out (I don't think it's gonna grow!).

Also, it sure is easier to play triplets than to play the scale straight up in 16ths.

Is it just me?

Finally, I can hit altissimo at F#, but I squeal like a pig on G. Any advice?

K

[Anji]

Modify the instrument to fit YOU...

A little dental molding material on the thumbrest will give you a better purchase for your thumb.

The standard thumbrest is really not built at the proper angle for the thumb to fit well.

One inexpensive method is to use 'moleskin' pads, foam on one side with adhesive on the other at the slippery spots. This stuff is easily cut to shape and removed without damage to your horn.

In the States, it is available at a pharmacy in foot care.

(Before you discard the idea, try it out... it's cheap, anyway.)

[Lyle]

If you are supporting part of the weight of the sax on your left thump-stop. The neck strap should support all the weight. Or, perhaps you are gripping the horn too tight?
I had much trouble working left pinkie keys because my fingers are short. It is much easier for me now-I guess two years practicing has limbered the joints.

[Konrad]

Hey guys...

Maybe the moleskin pad thing is a good idea.

I know it's only a student horn, but why woudn't sax makers have figured out how to make a thumbrest by now?

K

[top_gun25]

It happens to me all the time. i solved it this way...
in a music store ask if they sell whats called a "thumbEEZ"(brandname) or a THUMBSAVER... it is a soft foam-like-rubber pad that just slips over the thumb rest.
They make them for Clar, Alto, Tenor, Bari, and maybe some others.

[Gandalfe]

Konrad sez he had problem with the left hand thumb--that's got nothing to do with the thumb rest. Konrad, did you mean right hand?

[Konrad]

No, bud. My left hand. My left thumb supports too much weight or something... I dunno. I tend to push the sax away from my body with my left hand and even hold the whole thing with that hand--I think it comes from playing electric guitar.

[Lyle]

Konrad
It still sounds to me as if you should depend more on the strap for support of sax. Let the sax hang by strap, and only guide with thumb. As you say, you may be pushing the sax out. I have problems with sax, for sure, but as a beginner, the left thumb has never been a problem. I do have callous on right thumb but its not a problem. Perhaps it is better to adjust posture, and method of holding sax instead of adding cushions here and there.
Every little problem us beginners have (if you are one) deters us from the goal.
Just trying to help!

[DougR]

You could try playing scales, without the left thumb touching the instrument at all. Limited to the first octave but it should tell you just how little pressure is needed, any more is just a waste of effort.

[Konrad]

That's a good idea...

I find that I really grip the sax hard, but that it hardly sits on my right thumb...

I ALWAYS DO EVERYTHING BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!javascript:emoticon(':evil:')
Evil or Very Mad

See what I mean?

[top_gun25]

noooo. i mean tape one to the thumb rest..... cushion it somehow....

[Wailin']

My left thumb use to get calloused or corned from playing when I first started but it went away after my finger becomes accustom to the pressure.