Altissimo Embouchure/tongue Position

1883 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by NU2SAX, May 25, 2007

NU2SAX

Discussion Starter · May 25, 2007

I have Larry Teal and some other books, and I can do harmonics using low Bb and B, but can't seem to get high F#. I can tell that the proper fingering is the traditional alternative F# fingering using the Bb/A# key with front F key. But I'm not sure how much you have to tighten embouchure and exactly how, and what tongue position will work. Do you tighten up on the reed or loosen up and tighten the corners of your mouth? And does the tongue position mimic one of the positions you might use for harmonics?

Thanks for any suggestions.

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Wailin'

· #2 · May 25, 2007

NU2SAX, Obviously UR NEW to sax and a beginner. Play ascending scales that include F#. Your brain and emboucher will gradually determine how tight your jaws should tighten. Tightness gradually increases.

Another good practice is play the chromatic scale ascending. It's not gonna happen overnight. If you think F# is challenging, wait untill you try G3!

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pc1234

· #3 · May 25, 2007

For F#, I try to relax and just consider it a natural extension of the horn. Tightening up, for me, leads to a high C# or something else. If you are a relatively new player (I'm guessing, from your username), I recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" - it's a modest sized book and is available on Amazon.com

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hakukani

· #4 · May 25, 2007

NU2SAX said:
I And does the tongue position mimic one of the positions you might use for harmonics?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Yes.

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saxxsymbol

· #5 · May 25, 2007

are you adding the middle LH finger? should be: alt F key LH2
( C ) side B flat key.

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hakukani

· #6 · May 25, 2007

You might try playing front F (front f key and left middle finger). Without changing anything, try adding the side Bb key. When you hit f# successfully, try going f, f#, f ,f# until it feels secure.

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NU2SAX

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 25, 2007

Yes, I am adding the left hand finger. I'll try all of the above until I get it. I suppose having gotten embouchure, harmonics and tone fairly well under control altissimo should start to follow.

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