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I picked up the sax after 25 years of. Playing tenor. Been at it nor for about a month. One thing I have been practicing is playing a low note, say c, then changing my embouchure to play the first overtone, and then the second overtone. I can do this for low b, c, and d, but when I try e, I cannot get the second overtone. Is this something that will just come after a while? Or is there something I need to specifically work on? It did not take long to get the b, c, and d. Seems like I should have the e by now, but it does not seem like the note is even trying to come out. As I am writing this, it occurred to me that I don't know if I have tried f. I am at work (of course) so can't try it right now. So I don't know if there is just something about e that makes it difficult; or if I am just stuck. I feel it is probably the latter. Thanks. Hey to ScholckRod, if you read this.
I think that the majority of saxophonists will tell you that closed-tube overtone exercises become progressively more challenging as the fundamental tone goes higher. In my practice, I only perform them with fundamental notes ranging from low Bb- low D (I find the upper overtones to be more difficult on the D than the low Bb). I wouldn't be concerned if you have difficulty playing overtones over the low E (I would certainly have great difficulty getting anything beyond the octave on this), and even Rousseau's "High Tones" book doesn't have the reader tackle these exercises with a fundamental tone above a low D. If you don't have his book, it is a small investment and may answer most of your questions about how to approach the overtone series. That being said, it sounds like you have been working hard - good for you for getting back on the horn!
