As a beginner in playing the alto sax, I have difficulty with tonguing. I have seen numerous guides online about tonguing and I understand the basics of it. You put your tongue to the tip of the reed to stop the vibrations between notes. However, whenever I practice tonguing during the C major scale in quarter notes, saliva seems to build up very quickly on the inside of the reed as well as the mouthpiece. I can only practice my alto sax for roughly 5 minutes before having to switch reeds and mouthpieces due to the buildup of saliva. How can I prevent this problem?
theskyrage
You don't. Some people are just 'wet' players. Their brain thinks that anything that goes in the mouth is 'food' and it tells it to produce saliva.
To help it 'flow' out of the mouthpiece and down the neck/horn, lean slightly forward when practicing.
Sometimes the brain figures out the difference and the saliva production decreases over time.
To help it 'flow' out of the mouthpiece and down the neck/horn, lean slightly forward when practicing.
Sometimes the brain figures out the difference and the saliva production decreases over time.
I've had this problem periodically. Typically it means - for me - that I'm bending over or lowering my chin too much. As soon as I straighten up, the problem goes away. To use bandmommy's word, I'd say I'm a "wet player" - but gravity goes a long way to either worsen or better the issue.
Keep your chin up!
Keep your chin up!
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