Once you get the basics of saxophone playing, it’s not a reason to stop but push the boundaries of your possibilities as a player. In this article, we will explore saxophone techniques that help you play better, faster, and sound impressive.
Relaxed Embouchure
Many players struggle with low notes, jumping or pinching. It’s a common issue of those who force things and keep their embouchure too tight. What you can do to let the sound flow is to reduce tension in your lips by relaxing your embouchure. Professional teachers advise to do the “Ahhh” sound, which is similar to the ocean sound. Pick up your saxophone and do the Ahh sound into the instrument. This technique will train facial muscles to stay relaxed and switch your brain into the right playing state connecting notes smoothly.
Correct Fingers Movement
Flying fingers is a common issue among students who learn to play the saxophone. This happens when they lift their fingers too high from the keys. The problem may occur with both a flying left thumb and a palm. To break this habit, you need to reduce the amount of space that you have for your fingers when you touch the keys — fingers need to just shadow the keys. As a result, you get a smoother sound, while also resolving the issue with speed.
Slurring Before Tonguing
Your tonguing technique is what can destroy your sound. A common problem among saxophonists is that they start practicing tonguing too much or too early. Saxophone teachers recommend slur first at least for 6-12 months. Air does not start with your tongue, which is obvious since your saxophone is a wind instrument. Before switching to tonguing, you need to learn to get the right amount of air to let your instrument work. Also, if you give yourself enough time to work on slurring, it will be easier for you to master tonguing later.
Slow Playing
Musicians work on their speed by playing slowly as a slow tempo allows them to refine their technique and movement. Play as no one is following you. Give yourself time to feel every movement of your fingers. The only right way of learning to play faster is by starting slower and then gradually increasing the speed.
Visualizing How You Want to Sound
Although it may look strange at first, musicians build their sound through visualization. You need to have your sound in your mind and then when you practice you just copy that reference from your brain. Listen to saxophone players who grabbed your attention and evoked emotional reactions in you. Copy their sound first. Keep in mind that it doesn’t interfere with your desire to create your own sound. It’s impossible to build your own sound if you don’t have a musical reference of how you want to sound. Feed your brain with musical information to let it know where to go. The more you listen, the better mix of references you get to create your own sound.
Performing in Front of People
Performance is the best way to improve your confidence. Staying in your room where no one can hear you won’t boost your level. Start with gathering your friends or your family and playing to them. Try the art of street performance, known as busking, to free yourself and get used to using your skills in front of people.
Working on Scales
Knowing scales is the foundation for your further growth and technique development. As a sax player you have many things to learn but you can start with major scales up to three sharps and three flats, later you can add minor scales up to three sharps and three flats as well. Once you master these scales, you can move to challenging ones.
Sight Reading
Work on new music every day. Start with playing pieces that are below your level instead of starting with music that is too challenging for you. Choose the music that is comfortable for you to practice and work on a few bars each session.
Saxophone Accessories to Improve Your Technique
While working on your sound and technique, you shouldn’t ignore the comfort. Below is the list of accessories that may help you feel more relaxed and focused on playing:
- Neck Strap. It helps you hold your instrument at the right height and angle, encouraging healthy posture. The neck strap reduces tension on your neck and shoulders during extended practice by distributing the weight of the instrument.
- Music Stand. It keeps your sheet music in a clearly visible location at eye level, so you don’t need to flip through pages and can better focus on your playing rather than discomfort.
- Sound Mirror. The sound deflector/reflector redirects the sound towards the musicians’ ear allowing them to control their playing and technique in any situation, especially in windy weather during outside performances or on stages with poor monitoring.
- Saxophone Stand. It keeps your instrument in the correct position without the weight on the keys or the rods as it may happen when you put your saxophone on the table.
Final Word
We hope this list of saxophone techniques and gear will help you refine your skills, push your own limits, and get noticeable results. Remember that regular practice sessions are more effective than occasional extended workouts. Focus on control before speed, give yourself time to feel your finger movement, do slurring before tonguing. Work on sound visualization, listen to saxophone music, and let technique serve your musical ideas.
In addition to mentioned products, we have other helpful saxophone accessories designed by our company.
If you’d like more practical tips, check out our article about Why Every Saxophonist Needs a Quality Ligature.
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