Beginner Saxophone Lesson 5 - Tonguing & Articulation

#bettersax #saxophone #articulation
Jay Metcalf gives a lesson on how to tongue and articulate notes on the saxophone.
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[@stevekeller4814]

I've seen a lot of videos on "how to tongue" - this is probably the clearest explanation of the process I've seen. Good job, Jay :)

[@bettersax]

Thank you Steve

[@lejazz6938]

AGREE! I've send it to several pupils of mine! Thank you Jay!

[@troyoioi]

My wife is pleased… Thank you

[@xcal123]

ummm. ;) lol, that's just funny.

[@mustard026]

I double on clarinet and alto saxophone and only a week ago I realized I hadn't been articulating, but just huffing notes in. I swear, after watching this video, it just clicked for me. Not only for sax, but it also helped me greatly on my clarinet articulation too. Video helped alot, huge thanks to you.

[@victoriabaird3362]

This was probably one of the best explanations of tonguing I’ve heard. I was having a slightly hard time explaining it to students…but I’m totally going to show them this :)

[@shipsahoy1793]

😎This is a good follow-up to Dr. Wally’s tonguing lesson from a few days ago. 👍 Between the two videos you have all that you would need to hear on the subject.

[@bettersax]

Excellent!

[@Kinglymarker8988]

@@bettersax Jay, you and Dr. Wally are by far the best on KZbin. Two different styles, both with clear easy to understand lessons and tips that the rest of us can apply that day. Thank you.

[@GospelmusicianAbeloAlefate]

I'm a beginner and I'm trying to learn the saxophone and I'm your follower You are the best saxophone player

[@PathodDayshade]

Even though I am at the stage (I believe at least) where I mostly need to practice scales, long tones and overtones, it's always nice to hear your insight on certain saxophone techniques. You are such a phenomenal teacher for beginner/intermediate players, keep up the good work!

[@bettersax]

Thanks so much.

[@chriselston7046]

The question of airstream used to confuse me. "Keep your airstream constant!" But how can I do that when I use the tongue to stop a note? The answer is you should keep the air *pressure* constant. Jay's analogy applies: electrical voltage used to be referred to referred to as "pressure" and is still preset at the light switch when the current (flow) is broken.

[@peteblac1]

All instruction should be so clear, competitent, and expert. Kudos

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@juliusworld]

Another very helpful lesson on Tonguing

[@gilbertlangford1094]

Video was definitely a plus. It's really been a while since I've picked up my instrument. I have to really buckle down. Thanks Jay.

[@riche1503]

I played Clarinet in HS 50+ years ago and I use the same technique now. Amazing that I remember it. :)

[@jackdolphy8965]

Nice job Jay. I bet if you did a video specifically on jazz tonguing and articulation it would also be a winner. Wind at your back 🖖🏾

[@bettersax]

Thanks, I'll get to that at some point as well.

[@RobertCulpeper]

I would love to hear Jay's perspective on this subject matter as well!

[@rmande1]

This was very helpful for first year saxophone player. It provided clarity that allowed me to practice tonguing with a higher degree of success.

[@alpobeats]

Explination on point, after listening to this video I immediately got the technique down, thx man!

[@yolioms]

Thanks for making this video-very helpful for us newbs.

[@SethSherwood]

Recently, a friend gifted me his saxophone. I've wanted to learn to play the sax since 4th grade. Now's my chance. Following your simple steps to learn how to play. Thank you for your simple and clear instructions. Kenny G. here I come...

[@andrewnocera9437]

Very much appreciate what you have put together in these first 5 lessons. Thanks

[@ChrisHirner]

Man your making me want to start playing again. Stopped playing after college in 95. But i still listen to the greats. Hard part is in the age of the internet people are so much more talented because of the sharing of info.

[@VideoNash]

Finding someone to explain the "mechanics" of any given scenario in life is hard to come by. I have purchased your course, because of the way that you teach. You give your students a freedom of choice. You not only teach us what needs to be done, but you also explain to us why it needs to be done in that way. If we choose not to do it your way, thus making our journey a lot longer and picking up bad habits along the way, that's our choice, or we can listen and learn your methods and get it done right the first time. 🎷

[@stewartwforbes]

The best explanation and examples I’ve seen.

[@AlexHamlinMusic]

This is one of the best explanations of basic tonguing technique for the saxophone. I will be sharing this with students. Well done and thanks for sharing!

[@ekaufman4800]

I started taking private lessons. Your online instruction is much more helpful. I'm going to find another in person tutor and continue to follow your excellent instruction. A million thanks to you, Jay. Merci!

[@bettersax]

Thanks, glad it helps.

[@TwinSisters-t6f]

I've been trying articulation and tonguing in band but the way my teacher tried to teach me it made things 10 times harder, this video made everything make sense. Thanks, Jay 👍

[@LadyC4000]

In 6th grade my band teacher taught me this back when I played the clarinet. I’m the improvement from something so simple is insane.

[@user-tj5px6kl9b]

Super clear. I have to share this with students!

[@matthewhetzler4912]

Great video !! I taught woodwind private lessons for twelve years. Invariably EVERY student who came to me was taught by their band director to tongue using “Taa” as the syllable. With a saxophone it should be “Naa”. Personally, I think the word “attack” to start a note sends the wrong message to 9-10 year olds. They really do “attack” the reed. I would demonstrate by having them put their cupped hand an inch or so from their mouth saying “Taaataaataaataa” and contrasting with saying “naaanaaanaaanaaa”. Feel that extra puff of air with each T? The reed HATES it. I also had a bunch of warmup exercises to remedy their bad tonguing habits, but that’s for another video comment!

[@JazzbLu]

I love this analogy of how to tongue! I do not play brass instruments but I would imagine them tongueing with a taa. I do tongue my sax more like a naa.

[@lejazz6938]

I use daadaa or duuduu when playing portato ...and when playing jazz I say to my students: 'use the d of 'jazz' ... while always open your throat as if you were an opera singer, no matter what style you are playing ;)

[@illiteratealphabetagency9716]

So, it’s not the tip of the tongue touching the reed, but right behind the tongue tip which hits it? Also, what about the area of the reed being tongued? Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[@matthewhetzler4912]

@@illiteratealphabetagency9716 I always say tip of the tongue tip of the reed.

[@illiteratealphabetagency9716]

@@matthewhetzler4912 Really? Okay, bcoz tonguing with the Na-na as opposed to Ta-ta implies not using the tip of the tongue. But I’ll give it a try, thank you.

[@patsyzaruba3396]

This was helpful as I am learning how to play my most favorite instrument, the Sax.

[@mollyu9605]

Thank you this helped me so much I have a performance tomorrow and this helped me get ready 😊

[@modestkris3485]

My saxophone teacher literally was just telling me I need to start tonguing, so helpful, thanks Jay!

[@mtrachnendick1218]

Thank you for pointing out that each persons physiology is different and this can effect the approach they use for tonguing - I'm finding this is true for teaching my beginners

[@Nestor_Fernandez]

Excellent clear explanation of the technique. Thanks a lot Jay!

[@saxophone4ever]

Outstanding lesson as always. Thanks

[@bettersax]

Thanks so much!

[@vincelahorra]

This video is very timely for me, having spent a better part of this pandemic optimizing my embouchure, specifically in order improve my low register playing. My conclusion for the best tongue placement happens to be the third one you mentioned: "Lodge your tongue against the back of the lower teeth and use the middle of your tongue against the reed." This position keeps the tongue out of the way of the air stream and gives the best results when playing the low register.

[@bettersax]

Good to hear.

[@lejazz6938]

Same for me ;)

[@DJDGLM]

Hey Jay - Brilliant mate. It is amazing how sometimes, things that seem insignificant, but, they are really so important, that it is super to have a refresher such as this. You are winner in all you do Jay

[@sfxjura8834]

Nicely explained Jay :) I like the electricity analogy :) I am also asking my pupils to do this exercise - while holding long tone, slowly, like in slow motion placing part of the tongue you showed on tip of the reed and holding it there on the reed but still letting the reed produce sort of dampened vibrations, not complitely stopping the reed to vibrate. That way you become more aware of the distance that tongue needs to “travel” to the reed which is really only a milimeter or two (the closer to the reed the better) and you acquire that gentle touch to the reed. Cheers!

[@paulrothbart244]

Thanks, Jay. Excellent video on an important but often overlooked aspect of playing. I'm an experienced saxophonist but I have plenty of room for improvement. As always, I found this video very helpful.

[@bettersax]

Great to hear

[@carterhoffman8478]

Thanks, this will be very helpful in the future. I've always had difficulty (reed instruments especially) with air attacks being the preferred method if articulation with beginners. It's odd because when they sing a melody they're trying to play, they naturally use their tongue to articulate pretty accurately. When I start the year off, I try to get new students to comfortably sing as soon as possible to show how "natural" using the tongue is.

[@bettersax]

Great to hear!

[@frankzona5459]

Well done. I'm passing this along. Thanks.

[@bettersax]

Thank you Frank!

[@rinkashimeperoja5344]

Wow.. This is one of the best explanation.

[@TravelUnravelled]

A really great video for explaining the relevance of using my tongue when playing. I’m 3 months into learning the alto and love it but I find it so hard to know how to tongue properly. I have an awesome teacher, an older lady of 80 who has been on the sax scene as a pro player for around 60 years! Any tips to perfecting my embrochure would be a great help too 👌

[@bettersax]

Watch my embouchure videos as well.

[@StevePruneau]

Secrets of High Priests Revealed! Huge thanks for this Jay. I've been looking for hints on tonguing for a few years. This video may unlock a new level of happiness in sax play. My tonguing has always been a bit sluggish with point of contact a bit back from the tip of tongue (around the middle of front third of my tongue). Thus I've been experimenting lately with pulling my tongue back to make contact closer to the tip. That has indeed produced better control and a bit better sound, but wasn't sure if this is a cheap hack because I'm pulling my tongue back to make it happen. Pulling the mouth piece out further didn't feel right and changed embouchure and sound. Happy to hear your advice; every player needs to figure out what works best with tonguing, since we all have a bit different bodies, mouths, tongues. Hello from Los Angeles. Delighted with paid Better Sax lessons which I watch on iPad while playing along.

[@bettersax]

Great to hear!

[@mikeciul4041]

I recently found a Donna Schwartz video about having trouble articulating high notes. She suggested that I might be tonguing too far down the reed. I tried hitting just the tip of the reed with my tongue and that helped. She said clarinet players sometimes have this problem, and although I haven't played clarinet in over 35 years, it may have influenced my approach to saxophone.

[@Greebstreebling]

Nice explanation for beginners - thanks :)

[@tebs2]

Loved the video, super helpful! Thanks Jay 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@bettersax]

Thanks Otavio!

[@CrazedKen]

What part of the reed do i tap? What part of the tongue touches? How go is it staccato and marccato? Should i tongue eight notes and smaller?

[@rusty728]

Yes Jay, I did find this helpful…. I want to start saxophone myself, my son plays now, but just haven’t yet made the initial plunge.

[@hadiwa1]

Thank you Jay. Excellent explanation.

[@brycechristenson4071]

Please make a video on your favorite contemporary sound, I understand that may not be you sound concept but it more than just mine

[@jasminduncanson2520]

This lesson is for me I really could use it

[@torenerheim9266]

Good explanation, I have to practice much Tore

[@imeldaevans483]

Clearly explained.

[@wisconsinmel]

Great video Jay! While tonguing I have the bad habit of my jaw moving. Gonna try air attack on my long tones. Thanks Mel

[@KJ_Wynn]

I’ve been playing the saxophone for 10 years, and at 20 years old I play in a semi professional big band on second alto. I don’t know how to tongue a note, and it only very recently started catching up with me when we were handed a chart that included 16th dotted note phrases. I’ve used air attacks my entire musical career, and paired with my double lip embouchure, I play(hopefully) like no other sax player. While I’ve mastered the art of air attacks and releases that perfectly imitates tonguing and maintaining the same pitch even though I constantly stop my airflow, I think it’s time I at least attempted to learn how to tongue😂

[@burgessbrian9329]

Excellent video Jay cheers 🍻

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@tonyalcock2187]

Thank you, Jay. I teach saxophone (reeds) down the road from you in Saint Raphaël, and was thrilled to know we share exactly the same approach to tonging. You reference electricity and light switches, I talk about releasing the clutch when driving a vehicle with the motor already running; your analogy is much neater than mine; may I please use from now here on in? Tony A

[@bettersax]

Yes of course please do.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Excellent explanation and video, as usual! Congrats!!

[@andrewpassey1769]

Thank you 🙏

[@ruthcruz5105]

This is so helpful thank you so much ❤️🙌🏾

[@magnusfanden6423]

Great video! But now I want to see a video on how to play "Fur elise" for some reason. :) Keep up the great work!

[@vinnygera8803]

fabulous info

[@BrunoNeureiter]

New lessons hurrah

[@diversitylove5460]

❤.Whoa dude you mean I have to use my tongue 😛. Well alright then. Makes sense but I did think of it before. This isn’t going to be easy. But it will be fun 😊. Thanks 💕

[@damarispalafox2600]

Thank you this really helped

[@bettersax]

Glad to hear!

[@123thehulla123]

Still learning man thanks

[@bettersax]

thank you!

[@Fortheb0yz1]

Thanks for teaching me

[@Cookie-fe7mn]

I've been tonguing incorrectly for years. I joined late and I've always tongued using my tongued using the top of my mouth and have always struggled with faster stuff and now I know why. I'm going to practice my ass off to try to break the habit but I was never told and I'm honestly super upset I didn't find this out earlier.

[@VideoNash]

I've never even held a brass instrument in my life... I just found a cheap sax online... I don't quite know how to hold it, or even blow into it but I still I think I'm gonna give it a try. hopefully, in a few weeks, I'll be able to produce my own sound and record some demos in my recording studio... I hope You'll be impressed with the speed that I can pick this up, with your training, of course... 🙂

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Thank you so much for your information

[@dcp8nts]

I love your mouthpiece museum! =D Do tell about your ligature please. Thank you Jay!

[@bettersax]

That’s the Jody Jazz power ring.

[@dcp8nts]

@@bettersax Thanks Jay! It's awfully slick looking. I'm using a Vandoren Optimum. I'm after a big bright sweet sound. I wonder if this can contribute. Hope all is well with you and your house. =)

[@maverickmoto]

I’ve seen a couple videos on tonguing but none are as well defined as this one. I can’t wait to get off work so I can practice.

[@bettersax]

That means a lot to me thanks.

[@vanguy9780]

So you're watching KZbin videos at work ? I'm going to tell your boss ! 😜

[@maverickmoto]

@@vanguy9780 my job has some downtime here and there 😉

[@trumpfan1240]

Which saxophone is better to start to learn? Is it ever too late to begin to learn…

[@bettersax]

Alto or tenor.

[@toddlaber2325]

thanks jay your a big help im currently having issues with that i dont know if its my embourchere or im not tonguing properly when i need to hit a note i 'll ask my teacher and explain to him on thursday night when i go to practice in middletown delaware i go on thursday nights thanks again.

[@gregorywonderlike9852]

Nice Video, Jay! But where is the follow-up video about the Aerophone Pro which you announced 9 month ago?😋 Thank you very much for your educational and entertaining content!

[@geofixated]

Ooooh Ooooh, free notes at 6:35! 😃

[@2009carlini]

great advise as usually...any chances that you will continue with beginners saxophone lessons? 6,7...I signed for one of your courses but it seems is to advance for me as you mentioned to me based in my poor knowledge, I need more saxophone beginner level training. TKU.Jay...keep your Magic Alive

[@EmmettAsinas]

Bravo Maestro! Slurred or Legato.

[@duckling9854]

When playing, when to tongue ? Note in which position to tongue ? Thank you.

[@jessemkt7]

Hello from Brazil

[@bettersax]

hello

[@RavindraKumarSG]

Awesomely put. Very very clear. One question: is it alright to do the air stop by hitting the tongue against the palette right above the reed. I have this habit of taking less mouthpiece in the mouth. Is it an acceptable method?

[@ra6378]

This is great.

[@Fruityflootloops]

I struggle with tonguing on reed instruments as a flute primary, since it’s a different method and I often end up just stopping by air and using only air attacks on reeds.

[@spencerhall2797]

I've been binging vids on your channel since talking with friends who are active musicians and buying a stand so that my sax is actually out and on my mind. Articulation and tonguing was a horrible weakness when I played clarinet, so this has been super helpful. Do you have a video on vibrato in the archives somewhere? Also, this is the first video I've really noticed the characters on your arm. Are they Chinese or Japanese?

[@bettersax]

Yes vibrato video is here so a channel search. Characters in tattoo are kanji

[@dennistaylor7655]

Hello Jay: I just purchased your bundle and was wondering should I start with it or your free lessons for beginners?

[@bettersax]

If you are a beginner or coming back after a long pause start with the beginners course.

[@dennistaylor7655]

@@bettersax Thanks, late last night I found on your site a listing of the order for your courses

[@lorenznolfi368]

I was taught another attack method as well. You start your tone with a "Ghaa" in your throat instead of a tongue attack or just blowing into the mouthpiece. Makes me feel dizzy when I do it to long however 😂.

[@mariannecottee27]

Excellent. Clear & concise... Thank you! Marianne Cottee

[@gioraimundokorevaar2519]

Thanks Jay for this video, the only question is do you tongue and keep blowing? Because I tend to stop blowing while trying to tongue. Should I try to override that tendency?

[@bettersax]

Yes, keep the air pressure going forward when you are tonguing.

[@gioraimundokorevaar2519]

@@bettersax thanks for the fast answer!

[@sidneiramalho]

Hey Jay great video as usual. Is that the reason you mentioned in your core essentials course not to use the tongue during the thrills and long notes? I always wondered why we shouldn't use the tongue. Thanks Sid

[@bettersax]

Yes, exactly

[@ItsAllGoodGames]

I’m just getting back to sax after over a decade, and the thing that I seem to have lost is the skill to slur notes smoothly, without a clear break between each note. Is it just an air control issue or my fingers are a bit rusty to move a quick enough pace between notes? I used to play a lot of blues with “swinged” slurs and now it’s just not smooth how it used to be

[@phillipdaigle4850]

Great Video, makes Perfect sence.

[@DJsilversax]

Thanks Jay, great video as usual. Do you have the PDF of the different articulations you showed in the video?

[@bettersax]

I don't but you could pause the video and take a screen shot at that spot.

[@Dragonrage1oo1]

the last part (tongue place) was the part i was especially worried about. I personally use the back of my tongue and i've felt like that was a mistake and was holding me back somehow so i was fully expecting to hear that i should be using the tip of my tongue and that i have to change the way that i've been playing sax for 3 years now.

[@abdelsundze]

i love your lessons sir but I don't know what to type to get the previous lessons?

[@bettersax]

Sign up for the BetterSax shed. Loads of lessons there with the downloads for free. Https://bettersax.com/shed

[@megalodonpuppet1357]

Can you you make a video of how to keep track of beats with you foot I struggle with things in sax in band

[@notizu6969]

If u have trouble marking time, lift your heal higher and dut before you play to feel the time. Or just count.

[@bettersax]

Best to keep track of time with your whole mind/body. There really isn't a need to tap your foot even. Practice counting beats along with any music you listen to until it becomes a subconscious thing.

[@APSx_]

hi, whenever i play from middle f to g (tongued)it seems to have a little hiccup. how can i fix this?

[@emmetfettig9196]

Hey, Jay. I play on both my dad's professional model - mark 6, and a seller bundy 2. Using the exact same setup, Meyer NY 7M on both, I really struggle getting low notes out just on the Bundy. It was overhauled yesterday. Any ideas of embouchure change needed for an unprofessional horn?

[@bettersax]

Emmet, watch my video on how to play the low notes on the saxophone here on KZbin. If it was just overhauled, you may need to have it checked again. There can be a settling in period after an overhaul where corks and felts compress causing leaks. In any case your overhaul should be guaranteed for a year probably. There is no embouchure adjustment based on the price of a saxophone. They should all function more or less the same when setup correctly.

[@emmetfettig9196]

@@bettersax Thanks! Turns out it was my neck. Tried a different one my dad had sitting in his band office - voila. Not sure what the problem was with the other neck it had a very snug fit (by the way I have watched every one of your videos).

[@GtZx95]

As with everybody else, I really appreciate your teaching ability and techniques, and love that you continued it with this new lesson. I even bought an Alto Better Sax to show my gratitude (ser. # AD000488). Now, I see the sax you are using in this video, and think it looks a lot like my new sax, except black lacquer. I love it! What is it?

[@GtZx95]

Woops - I'm not really PRO gamer. He would probably know how to get my name as the sender. I'm John Stevens - one of your Better Sax members and disciples.

[@jackcraven7979]

Could u do a review of the Schiller 400 series or of more of the china/Taiwan under 1000 sax brands not everyone can afford a Yas62 for 2000 usd

[@bluessax5089]

Tongue attack?? George Garzone isn’t gonna like this. 😁 j/k. Great video! For some reason I notice my tongue attack is different with the Syos mouthpiece

[@bettersax]

Haha yeah different mouthpiece designs can have that effect I think.

[@TradIrishHarper]

So if one tongues the notes of let’s say a arpeggio you are basically flicking the tongue with each note? Whereas, using the air attack is imply using maybe the same breath to play that same arpeggio?

[@bettersax]

correct