Easy Fixes for Common Saxophone Playing Problems | BetterSax Studio Episode 3

[@mekaerwin7187]

I really appreciate how you tune your level of criticism to the level of the player. It takes a skilled instructor to change their instruction in this way. Wish you could be local everywhere.

[@stefanzdraveski]

I am very positively surprised.. Thanks for the exposure. This means a lot to me. Keep up with this trend. Cheers from Bulgaria!!! ;)

[@bettersax]

Let's see/hear some more videos from you Stefan.

[@jasonturner928]

I really liked your sound. I would have guessed that you have been playing sax longer than you have.

[@wapickle1]

Stefan, you’ve been playing 4 years? How did you get to this point?? I’ve been playing 6 years and am depressed now after watching you play. Any tips, what is your practice routine please?

[@aidanburrows4177]

Well played Stefan 👍

[@doduyle8476]

ggwp Stefan. Your saxophone sounds so relaxed and smooth

[@Cantbuyathrill]

This was a beautiful practical teaching session by somebody who cares.

[@michaeldean9338]

I came across one of Jay's videos by chance a couple years ago. At that time, I had stopped playing music altogether for 20+ years, (at the time, clarinetist just transferring to sax. ) I watch a second video, then another. He (and 'Sirvalorsax, Adriane Spencer') is the reason I started back up. Wish that I had an instructor like Jay 40 years ago. Cheers to Jay and 'BetterSax'. Peace.

[@redmaxrules]

Thank you for including my video on your channel and for the words of wisdom. I appreciate your channel very much, thank you.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Jason, you sound great.

[@aarono2301]

Great positive comments. I had a teacher explain rests as silent notes and the tone of rests is as important as the tone of the notes.

[@bettersax]

Silent notes. that's good.

[@stacys447]

This was great. I appreciate seeing how others play and hearing the feedback. This was fun. Thanks for the series!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Stacy

[@danielsamara3194]

I agree, this format with Jay's comments are very useful. This video is right up there with the one where Jay unpacks his Sax case and explains the reasons for the contents.

[@gabordicse8131]

Your channel is my favourite, because you always post quality content. Keep up the good work.

[@bettersax]

Thank you.

[@lorehines190]

This was super helpful, watching and learning!! I am a beginner, but every bit of instruction is fantastic! I am loving your videos, and learning a ton!! Thanks Jay!!

[@dsilva70]

Very informative, I learned a lot myself thanks!

[@stangetz534]

Hi Jay! Just read about your background would be a great video to hear about your adventures abroad and why you left America. Another great topic I haven’t seen addressed is how to prepare and start thinking about your first gig. Either solo or with a combo. Maybe advice on how to choose combo members.

[@bettersax]

Those are good ideas for videos. I've got something in the works.

[@stangetz534]

@@bettersax Great! I'm at the point where I have been practicing daily for 4 years and people tell me I sound good and tell me I should be playing somewhere. Only problem is I"ve had to split those four years into two chunks of alto and tenor, exclusively. So you can imagine what that means....Re first gig: Right now for me it looks like a solo thing with ireal player is the most feasible thing given my current location (lack of musicians here). But how do you go about it? You first have to find a place, then get the right equipment, develop a set list, deal with first gig nerves and so on- I guess, right?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@stangetz534 What about jam nights? Go to Chicago. You could play every night of the week and never have to move a P.A. and you could end up playing with some real pros. But generally, they're very supportive. They all know each other, just be aware how reputation finds you :) Could start at Gallery Cabaret and make connections. I've made mistakes sober there. Nobody's mean. Just do the best you can. Real pros don't have to cut anyone down. You'd also be probably the only sax guy at any jam, so the whole night is yours :) and if anyone is rude, hand them the thing and let them out do-you (kidding).

[@J-Crash]

4:58 "Try to eliminate some of that extra movement" Leo P: For real tho all of these videos are very helpful, I love to see a notification from this channel pop up.

[@michaeldean9338]

lol...I just got that! Funny!

[@stangetz534]

Great tip about playing fast but abandoning rhythm. I do that too! Maybe a great topic for a video!

[@bettersax]

I have a couple of videos about rhythm. check the suggested video cards in this one...

[@johnsonbonanza4233]

Excellent teaching.

[@fineyeken3091]

Great video Jay good positive comments and encouraging words for all learner players.

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@tinanorth8243]

Brilliant! So brave submitting your videos! I've got a lot to learn!

[@aaronkarlin3241]

Very fun to see other hobbyists at it. Thanks Jay! Great idea for a video.

[@philtaska4258]

This was super instructional! Four very distinct levels of players (I'm pretty much there with Anthony--just a bunch older) and it's so cool that you tailored your comments toward where the players are with regard to the skills they currently possess. Very constructive. More, please!

[@saxanon2351]

Thank you so much Mr. Metcalf! Will be sure to heed your advice and in return for sharing that wisdom with me, I'll reveal to you everyone here in the comments that... my name isn't actually Anthony Mitchells, so there it is- love your videos a lot! You are a true inspiration

[@bettersax]

Thanks for submitting your video, you sound great. keep up the good work.

[@I_M_Nonno]

I'm a Gary, here to defend Gary. Great tone and I like the way he carries the phrase over. I also like his improv working around the melodic line. I find nothing more boring than people playing some finger/scale exercise and calling it jazz. Noodling :-) here in the South USA that's for catching dinner! Neck looks like a late model Super 20 Color of the body is not right for that though.

[@bettersax]

Gary plays great in this clip. I would say he gets the most critical feedback since he takes the most risks in his playing. The tips I gave him here will go a long way towards improving his playing. Every critique I give is something that I have done in the past and had to correct (still trying to eliminate some of these bad habits). When you have the courage to ask a teacher/peer for their thoughts, that means you are ready to improve and won't let your ego slow you down.

[@EVENTSAX]

@@bettersax Good answer and critique, Gary's d''' (first palm key) is too high, always a problem on saxophones. So I would also (I do this myself) recommend to work on the intonation, Gary is in general a bit high. But Gary, you play great 👍 To "Better Sax" : Keep up the great work on youtube, your channel still grows and you deserve it! 🎷

[@mironhorodi4429]

@@bettersax I still didn't get what Saxophone he was playing with that silver neck.

[@hanzabass]

All these guys were great!

[@maxwu3395]

My opinion: 1st and 3rd musician - main thing to work on is swing feel and jazz articulation. 2nd musician - agreed on your critique, although I wonder about your comment about making sure the solo matches quality of the head. Why not encourage musicians to take risks and push boundaries of their skills rather than tell them to stay in their comfort zone? 4th musician - I would add intonation can improved, but otherwise agreed on other points. great playing too!

[@joeblankenship377]

Lots of good tips that I need to remember in my own playing. Great video, Jay. Maybe I'll work up the courage to submit a clip of myself someday.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Joe, hope to hear you play soon.

[@muddusax4916]

This is really good and inspiring mostly to self taught students like me, I've played for two year from your sites. But even the audience at times tend to demand for what is not yet prepared to deliver though serious practice is necessary. But it's all a challenge taker to the player to work on the necessities

[@grrregetienne8401]

Good job Better Sax, good idea to do that.

[@geoffparker3907]

Dear Jay, thank you for your prompt reply and a link to a site that explained this so well.

[@xaviermaulave1423]

Hi Jay, Very interesting I the meantime very motivating for all members of this channel community, this video is one of my favorite one, along with the Rigotti factory visiting AND the interviews; I am encouraging you to interview big cats as much as you can (not only sax players by the way) and whenever you have a chance to do so..... they are the keepers of Music Wisdom and they have infinite knowledge and tons of advices to share...… Please organize and post more of your followers videos and your Easy Fix Comments.....once or twice every month would be fantastic! Thank you for your efforts and great work. Kind regards, XM

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Thank you Jay! Very well explained.. all days we can learn more.

[@tedhan1920]

This is a wonderful series. Thank you!

[@bettersax]

Thanks for watching.

[@dangitdoodles]

Paused right at 4:58 got a lovely image of Jay with his tongue out 😂

[@prosaxtips5007]

You are a great adjudicator and give great suggestions. Great channel!

[@luizsalles1846]

I just want to say, Brasil loves you! Im a big fan of your job and your didatic, thanks for teaching me how to be a better sax player!

[@sablezubshruz9811]

Gary SOUND is really good! Envy totally))))

[@ramonirizargomez8887]

Gracias..Thank You.Se aprende mucho viendo otros saxxplayers y con tus comentarios. Thank You

[@eomer7284]

Jay I’ve been watching your videos for a long time and you are honestly my main saxophone teacher. Could you PLEASE do a review on the custom EXII Yamaha alto saxophone please? I would appreciate it a lot and I’m sure others would too.

[@bettersax]

I've played lots of yamaha horns and the custom series are great. I still prefer Yanagisawa though.

[@renib1159]

Such a nice & generous thing for U to do..

[@jacoblarsson1385]

Do you have perfect pitch? Or just a really good relative pitch? Since you just played the thing he played right away. 11:37

[@bettersax]

definitely don't have perfect pitch. just a good guesser.

[@Mixi664]

That’s very good relative pitch. Years and years of playing and ear training.

[@FaisalDM]

I want to buy an alto sax but I don’t know how to play do you have any website that gives lessons or tutorials

[@bettersax]

bettersax.com

[@angelo_catalano]

Love the second guy’s sound

[@madmattymayhem]

You seem very knowledgable... I could use your help.

[@NugNux]

2:49 me as well, gotta work on that

[@saxman7131]

I can’t find the link to submit a video.

[@omerelster2133]

Love these ones

[@geoffparker3907]

Dear Jay, I wonder if you can resolve a problem that has been confusing me? Before I start playing, I tune to concert A. After about 10 minutes I have to re-tune as my sax has gone sharp. I am told that this is perfectly normal as the sax has warmed up. Herein lies my problem. Normally, if something warms up, it expands. If a tube expands in diameter or length, it would produce a deeper note, i.e. go flat. So how is it that a sax goes sharp when it warms up? I am sure that there is a perfectly logical explanation for this but, at present, it eludes me as it appears to be counter-intuitive. Can you explain this for me, please?

[@bettersax]

Great question, that I will include in the next Q+A... in the meantime: www.miniphysics.com/why-orchestra-needs-to-be-warmed-up.html

[@sidneiramalho]

Okay 12:10 wow! Amazing

[@JoeyBeamon]

Jay, I'm trying to do the same thing that you have done for all of these people, how did you get people to start subscribing and following and watching you?

[@TheAvgCommentator]

Just watched a couple of videos. I know this comes across brutal and harsh, but I'm not convinced you're a good enough player to teach anybody yet. To answer your question, maybe a couple of years in the shed with a private teacher will make people like and watch your videos? I'll leave specific criticisms on the videos themselves.

[@JoeyBeamon]

@@TheAvgCommentator Ok thats not harsh but thanks

[@Paulou62]

Love this kind of teaching! Is that something you provide when we are a member of better sax?

[@bettersax]

Yes!

[@haydirmajeed8728]

Thank you. Very nice video

[@sebastiansoto6402]

I find this interesting, but it amazes me how this man looks just like Phil Coulson. Is it just me? Btw, not trying to be rude, its just funny to me the resemblance. Love this channel, glad I found it. Keep up the good work!

[@ngoziomotola1421]

Great job jay

[@bettersax]

Thank you.

[@xetoge_9794]

I am just beginning Tenor Sax and I would like to know if you can break your reed if it is too wet. I know it sounds stupid but I am curious.

[@bettersax]

Reeds can't really get too wet, I like them to not be completely waterlogged though.

[@nunogoulart9732]

Great vídeo Jay!!

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@cm4n63]

Can you make a video on the harry hartmann reeds? I like them a lot! Thanks!

[@bettersax]

I have one that plays okay. I asked them to send me some for a video, but they aren't interested...

[@GreggStreicher]

How do I submit a video?

[@catticus6637]

Hey! I'm going into middle school and starting band! I'm going to be playing saxophone! Any tips?

[@bettersax]

watch my videos for tips. There's quite a few now.

[@catticus6637]

@@bettersax Thank you! :)

[@kaseyk6315]

Don’t quit!!! Keep trying and practicing. Asking questions and improving and such. If it feels too challenging or like you are stuck just keep trying. (Ps consider switching to bari or tenor if you haven’t, these instruments are beautiful and in high demand at middle school level)

[@albertomriagallotti]

wow are you getting me to buy a sax!

[@Arthur5000]

Awesome video

[@NeverWolf]

Hello. I want to hear if someone can play Stephen Grapelli's violin solos on Django Rheinhardt's version of After You've Gone. Might require some altissimo and to be played in a lower key. also breath management might be an issue to solo in this style. Besides those hurdles it's mystifying how someone can even play like that on a violin with no buttons and keys on it. I just wanna hear more swingy, gypsy jazz style on the sax. This is partly where I'm aiming my practice but I'm not there yet. If I do get there, I'll be sure to share a video. I also want to steal licks of Django him self but he throws in a lot of funky chords, so those don't translate at all unless you can do like... 16th notes arpeggios but that will only sound right in fast passages and like... how do you go from fast to even faster like that anyway. Listen to his solo on In The Still of The Night. It's just beautiful.

[@TG-wy7ck]

Do you just do jazz or is it possible to send some classical stuff?

[@RoseCadenza]

How often do you do these kind of videos? I'm thinking I want to send in a clip.

[@bettersax]

I'd like to do this once a month or so.

[@stangetz534]

Jay great sound on alto!!! Whats your secret? -)

[@bettersax]

no secret. just practice everyday, listen to great players and think about your sound no matter what you are playing.

[@gustavobertoni1381]

Jay, i am considering buying one of your courses, which one should i buy? I've been playing piano for some years, having no problem to play by ear, and have a good music theory background, i started playing the alto sax, i need some begginer to advanced techniques exercises to improve my sound quality, flexibilitty, intonation etc. Thanks.

[@bettersax]

Sounds like you should start with Core Essentials.

[@gustavobertoni1381]

Is there any way of seeing the content approached in the course beforehand?

[@panpansax825]

Hey I am a very new player and this video talks a lot about "unnecessary movement" and I was wondering if there was an explanation to why this is bad? I have a habit of dancing around while playing to keep my tempo and I never thought it was a bad habit but is there a reason to why?

[@dudesunglasses4528]

Extra movement in the fingers is bad because it will put a cap on the speed that you will be able to play at. Dancing around is fine as long as it doesn’t harm the efficiency of your practice sessiob

[@panpansax825]

@@dudesunglasses4528 I see, thanks for the reply I'll keep that in mind

[@joshuahennion9427]

it's also possible that moving too much can affect your breathing and make your tone sort of shaky

[@patrickkelcey2435]

Howdy Jay. Unfold the note. Doesn't matter what. Unfold the note Each and every one a universes unto it's self. Unfold the note.

[@mico1761]

How long have you been playing?

[@bettersax]

34 years

[@JiveDadson]

All of them would do well to lay back more. Stephan rushed the least. Very nice. I think he's listened to Dexter Gordon (tenor, or course).

[@TheMyrkiriad]

Hey BetterSax, about stillness when playing, can you comment on Eric Darius technique ?

[@ivarwesterberg6212]

Or Kenny Garret

[@zekepyle9198]

Eric Darius focuses more on the groove and is an amazing showman. He’s found a great balance between putting on a show and playing the alto. That’s why he’s so successful. Sure he could probably play faster if he didn’t move around as much but faster does not equal better

[@brian.sax_]

9:00 it looks like a nexus

[@stevent5196]

Nice vid

[@eugenemann8433]

Great video. Will you accept more videos for the future? It would force me to get some recording done and get some great criticism.

[@zekepyle9198]

I think he commented down below that he tries to do one every month.

[@eugenemann8433]

@@zekepyle9198 thanks. I just found that.

[@JosephBayote]

I came early.... Nice

[@justkath512]

Hello! I have been having a problem playing my alto so I hope u guys can help me out! Everytime I play for about 13 measures I'm already running out of breath and my chest is starting to hurt. Which, of course, cause me to not finish the song because I really coudn't take the pain. Any suggestions to stop this from happening?

[@zekepyle9198]

First of all, you might just need to take more breaths. Second, maybe your tee is too hard for your embouchure and lung power. Work your way up to that. Third, if you have a cheep mouthpiece that came with your sax it will take up a lot more air than necessary. Fourth, check if your saxophone has leaks by putting a light down the horn and closing the keys. Look for light seeping through. Fifth, don’t tighten your ligature too much, just lightly tighten to the point that it’s almost loose. Hope this helps.

[@zekepyle9198]

Maybe your reed* Not maybe your tee

[@justkath512]

@@zekepyle9198 thank u so much🙏

[@alvarougalde9572]

Hi, I love your page, can we still send you our videos?

[@bettersax]

Yes please do. Link in description.

[@Ghxst_g04]

hello second nice video

[@zekepyle9198]

New Ligature!?

[@bettersax]

Ah, no that's an old Harrison ligature I've had for many years. My main mouthpiece and ligature were at home when I filmed this.

[@handsomestik]

just bought a Sax

[@Arthur5000]

Awesome what kind? I'm looking to buy one soon

[@harveymushman2219]

Run....run away....lol...Me too...60 days ago...300 buck tenor new

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@harveymushman2219 Chinese? Because i got a Japanese used alto (YAS 23). I don't think I've ever seen one in very good shape for under 500.00. Mind you, these are of course student horns that are now 30+ years old. They don't often make it 30 years very well-kept. Yamaha is nice enough to run serial numbers for you for vintage. You'll get an answer in about a week like i did ("late 80's). They're not as exact as Fender on their Strats (made in 1984-87, Such and so, California)

[@dawsonmoultrie1063]

His horn is a nexus i think

[@dracologicalgaming8322]

Fourth

[@nicoloboselli463]

When the self taught musician is the best in the video

[@gavinchekay655]

Second

[@kalas856]

I feel incompetent hehe

[@evelynebinha8286]

First

[@inakiperez5422]

no one fucking cares if u went here first.

[@brandonm7952]

IKIFILMS dam

[@justkath512]

@@inakiperez5422 bitter much?😂 peace🙌

[@borisaranchuk2279]

Great idea but all of the players are beginners no fun to see them. Nothing To learn.

[@ekkisoatima2449]

So submit your own video for Jay to review, if you're advanced. Problem solved.

[@fineyeken3091]

We can all learn humility

[@derekakien7379]

Nobody ever finishes learning! Always keep your ears open.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I think it takes guts. I have noticed how many online experts either have nothing to show or they're good but nobody likes playing with them. :) In which case, I'd take someone who can learn, myself. Even Neil Peart (Rush) and Steve Smith (Journey) took drum lessons well after being two of the best drummers ever.

[@tomswift6198]

Never seen a player yet I couldn't learn something from. I can learn what to do, or what not to do, or what to try.

[@userhxsreiiz9r]

So I’m in my third year of playing baritone saxophone as a intermediate I have a alto but I don’t have a bari because I borrow from school but next year in jazz I’m going to have to start soloing but I don’t have a bari to practice over summer with. Should I look into buying one or stay try to practice with a alto? Currently I’m thinking of a Yanagisawa BWO1 or a cannonball. What are your thoughts? plz help!

[@zekepyle9198]

Soloing on Alto and Soloing in Bari are two completely different beasts. Your skills will transfer over being that both are in Eb. However a solo that sounds good on alto transcribed to Bari may not sound as good.

[@userhxsreiiz9r]

Zeke Pyle so i should get a bari to practice with? I understand they’re different and i played bari and am the only one continuing but I don’t have one to practice with because schools out. And like you said they’re different so practicing on a alto wouldn’t be the same thing as a bari so then i should get one.

[@stephennewcomb2627]

I've played both lead alto and bari through high school and college without ever owning a bari. While I would love to get one eventually, you can definitely just practice on alto at home and 90% of that will transfer. Does your school not let you take the bari home to practice?

[@userhxsreiiz9r]

Stephen Newcomb they did but it is summer and schools out

[@stephennewcomb2627]

@@userhxsreiiz9r Most schools I know let people take instruments home over the summer.

[@johnsonbonanza4233]

Excellent teaching.

[@sportswire8782]

First