VIBRATO Tutorial - Saxophone

[@bonejuice225]

Great video! Just a note for myself 5:30 - tutorial starts

[@juvellianthebee]

LMAO thanks I have a very short attention span

[@ZeeOwens]

Thanks....some of these people talk too much. My attention span is very short sometimes...lol

[@ClaireSheppard123]

@@juvellianthebeeabhahaha after a fee minutes i had to skip around bc i was so done😭

[@martindalmasi5340]

When you say “listen to great players “ the one teaching the video is one of them!!!!!🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷

[@michaelthomas4805]

ALways a pleasure to watch these lessons. Been playing sax for 60 years and am still learning stuff from your videos

[@bettersax]

Good to hear, thanks.

[@nawalkishorsingh1972]

बहुत बढ़िया

[@nawalkishorsingh1972]

द वेस्ट आ प्रोसेस, ,,, ,,,,, हरहर महादेव

[@tapioerma5562]

A great video. Thanks

[@HeyItsMe4065]

Hi.. Would you recommend me sax instrumental and the artist? Thanks..

[@geofixated]

I learned the guitar first so on the clarinet I still find myself trying to add vibrato using my fingers. What a goof I am.

[@leonardopreuss999]

Same here

[@DM_260]

You could trill

[@yesntnono4172]

Same on piano

[@diegsvelasquez1608]

I went from sax to the flute and I still try to use jaw vibrato😂😂

[@SuperSamu14]

JAJAAJJ i do the sameee idk why 😭😭😭but a normal vibrato with the finger movements at the same time😭

[@ScottTennantOH]

Jay, my teacher suggested I watch this video and it turned out to be an outstanding tutorial. I'm 51 years old and have been playing sax for more than four decades, and I've never had vibrato (and the associated listening and practical exercises) explained so clearly. It has been a revelation for me!

[@bettersax]

Great to hear this thanks Scott.

[@zaks10285]

What do you mean piano doesn’t have vibrato, I just have two people beside me to shake the piano for me 😂🤣

[@djoreeyo]

Lol, that's actually common sense tho😂😂😂

[@robertgreen3702]

😄😄😄

[@sohyangworld1544]

Lmao

[@fazeup6264]

“I strongly recommend to listen to you favorite saxophone player” I immediately went to saxologic

[@alex-uuhh]

Love him!

[@BennyMars-1]

@@alex-uuhhwhich platform can I watch him from please

[@McDragon1775]

I just bought a sax and started learning from scratch using videos and books. I've watched a ton of your videos and they are all clear and to the point. I'm on day 3 and already producing smooth notes and now with this video starting vibrato training, thank you very much for making these I greatly appreciate it.

[@rosemaryclark610]

well, this was certainly enlightening. I always thought vibrato was just a natural occurrence! I'm a 67 year old lady who just bought my first used saxophone, got it back from the shop which replaced all the pads, etc and I'm enjoying these videos. I'm gonna go for it! :)

[@markwhite-what-da-jazz]

Great advice for students. I only sometimes teach sax, but I am always interested in how other teachers help their students. I have some helpful advice about playing in a sax section in a big band. Jay is giving some very good advice about learning to be flexible with your vibrato, because you will have to be flexible in a sax section. Of course, if you are playing in unison with the other saxes, you don't use vibrato. When you are playing harmony with the other saxes, you always listen to the lead alto and match the style of the lead altoist's vibrato on the sustained notes that are harmonized. Jay is definitely getting you ready for this by teaching you to be flexible and learn more than one speed in working on your vibrato. Listen carefully to the lead altoist and try to match his style of vibrato. I played with some very good lead alto players (I was always lead tenor player). Some alto players will change their vibrato depending on the style of the music. For example some lead alto players like to use a wider vibrato when playing an older style like Glen Miller and a more narrow vibrato when playing the modern style tunes. I said to not use vibrato if you are playing unison notes in a sax section. I have heard some exceptions to this from very advanced sax players who can match their vibratos exactly (they make it sound like one sax player) on unison lines, but the general rule is to not use vibrato on the unison lines... only on the sustained harmony notes.

[@bettersax]

Great tips

[@ebonyevans25]

After not playing sax for over 10 years, for some reason this one thing came naturally to me, but I still work on it in different ways to make it sound better. Great video!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Ebony... Vibrato is one of the few things on the saxophone that's kinda easy...

[@ebonyevans25]

@@bettersax yep, probably the only easy thing for me lol

[@redeyedfreaks]

I've always been curious about vibrato (classical clarinet player). I once heard an argument with a vocalist, cellist, and oboist about how exactly pitch is effected by vibrato. Wether it's "correct" to start at pitch, scoop flat, then return to pitch, vs start at pitch, ride sharp, then flat, then at pitch, vs vibrato being an alternation of timbre/volume while aiming to always be at pitch. Cool stuff.

[@devilwithaharp]

I just started playing sax again after swapping it for a bass guitar 30 years ago.. really enjoying your vids!!

[@gabrielfernandes9195]

You’re the best. You have the most clear explanations. Thank you so much.

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@codthebomb13]

Awesome explanation; I played the alto sax for 7 years from 6th grade til I graduated high school in 2015 and haven't played it since then. I was actually pretty talented (I didn't have much respect for it during that time though), but never looked for opportunity to continue playing afterwards, but I recently was encouraged by the worship team at my new church to start practicing and playing with them, so I have a reason to pick it up again! I was never taught or learned vibrato in high school, so this was a perfect video to help me start so I can use it now 🙂 Thanks a ton!

[@christlutheranchurchclc9153]

Don't give up. Spend atleast an hour a day

[@cicin1242]

Facts

[@DynamixWarePro]

Thanks for the lesson. I have started to constantly play in tune on my alto so wanted to start learning vibrato, so this is good timing.

[@bettersax]

Great.

[@christlutheranchurchclc9153]

Easy to follow your class on vibrato. I am a self learning student of Alto sax, I was struggling to get on track with vibration. I found your tutorial is easy to follow. Thanks

[@GuitarReviver]

I'm so happy I found your channel, some of the very best lessons out there!

[@kaivrock]

Ernie Watts has the greatest vibrato I've ever heard.

[@tvdv3754]

Johnny Hodges 😉

[@BahDolby]

This was great! So well explained. Got it immediately!

[@TheDeafStingrays]

Thanks very helpful!! I'm in 7th grade band and I'm searching the web for good sax videos and I've been subscribed for 4 months now and this video is very helpful!!! 😉

[@bettersax]

Glad it helps...

[@machamptrainer4828]

Woah easy buddy first learn your 12 scales Pentatonic scales overtones every note obviously and chromatic scale and then you can move on to harder stuff like vibrato ,altissimo, growling and so on

[@machamptrainer4828]

@@sylk8998 Ok boomer

[@machamptrainer4828]

@@sylk8998 who asked for your opinion about my comment

[@machamptrainer4828]

Now. Your stalking me I thought you didn't care

[@jimsrnick3883]

A sax player from Cleveland, Duke Marsic, played with Jimmy Dorsi I believe said it was mandatory in the big bands to play a controlled vibrato. So many pulses per beat. Every player in the section was required to be able to play vibrato based on pulses per beat. This way the each player in the section matched vibrato pulses and sounded like one player. I believe that's how they did it in the big bands.

[@madyeti3224]

Thank you Sir... Good comments about playing in a section or group. I generally have been playing 2nd alto in a jazz band.. The Lead alto player generally has a bigger fuller vibrato than I...we both sound good just different. Now when there is a solo duet of sorts (soli ?) with the altos..I have learned to pretty much match her style and vibrato and we sound good together. However, during most of the song I tone down or partially eliminate my vibrato, because it's difficult to constantly match her style throughout various songs. Now, playing lead alto in a concert band I tend to play with my own vibrato and expression, except when I have to try to match similar parts from other sections.

[@Elizabac]

who else is watching this the day before solo and ensemble? 😂

[@wizprxnce4763]

Elizabeth Carlson mE

[@riles3780]

MeEeeE

[@wongjiajing3019]

Yeet

[@nicknyethesaxguy894]

Elizabeth Carlson oh shit she’s onto me

[@WrenchBreaker]

uh yeah pretty much

[@deblaqseht5895]

All what I can say now is thank you💕 from Nigeria

[@derycktrahair8108]

Another Great lesson. You are using the "Vocal" approach. (If you can SING it you can PLAY it). Don't tell anyone this, but if I could sing like SINATRA I would get a hair-cut, buy a decent suit & have my own dressing room on every gig. Reality = No. Tnr/Clt are my Musical voices. Knowing the lyrics helps with phrasing & articulation, & to play like a singer without the benefit of words makes YOU consider what you're trying to say. Fast fingers don't make music. We have to sing to the AUDIENCE through a curly looking instrument that sounds pleasing. It's the most fun you can have standing up. You are a very good teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Best wishes to you.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Deryck. much appreciated.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Have you heard of the band Chicago? I can sing lead, but they play TONS of stuff that's "unsingable." I understand the concept and agree, but don't get married to that having to sing it, bit. :)

[@elnauta9525]

Thanks, Jay, I am working on this now and this was very helpful. As you said is good to hear the "greats" to develop the proper criteria to produce the vibrato, then practice and practice and then get the feeling with the music and let it go.

[@stevenkelly5030]

Hi Jay, really good lesson. I appreciated the examples and the fact that you don't tell the student what style to play, but rather show examples of different styles.

[@bettersax]

Thank you Steven.

[@danielstainier793]

I love the way Kenny Dorham plays Alone together. If you never heard check it out. Lots of vibrato !

[@robertward3362]

Jay; thanks mate; not just for this but for all the stuff you do, it’s been a great help to me me , magic my friend,

[@knvio]

I didn’t even know Vibrato my teacher was amazed that I can do it without any hazard I was doing it freely with out looking at videos I finally understand what it is the teacher thought I was grade 9 he’s a lesson teacher so we just met well I feel cool now lol

[@ishta]

Tremolo is amplitude control and vibrato is slight pitch shifting. I am also a string player and when we say vibrato we pitch shift . If it calls for tremolo then we bow accordingly. But a lot of sax players are using tremolo instead of vibrato because they are pulsing the air instead, So appreciate that you started with the slow pitch shifting. One thing that I'd like to hear is progressive vibrato as well, no vibrato then get stronger as the note progresses. Last bad habit is using vibrato when you should just be doing decrescendo. But in general if it serves the music, I don't get bothered much even if folks are not doing "vibrato" . In general I like subtle vibrato or none at all

[@thegatesofsleep]

I don’t have much interest in learning the saxophone. I prefer playing the piano or guitar, but there is something magical about this instrument. Some of the most intriguing pieces of music I’ve heard, that just capture your soul and wonder have been played with the sax. Truly a timeless and magical instrument.

[@NyanPoptartCat]

As a sax player I may be biased, but I certainly agree. I practice piano and enjoy it, but it doesn't create the same emotional response from me. A wind instrument is very personal. It's like it becomes a part of you, especially if you have an instrument that's special to you. I am still using the first sax I ever played as a kid. When I play it, it connects me to the person I used to be...that history, that connection can't be replaced. I think that's part of the magic. Cheers.

[@rujerotanaka5839]

please make a video about soft dynamics

[@AngelPulido-k8r]

Thank you so much .This helps a lot

[@robstevens9590]

Good, simple lesson on vibrato. I played flute before picking up the sax. I taught myself the wrong way on the flute and then had to relearn, but that experience helped me learn how to use vibrato on the sax after I had been playing for a while.

[@bettersax]

Yeah flute vibrato is different physically, but the rhythmic concept is the same more or less.

[@lucaspangenberggazzano617]

very good video man, it helped me a lot. but in your diagram at 8.40 you use the messure + 3-5 cents and - 3,5 cents, that wpuld be near an imperceptible vibrato, having in mind that a fructation of half a tone is 100 cents

[@melodywoods4786]

What mouthpiece did you use in this video?? I love the sound of it!!

[@watsonfraser7733]

Another great video Jay. One player who you didn’t mention, and I think has an excellent tone and vibrato, is the great Baritone player, Joe Temperley. Worth listening too. Fall offs would be something of interest for future lessons. Thanks again

[@bettersax]

I agree, great baritone player...

[@ameliareid2357]

over the summer i taught myself how to play my moms old sax. i brought it into band and it’s over 20 years old so i sent it into the shop. ITS BEEN THERE SINCE AUGUST. mind you, today is march 6. hopefully i have it over spring break.

[@Coderedpirate]

Amelia Reid what kind of sax is it? Either they forgot about it or they’re handling it extremely cautiously because of its value

[@ameliareid2357]

Coderedpirate its an alto. Luckily I got it back a few weeks ago.

[@Coderedpirate]

@@ameliareid2357 oh haha, I meant the brand. Now that I think about it a 20 year old horn is only about the late 90s.

[@ameliareid2357]

Coderedpirate whoops. I know it’s a Yamaha, though I’m not sure of the model.

[@OifelOifel]

3:56 I am already listening to one of my favorite sax players Jay. :)

[@rajeevsikka1858]

Great sir... Love you

[@naylandcollier3177]

Nayland Collier Still trying to develop a vibrato style without overdoing it. A very nice lesson. I have recordings of most if not all of the artist represented. going to concentrate on the jaw technique.

[@rolsen77]

thank you thank you so much for this video.. I'm a music ed major and my vibrato is really lacking but the way my prof has been explaining vibrato to me hasn't really clicked- this video helped so much though!! will definitely doing the long tone vibrato exercises once I hit the practice room tomorrow morning!

[@randomblackperson9209]

Thank you so much. This helped me a lot with understanding how I can do vibrato on saxophone.

[@danielstainier793]

Hi It’s funny you are playing « Alone together « in the background . I just practiced that tune today ! Thank you for the better sax and the videos. Th instrument has a great sound ! I have had it for 2 month and I love it 😁

[@jmcclure222]

I love your videos. I have been playing sax since the mid 90s and vibrato had always been a challenge for me because I have a huge profound underbite. With that, for the most part, any tricks with the sax like vibrato, altissimo, and note bending that requires you to alter your embouchure is very difficult for me. Even though I know the correct technique for vibrato my mouth is just frozen on the mouthpiece because of my jaw shape.

[@HeyItsMe4065]

Hi.. What can you recommend me instrumental for sax and also the artist? Thanks in advance..

[@hjaltesivebk1735]

Your intro sounds very delicious!

[@CareerHubSpot]

It's been helpful ❤

[@INUSADAWUDA-LIVE]

Another great video Jay!

[@VinceBaileydns-direct]

Good so far I just got soprano sax which people say is going to be harder.

[@silvievellas7576]

after how many years of learning saxophone, will i be able to make a vibrato ? i ve been learning 5 years now and still incapable of doing vibratos ! Thanks for your videos, they 're pretty cool ! Hello from France ! 😀

[@dwightfontenot9064]

On marimba, a vibrato-effect is essentially facilitated through a roll.

[@leowright8016]

Thank you for sharing Jay 🎶🎶🎷😎✌🏽

[@bettersax]

Thanks Leo.

[@ldever3]

I find notes that are naturally sharp are harder to play with vibrato. I've been working on this for a few months now, and it's coming along. But I can see it's going to take a long time get this where I want it.

[@jaybestgeorge449]

Thanks sir... Is very lovely.

[@bluessax5089]

Would you describe Sidney Bechet as having a fast and wide vibrato

[@nokijanuar]

JGSAX yeah, sidney smokin the vibrato.. on soprano and clarinet..

[@lernersarno9067]

At last! The long awaiting video!!!

[@bettersax]

Hope it helps...

[@lernersarno9067]

@@bettersax It helped a lot! Thank you again for another informative video :D

[@robertgreen3702]

Excellent lesson.🎷👍

[@mrchristian0457]

This is helping tremendously!

[@Saucyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

Ive been using fluctuation in my breath this whole time...

[@etheriusmoon1809]

Me too D:

[@charliefink1381]

same, and it's honestly really hard to switch when I've gotten so used to and proficient with it that way.

[@corystajduhar]

Guilty as charged. I also sing and play the flute so it was natural to do it, but I'm willing to change so I sound the way I want. I like that smooth soulful sound.

[@johnmcneill1066]

Excellent, thanks very much

[@reesischess8054]

Really great video editing; very nice definition on the video itself. Do you do your own editing / video work?

[@bettersax]

Yes I do thanks!

[@elturoleplay815]

Thank you sir 🎀

[@darwood6861]

I love your videos. You are great at explaining things in a simple and fun way and your brand of humor sets well with me. I taught myself the technique of vibrato by listening to artists from Coleman Hawkins to Kenny G. It was apparent to me after listening, that they more often used breath control from the diaphragm as the source of vibrato. And many times they used the jaw technique that you described along with the diaphragm breath control. I've learned to use my embouchure and breath control in unison on the higher register notes and mostly just breath control in the lower tones. I love listening to you play brother. Thanks for taking the time to create these videos.

[@23saxman]

Thanks for this. That is the best lesson on vibrato I have seen. I always feel like practicing after watching your videos. And you did it again.

[@JIMMYLEE1122]

buen video , favor de activar la traduccion

[@stephaniehecquefeuille6586]

Definitely like your lessons though I am a(n) (old) young player ! Thanks for sharing all your tips... Seriously considering subscribing to your blues foundation courses...

[@arthurbuccioli]

what about the diafragm vibrato, the same used by singers? is better, worse, usable?

[@nicejuanito]

excellent, clear and accurate as always. Thx

[@DiMoraDiamond]

Excellent video...glad I found this one. I had requested a video on this topic in another one of your videos - and then I stumbled across this...you had already done it! Thanks, Jay!

[@jasminduncanson2520]

I need 2 work on my vibrato too❤

[@christiansivak5754]

Thank you so much it helped me so much

[@V081WLBlue]

Yay no cap... you look good!

[@houseofmusiceducation5581]

Thank you very much.

[@ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΊΝΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΓΕΩΡΓΊΟΥ-τ9ω]

Im playing trumpet.. Its the same technique?? (Btw i love saxophone and your videos)

[@anandjj5077]

Quite different. We tongue a lot on the Reed. Yours is not woodwind so it's different.

[@ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΊΝΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΓΕΩΡΓΊΟΥ-τ9ω]

@@anandjj5077 yeah that's true..

[@apinakapinastorba]

Anand JJ , I have also played trumpet, and just now started on a saxophone. You say that one ”tongues on a reed”. Can you explain what that means? 😊 I have wondered if or how tongue is to be used with saxophone (it has not been discussed at least yet on the beginner courses at bettersax).

[@derekakien7379]

Can usually tell if someone learned Flute before taking up the Sax. They seem to make a vibrato by breath control.

[@corystajduhar]

Lol. Me. I use my diaphragm. That's why I'm learning this technique. Wah-Wah / Yah-Yah.

[@HaikyuuNoodleSoup]

God bless your soul you amazing human being.

[@LetsRestoreIt]

Thanks for the help. I’ve always wanted to know how to vibrato.

[@bettersax]

Hope it helps you...

[@LetsRestoreIt]

Better Sax it definitely does.

[@JayVanSaxman]

Thank for the tutorial

[@bettersax]

You're welcome hope it helps.

[@corystajduhar]

Great explanation!

[@Antonyramji]

hi jay bro. in this video witch saxophone are you play ....

[@cookiesthedonkey2223]

How do i know if ive got a devloped tone

[@apistosig4173]

Jay - fabulous. How about growling and or scooping? - I mean what the hell is scooping?

[@solsar3011]

Apistosig Scooping is a pitch bend. You make it by playing out of tune then rising into being in tune. In this video when widening your mouth by saying “Wah” And then rising your lip, that is a scoop. You can think of it like half a vibrato, you would start low and go high or vice versa

[@saxman7131]

I put vibrato on that pitch. Pitches love vibrato.

[@josephdavid852]

How can I get best saxophone

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Another great video. I simply drink lots of coffee before every gig. My favorite example is what Tom Scott does at the end of his phrases.

[@TomaszWena]

Hello Jay! Thank You SO much for a great and inspiring video. I have found it really helpfull. As always You explain all very clearly with great examples! See You :)

[@ValensNeziri]

0:20 nice vibrato

[@tomyates9362]

I've been playing for about 6 decades and u can always benefit from going back to basics. Great video, sound advice. U can use diaphragm vibrato on sax & clarinet or a combo and it can be useful but ya gotta be judicious. A la David Sanborn. Also take in more mouthpiece and get a breathier one (not for beginners). Jay u got a really nice vibrato and as long as I've played I still got use from this video

[@bettersax]

Thanks for this.

[@lanceclark12]

Hi Jay: thanks for the video...I like everything you produce, as there is always some great background and perspective to your training videos that is valuable to learning the skill, but rarely included on other videos on the same subjects. Question for you (and that other students of yours might wonder about)...I was taught to play vibrato with the sax by using tongue movement rather than lowering jaw...basically mimicking or vocalizing the word "doy, doy, doy, doy, doy..." Do you have any perspective on this method of producing vibrato . -- plusses or negatives?

[@bettersax]

Lance, there are other methods for producing vibrato on saxophone, but they are much less used and taught. If it is working for you then great. Try this method out and see if you prefer the result once you're used to it. I have never done vibrato that way, but I imagine you would be limited in the width of the wavelength.

[@lanceclark12]

@@bettersax Thanks Jay...will do.

[@jhernan185]

Mr Metcalf could you please add a video or post some comments on high register vibrato ?

[@4000marcdman]

i wonder how much info from this channel i can use on the Nuevo jSax? i ordered it but havent received it yet. Id like to learn to play but starting at 38 i dont know if i want to invest in an actual instrument yet.

[@r.g.saxone]

Excelente video. Thanks a lot. !

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@DwightManning]

See also 1) Woodwind Vibrato from the Eighteenth Century to the Present. Performance Practice Review, 8(1), 67-72. tinyurl.com/yapad7p7 2) El Vibrato de Viento-Madera desde el Siglo XVIII hasta Hoy. Quodlibet Revista de Especialización Musical (Madrid), 18, 37-42. tinyurl.com/y96vdmc4

[@bettersax]

Dwight, thanks for sharing that. Interesting and some amusing bits in there. I definitely use my diaphragm/abdomen for flute vibrato. Didn't see the saxophone mentioned in that paper though...

[@francisdegennaro2423]

I had a player say that his vibrato came from the throat like singing and others say it;s from the jaw. I tried both and honestly I like both . am I doing something wrong here? or right here? like tonguing I use both ways from the tip of my tongue and also from slightly off the tip like the THE toungue sound. I use either way depending on the song. are both ways ok and you find what you like? It seems the throat one is more subtle and I like that for the quick like vibrato and the jaw sound from the slower type sound.

[@bettersax]

Francis, I don't think there is a right or wrong here. If you are getting good results that's all that matters. There is definitely more than one way to tongue and you want to be employing them to get the variety of sounds and attacks available. Vibrato is the same, this is the way I play it and teach it, doesn't mean another way is wrong at all.

[@francisdegennaro2423]

@@bettersax Thanks Jay I really appreciate this

[@samdowner1792]

Hi Jay. Do you play soprano?

[@bettersax]

I have a soprano...

[@samdowner1792]

@@bettersax Can you do a video on techniques for soprano please?

[@nwz1994]

Hi Jay, thanks for your lessons, you are awesome and helps a lot! I have a question in another subject: I play for a while with a tuner (as you recommended), and now most of my notes are pretty much in tune. but there is still one note (middle C#) that is always way out of tune (too low, closer to C than to C#). I tried to change my mouth positions, but it doesn't help and it's still out of tune. [by the way, a professional checked my sax and said that everything is Ok with it] Please help me understand- what am I doing wrong? 🤔🎷

[@Brian-jn2pi]

Im not sure if you are familiar with long tones, but look them up. Helps me a ton. Never stop doing them. Thats the secret to get an amazing sound too.

[@bkothe22073]

It's not you. It's the C#. Work long tones with the tuner. And, for longer C#'s, especially in a descending melodic pattern, use 'long C#' fingering (low C# fingering with the octave key).

[@saxefoner]

Vent the C# with the side C key. That will bring up the pitch. You can raise pitches by venting, and lower them by adding fingers. Find fingering tricks by experiment.

[@Aykorius]

When playing vibrato, do you start by lowering the pitch or raising it? When I play vibrato I play the note then go up in pitch back to the note. Should I do a turn with the vibrato? Tuned-sharp-tuned-flat-tuned.

[@bettersax]

I drop the pitch down then back up to slightly sharp.

[@Aykorius]

Thank you

[@aaronrobinson9386]

I know its supposed to go up and down around the pitch but i find myself only going below the pitch. Not sure what I'm doing wrong