Jazz Articulation | how to tongue bebop on sax

[@SuperDuperTuberTube]

You've created another fantastic lesson, and (happy coincidence) it's one I needed right now. You are an excellent teacher, and the saxophone students of the world are very fortunate that you've decided to share lessons on KZbin.

[@drwallysax]

That's most kind, thank you!

[@briansransom]

This is a great introduction to Jazz articulation and I plan to refer my Jazz students to this video. But there’s a big problem with Jazz nowadays and that is that - and you really hit the nail on the head right there at the end of your video - kids don’t want to listen to Jazz they just want to play it, and like you said without the listening part they’re never going to really get it. I think 90% of their listening comes from playing in jazz band or in a combo and that’s about it.

[@drwallysax]

HOLY #$&@, you nailed it! Or backing tracks, they think that will make them "jazzy." That's why I can't teach my classical friends jazz, they don't listen to it. I "played" jazz poorly for so many years as a classical player. Only when I fell in love with listening did I make ANY progress. Keep up the good fight, Brian. Let's make T-shirts.

[@stevel6895]

Yes! You said it all at 8:15. Listening! OK, so call me crazy, but I always had trouble with my articulation. Then (years back) I put my horn down for almost two years because of my new job at the time. One thing is, I never stopped listening. I listen to jazz constantly. When I picked my horn back up I was surprised at how well my articulation was, an can only attribute this to listening. I didn't learn to read music or study any theory until later in my adult years, so I've always depended on my ears from the beginning. Once again, great video Dr. Wally!

[@sergej100qca4]

I have finished the etude and now I'm transposing licks. I can already hear improvement in my improvisation!

[@drwallysax]

Yeeees, glad to hear it, Sergej!!! Keep me posted, i'm very excited to be with you on the path!

[@sergej100qca4]

Btw do you know any Rhythm tunes in Eb?

[@drwallysax]

@@sergej100qca4 I think there’s an Art Pepper tune that I can’t recall. We’re gonna be taking these in some crazy keys!

[@OdgeBrown]

Great video! "The wrong emPHasis on the sylLAble" - such an effective statement as it sounded so wrong!!

[@martincommunications5381]

What a great lesson! There's a special place in heaven for you, with a pot that never runs out of coffee for all eternity. Thank you for the content Dr. Wallace🙂👍

[@drwallysax]

Hey, thanks Martin! Glad you found it helpful!

[@rameshrao3792]

super dense theory and practice - worth the time spent watching the videos, hope I can internalize all this and reproduce at will

[@drwallysax]

You absolutely can, Ramesh! In the fundamentals course, you can slow down the video in the video player settings. Keep at it!

[@rameshrao3792]

@@drwallysax enjoying your style of teaching - balancing art, science, discipline, expression and getting into the zone

[@josehperez7553]

Very nice Dr, Wally. I love it. I just stared learning to read music and the way you explain everything, it's easy to get it. Well, I played sax by ear and now because I'm retired and I have time, I want to learn to read music. But again you are very good Dr, Wally.

[@drwallysax]

Keep at it Jose!

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Excellent lesson. I like your sense of humor! I have joined the course and I look forward to learning so much from you!

[@wilcoras87]

Thanks Dr Wally! Gets me out of the comfort zone (but etude is way too hard right now) and gives me structure in practice. Like your style and production👍🏻

[@drwallysax]

Hey Wilco, we're adding intermediate etudes too - check those out! happy practicing!

[@bienchii]

EXCELLENT video. I think I have struggled to nail down articulation in trying to play jazz. Thanks for breaking that down. I have enjoyed listening to Charlie Parker. Never really had. As an alto player I know its kind of nuts. Just had not reached that far back in time for music. Will work on breaking down the etude in chunks. Great advice.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Rob! I understand, I used to have a difficult time listening to Parker, largely due to the fidelity of the recordings. Keep up the good work and keep me posted!

[@davidbraner156]

Very well done Wally. Awesome contribution to the jazz community.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Dave! it's a tough line to walk - telling students HOW to do it and letting them discover through listening. Another 20 years of teaching and I might find the balance!

[@maandoza]

I am very confused about the exact mechanism of tonguing. Which point of the reed should my tongue touch? The tip or the lower part? And which part of my tongue should I use? I read many different instructions about tonguing, which increased my confusion. You are the most reliable instructor I have ever seen, therefore I would be extremely grateful to get an answer from you. Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Ben! I've got a video in the works (but not for a couple of months), but I will cover it!

[@connietindell3134]

This has been very helpful. I have had a difficult time on articulation.

[@drwallysax]

Glad it's helpful, Connie! (now go practice... :)

[@damirthrasyvoulides9923]

Thank you for your videos. So helpful. Keep up the good work mate.

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

I'm all caught up on the videos, joined the mailing list and can see I'm going to have to crack out my Rousseau for this, rather than the Claude Delangle. That's going to mean exhaustion, but it's a price I'm willing to pay. Let the improvement begin! In all seriousness though, thanks for the motivation and excellent content as always. Also, loved the breakdown of 1 tongued, 3 slurred and the ghosting. I'm looking forward to my students hearing someone other than me on this!

[@drwallysax]

Kerry!! We've got LOTS of classical studies coming up as well - I just started with jazz (limited time while homeschooling kiddos during pandemic). So glad you're joining us!

[@connietindell3134]

Lots of work on articulation to be done! Thanks!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy practicing Connie!

[@WilliamCarterII]

This is a great supplement as a Jazz Studies major. Good stuff

[@drwallysax]

Thanks James! Where you studying jazz?

[@WilliamCarterII]

@@drwallysax Cal State LA

[@w2tty]

Thanks for this. I clearly have much work to do in order to get the style. I’m not even close yet, but I’m working on it. I listen, but can’t really hear things well enough yet. But now I know what I should be listening for and that helps. Carrying on...

[@drwallysax]

keep at it, Paul! Music is a life long study, take your time and enjoy the process! The more you listen, the more good stuff sticks in your subconscious, guiding your practice. You got this!

[@CoffinZ12]

I love these videos keep them up Doc!

[@drwallysax]

Will do, Ditty! Thanks for being a part of the Academy - happy practicing my friend!

[@Odian7]

Great video! Thanks for that, Dr. Wallace. I‘m looking forward to the ghost notes video, expect if you’re not ghosting us.

[@drwallysax]

New number, who dis? (and thanks, Chris)!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Yeah👍 “Get to work!” Lol 😆👨🏻 And if you don’t ♥️jazz saxophone, then fegetabout it! Dr.Wally is 😎.. You’re so right. I learn so much listening to the phrasing and trying to emulate the melodies and solos by ear. There’s nothing like it. I love the sound so much, and I feel good when I pull it off. Sometimes my knowledge of music theory and conception helps, but you gotta dive in and WORK ! Nothing like it.. 😃

[@siddiqueabdullah5930]

Man, this really helps a lot. I'm loving this!

[@drwallysax]

That makes me VERY happy to hear, Siddique!

[@rafaelsando8665]

Great lesson, Dr. Wally! Thanks!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, Rafael! Is that a violin in your profile? Switch to the dark side - make it a saxophone!!

[@rafaelsando8665]

Yes, actually I make violins for living...but I have already switched to the dark side!

[@drwallysax]

@@rafaelsando8665 A luthier!! very cool!

[@neilxu4567]

Wow that mouthpiece sounds great!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Neil! It was designed by a brilliant man! ;)

[@isaiahd9947]

I know this wasn't your intention but the player is a majority of the sound so your comment sounds like telling Usain bolt "wow those shoes run fast!" Lol

[@drwallysax]

@@isaiahd9947 Totally hear what you're saying - but (inside scoop - shhhhhh) Neil actually designed this mouthpiece! This has been an incredibly fun collaboration, and the mouthpiece I'm playing in the video is a production prototype - and it's simply amazing. I'm completely in love with it. (but also, thanks for the kind words, Isaiah!)

[@isaiahd9947]

@@drwallysax ohh my bad haha I sound dumb

[@drwallysax]

@@isaiahd9947 not at all! You didn’t have the inside scoop, now you do! (Shhhhhhhhhh don’t tell anyone) ;)

[@oliverkollas4526]

Thanks it helped me a lot with the etudes!

[@drwallysax]

Fantastic!!! Happy practicing, Oliver!

[@artemis380]

Great video!!! Really helped me thank you 🙌🏽

[@joaquinmendoza2306]

I got this notification like 5 mins after I subscribed.

[@drwallysax]

Good timing! Lot of cool stuff planned this year, Joaquin - glad you're joining us!

[@sequoyahcisneros8719]

Misty

[@joaquinmendoza2306]

@@sequoyahcisneros8719 bro no way ahhaha. Misty for life baby

[@derycktrahair8108]

Great lesson. Especially LISTEN. What about 'Skat' singing the phrase? Your tongue will do it naturally (articulation & shape) & when you add the notes the feel is there. If can SING it you can PLAY it?

[@drwallysax]

That's great advice - but I won't sing on camera. I love my students too much.

[@phatle9680]

jazz nghe thật tuyệt cảm ơn bạn đã hướng dẫn

[@drwallysax]

chào đón nhất. Chúc bạn tập luyện vui vẻ!

[@merldesoisa2287]

Great lesson thank

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Merl, happy practicing!

[@russelljazzbeck]

Hey, did you ever post a video about ghost notes? I can't find it, if you did.

[@milesleach6509]

Would using a synthetic reed affect the cultural sound that we are all going for. I’ve noticed that while using them they have a clean cut tone that’s not messy and well “jazz like”. Can I still use synthetic reeds for that jazzy feeling?

[@yun_saxophone-studio]

i have to go back practice ^^~~ have a lovely day

[@drwallysax]

You as well!

[@JacksonKintz]

Sweet! right as we got a bebop tune

[@drwallysax]

I’ve got a plan, Jackson! It’s gonna be a good year my friend!

[@sebastianzacarias1523]

Hello, greetings from Argentina, I want to know what articulation Coltrane used?

[@tomesposito7482]

Great one

[@drwallysax]

Thanks tom, happy practicing!

[@martinstones2432]

Where can you hear your recordings of the Etudes please?

[@tomesposito7482]

this it what has been missing in my palying wally great lesson listen to bird

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Tom! There is SO much to learn listing to Bird. No joke, I had the record on my turntable this morning - made my day. Happy practicing my friend!

[@davideiotti9725]

very helpful

[@stefanstancescu2344]

Hi) I follow your Blues scale tutorials but with bepbop I struggle. Can u explain at bit clear how to bebop and how to tongue it? Thanks Stefan

[@isaiahd9947]

Augh you sound so good

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend! Happy practicing!

[@bencurley6362]

I’m sorry if this question was answered in another video but do you have any suggestions on articulations in really fast bebop 16th lines. I was listening and working on playing along with Art pepper’s "you’d be so nice to come home to" and one of the sixteenth lines it tricking me a bit. I can get all of the notes in there but can not manage to get the feel even close. Any suggestions? Thank you!🎷🎶

[@LeoNovel]

I have the best swing feel now!!!!!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@solomann940]

Great lesson

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Solo!

[@ekeminiudoh4664]

I love this, please I wanna be good in playing the saxophone how should I go about it and what should I do?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Ekemini, I'm afraid that's a big topic! What's your current ability level?

[@guardezio]

Daft question, but will listening to the greats to help me iprove how I play jazz on my alto also help me to improve how I play jazz on my clarinet? Or is it very much a case that it wont help becasue they are two differant instuments?

[@drwallysax]

That's not a daft question at all! That's a great question! The answer is yes - the style and inflection will definitely translate to a high degree. In my training I transcribed trumpet players and trombone players, it all helped. You won't get the clarinet sound concept (obviously) but still a lot to be gained. Again, that's an EXCELLENT question!

[@guardezio]

@@drwallysax Cheers Sir ^_^ And good to know. Sadly transcribing is a bit beyond me right now, but all things in time ^_^ Second question that's playing on my mind is, am I supposed to just listen to the greats, or am I supposed to be constantly analysing everything they do? Last thing I want to do is worry so much on working out everything they do that I stop enjoying the music they're playing.

[@kurt.schwab]

I find it a nice challenge to "correctly" articulate and phrase original material as opposed to written out solos: now I have to make all t hese decisions about tongueing, half-tongueing, slurring, bending and what-have-you by myself! 🙏👍👍👍

[@drwallysax]

It's a long road - but well worth it!

[@sknuts6429]

Up to 150ish bpm but definitely gonna try to apply the stuff here

[@drwallysax]

Excellent! Keep it up, SKNuts!

[@lion037]

Hi Dr. Wallace, I've been playing sax for years. I love jazz but I have great difficulty in building an appreciation for bebop. I understand that it takes skill and technique to play it properly. However I really don't enjoy listening to it. While there are some interesting patterns and other elements that I'd like to add to my arsenal, thruthfully I really cannot endure listening to Coltrane, Parker, or any of the reputed greats for extended periods. Jazz encompasses more than bebop yet I often encounter the mindset of "if it ain't bop, it ain't jazz". I love playing songs with beautiful melodies, tunes that stick with you. I've never had the impulse to sing Hot House at the top of my lungs or versions of well known standards where the original melody is indistinguishable if ever stated. Do you have any advice for a student such as myself?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Spencer, completely understandable. My favorite record on earth is Dave Brubeck quartet playing Bernstein. I love Bebop, but generally listen to more laid back west coast stuff from the 1950s. Play what you love! I study the faster stuff because it's fun (my students enjoy the challenge) and it's good training. Like the boxer lifting weights. Happy practicing!

[@lion037]

@@drwallysax Thanks for the response and the encouragement!

[@charlesperforms]

I suggest looking one step before Bird like Lester Young

[@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942]

Subbed, a friend of mine brought you up when we were speaking about Wally West lol

[@drwallysax]

Small world, he lives a couple miles down the road from me! How do you know Wally West?

[@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942]

@@drwallysax My friend goes to Gardner- Webb lol.

[@drwallysax]

@@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942 Ahhhh, gotcha!

[@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942]

@@drwallysax This channel us criminally underrated and very useful. I binged watched the vids yesterday lol.

[@warrensledge5909]

What mouthpiece you are using?

[@MarkusAdam66]

At min 6:19, in the second bar: Don't you actually tongue 2 and slur 2? It sounds to me as if you tongue the first two notes of the four downward notes? Am I right?

[@MrSpock71]

Is the promised video on ghosting out yet?

[@tommyesposito606]

wally the masters of jazz articulations are charlie parker, coltrane, paul desmond,dizzy, and more beebop and hard bop ??

[@drwallysax]

Sorry, I'm not following. Are you asking me if those guys are masters?

[@mcmario67]

swing feel improved

[@drwallysax]

Excellent! Keep swingin’ Mario!

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

It’s all about the RAT 🐀 Be a “Jazz Rat🐀” Rich Aural Tradition 👍👍👍

[@colemclellan4188]

do you ever play the tenor i see in the background?

[@drwallysax]

Check out my latest video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaubZYmYormBnrs

[@samcopeland2440]

I have a question. Is the way you tongue a regular note in jazz any different from the “ta” of classical tonguing? Thanks, I’m a sophomore alto player looking to improve my sound!

[@drwallysax]

Great question, Sam! It's basically the same - but it sounds quite different due to the intentional accent/inflection of the tongue (more air). The larger tip opening and thinner reed also contribute to a bigger "pop" to the attack of the note. But in mechanics, it's basically the same. Again, excellent question.

[@samcopeland2440]

Thanks a lot!

[@theregoesmiller389]

35 and have ZERO music background. trying to watch these videos and not understanding a damn thing he is saying lmao ( getting my first sax / instrument in a few wks ) i feel like i need to take a damn music class just to understand these videos lmao which is intimidating and making me second guess if i really should pursue this " learning to play the sax " dream ive had since i was 10 ish. I absolutely HATE school. so the thought of sitting there reading "music" and music theories and learning how to "read" music etc JUST to understand a YT video is kinda turning me away. ( i am over exaggerating a bit , but still ) at-least this guy is entertaining lol

[@nolangottfried9860]

is that a prototype of a GS alto mouthpiece?

[@drwallysax]

Nope 😀 it’s a prototype....but something much more exciting 🎷😃

[@hyrumbaird3950]

Amen

[@whugheswhughes98144]

Between around 5:00 - 7:00 , when you show the music, you're not showing the articulation on the music like you did earlier. Could you add it? I'm having a little trouble following exactly what's going on....

[@whugheswhughes98144]

Ah, you explain later .... thanks.

[@ssbarisax]

3:53 it's me... Hahaha

[@drwallysax]

It was me too when I was early on my path! I'm here to help, and you got this!

[@ssbarisax]

@@drwallysax 와..이렇게 답글도 달아주시고 너무감사합니다. 제가 영어를 잘 못해서 이렇게 한글로 라도 감사함을 표현 합니다. 강의의 수준이 너무 높습니다. 특히 영어를 못해도 뉘앙스나 표현을 공부하는데 아무런 지장이 없습니다. 늘 좋은강의 들려주셔서 감사합니다.

[@JPAIOMD]

Is that an unlacquered Yamaha?

[@drwallysax]

It is - I had the lacquer removed from my 875EX, custom job done over at MusicMedic.

[@JPAIOMD]

@@drwallysax oh man it looks beautiful, I happen to also own an 875ex and wondered if I should delacquer it, but I don't know how it's affect the horn

[@newyorknight]

You have an uncanny sound to Paul Desmond. Very good stuff.......

[@drwallysax]

aaaaaannnnd now you're my new best friend.

[@thewanderingmusician_]

3:13

[@EricDoku-yp4dt]

How to play faster on the saxophones

[@hugowigginton4112]

Total noob question but when you say tongue the off beat and slur the down beat, do you mean at the beginning or end of the note as in is it: 1 - tongue - & - slur - 2 - tongue - & - slur etc. Or 1 - slur - & - tongue - 2 - slur - & - tongue etc. Thanks love your stuff

[@drwallysax]

Hi Hugo, I tongue the beginning of the note on the offbeat - slur to the downbeat, and end the downbeat by adding the tongue - prepping for the next off beat? Does that make sense? BUT, most importantly, think less of "rules" and use your ears my friend! Listen and let it sink in. You can't "think" your way into correct style, listen enough and your subconscious mind will guide you!

[@hugowigginton4112]

@@drwallysax thank you, loving the content

[@costasyiannourakos6963]

"I ain't gono do that." what about imitating the Afro-American intonation in their idiomatic way of saying the previous sentence? How close you probably get to a slur tang bebop style. And what's your opinion of all the Niehaus exercises and studies? Do you think they are enough to give visually a symbol for every idiomatic technic on a score? Provided that the deferences are played by a teacher that masters the style. of course.

[@jesulewami-kupoluyi]

sir I'm a student of your saxophone class but unfortunately I don't have a saxophone to practise all what you have been teaching me. I will be delighted if you are willing to gift me one alto saxophone. thanks in anticipation.

[@23saxman]

I can’t find the link below. Love your work. But where is the link below so I can download

[@drwallysax]

Hey Gary, it's in the video description. The etude download (as well as our workbook) are all included in the free course.

[@LeoNovel]

I have the best swing feel now!!!!!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@drwallysax]

The best? Wait, better than mine? I've gone too far...