What is the One Thing to practice on saxophone?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey thanks for watching!! If you're ready for more lessons grab my FREE Saxophone Tool Kit Lesson Bundle here: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses

[@johnanderson5978]

The chromatic scale is the best scale to worm up with because it works your fingers and you can sometimes find leaks in the saxophone if the note won't play at all or its fuzzy sounding

[@vuotava11]

Probably the best advice in sax playing that I ever got!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Stefan.

[@leridasanchez1336]

I just saw this before ordering a Sax haha I'll go for it even though my musical skills are not the best I KEEP TRYING!!

[@stevepethel6843]

1.Chromatic... slow yes. 2.Blues... simple and play what's in your mind .yeah that makes great sense excellent ideas

[@MIKEDUZZI420]

I have just started with my first alto sax. It's a $220 mindini and I start with my tuner playing from the lowest fingering to the highest fingering. That's how I have been warming up lately. I plan to keep doing this until I can hit the center of the low notes the first time. Then I'll move to c major scale and work around the circle of fifths. I also practice alternate fingerings until I find out which ones sounds best on my horn.

[@Mekazas]

That is a beautiful instrument!! I was really good at tenor sax in grade school then in marching band in high school. Got hooked on crack later in life and sold my horn for drug money. Stupid. I will enjoy these vids and remember the better days.

[@stephenriley6541]

American Muppet.. ha ha ha

[@mikalkoko7822]

Never too late to make new memories brother!! Give it a go again!!💪🏽💪🏽

[@elenaandrei3777]

After I buy my saxophone..next on my list is the book 😍

[@rickgraham786]

Great video Nigel. Glad I've been hitting my scales hard to get them memorized, along with various blues to work on my improvising skills. Just as you suggested!😉 Nice look at your life outside of the studio btw. Great lessons as usual.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers William!

[@jpdj2715]

"A Chromatic Love Affair" if you want to pair chromatic with music - Duke Ellington & big band in a Norman Granz production titled "The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World" in his "Jazz at the Philharmonic" series. As Ellington says in his introduction, ~"Chromatic love affair - that means you take it half step at a time."

[@papik1965]

Excellent video, thanks Nigel. In this ocean of learning...and ocean certainly feels like it is, it's great to have your personal touch in caring about students learning.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+keith plunkett Thanks Keith, great to hear it helped.

[@PhilippePriam]

Very very nice pieces of advises 👍🏾👍🏾

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Philippe! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@freddiempanga5513]

Brilliant video. Your tips and advice are really useful and informative.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+Freddie Mpanga Cheers Freddie! Glad it was helpful.

[@anneowen3365]

Great video, Nigel, and so timely! Am currently sitting in sunny Cyprus on hols, but back home on Weds and looking forward to getting back into my practice routine. This has been so helpful 👍👍👍

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Anne. Sunny Cyprus! Sounds lovely!

[@stephenpower1]

Great tips Nigel, reminds me to do more practice! Using the 7 Chromatic scales exercises from Sax School, and will put on a blues backing track for some improv practice. Incidentally, I'm coming over to the UK (The Cotswolds) for a Sax workshop in 2 weeks time. Maybe you might consider something along those lines? I'll sign up!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great suggestion Stephen!

[@paulfairchild3461]

Good to see you out of the studio, a refreshing change , the boys look scary well done 👍 now that soprano intro sounds like misty , beaut of a tone , I take it it’s you playing ?. Inspires me to take mine out of the box and give it a blow ,Overall great informative lesson. And good to catch up with the family . Cheers 🍺

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Paul! Yes, that's me on soprano for a quick Misty "remix". Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@PatMarro]

Very helpful and encouraging Nigel. Thankyou from LA California! Wish we had crabs off our coast as you do! 😎

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ha. Cheers!

[@dreadgolf]

Great motivating stuff. Love the blues improv exercising,. May become my favorite practice tool..LOL!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool!

[@da33ie]

Hey thats my moto...'Slow n Right is better than Fast n Sihte'

[@alphaO27]

Nice Video Nigel, There's quiet an interesting topic in sax : microtonal notes ( 1/4 interval notes in particular ). It would be nice if you made a video on this subject

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+alphaO27 That’s an interesting request. I do know about this but personally have never needed to play with that technique.

[@johnantoine7587]

Thank you very much my brother, you are great

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+JOHN ANTOINE 758 Thanks for watching!

[@messanmartinienkoffivi9692]

hi ! I am a Togolese leaving in NIGERIA . I bought a saxophone 2 years ago , I am learning by ear because I don't know how to read music note . I wanted to play well. please how do I learn it from the beginning and play like a good saxophonist ? I LIKE YOUR TEACHING SO MUCH.

[@Splarff]

Where can we find a full version of that Misty arrangement from the background music around 0:50 - 1:10

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+Splarff Hi, actually that Misty Remix is just something I made for the video. Glad you liked it!

[@hbelle24]

So cool and helpful! Getting the book, 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 u🎷

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Holly! Glad it was helpful.

[@elliotlytesax1477]

Nigel. Brilliant!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Elliot!

[@glen.s9860]

Hi Nigel I bought a P>E>T>E about 4 weeks now (wartburton) I have to honest. I find after a few days my tone are more clear and positive and long tone longer and low note come out more easier, even high D - F#, But lips ach as I over did it. YOUR VID JUST GREAT.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome. Glad it was helpful.

[@chicofun4779]

Thanks for the tips, I really enjoy and use your videos. I have two questions. 1- when you do chromatic practices do you also go to altisimo or you practice altisimo in other time? 2- Do you blow from your throat or mouth? this last question is very important for me since I think I don't open my throat all the time, I think it is a bad habit I created when tired from practicing long periods. Thanks again for your videos.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi, great to hear my videos have been helping you. Good questions. Doing chromatic exercises up into the altissimo range is a good workout - it’s not easy though so I would suggest working on this gradually. A good long term goal. And I always try to keep my throat open when playing. It helps to open up your sound. Breath deep and keep everything as open as possible. Hope that helps you.

[@Splarff]

I think one of the best ways to improve is to have small set objectives for ones self. For me I struggle for some reason to do this. I feel like if I had a teacher give me a goal to come back to him or her with I'd find a lot of success.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Having a simple goal is important for sure. If you don't have a teacher, keeping a practice diary can really help too.

[@FrantzesElzaurdia]

McGill Music Sax School Hey! What do you think about the jSAX as an instrument to start getting into saxophone playing?

[@Splarff]

McGill Music Sax School I'll fiddle with the concept of a practice diary

[@denisgriffiths70]

Great advice

[@zukamikhelashvili7681]

Can you please post a video showing how to start to improvise and how to develop it! I like your videos a lot!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Zuka! I have some improvising lessons here: (but loads more inside my Sax School at www.mcgillmusic.com) kzbin.info/aero/PLu48E1CZQ-_0WTDVcn5dLugZdUjTXDq9-

[@zukamikhelashvili7681]

okay thanks!

[@peterhorah7884]

Thank you good video

[@klausst.8510]

That fits perfectly, we als just came back from a one week holiday😊 and I missed my Tenor. Could you eventually tell me the name of the IPad app you are using for the blues pattern? Thanks a lot, Klaus

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Klaus, I'm using iRealPro on my ipad. Great app for creating quick backing tracks for practice. Glad the video was helpful!

[@leowright8016]

Thank you for sharing 🎶🎶🎶🎷✌🏽😎

[@bbster73]

thanks.. excellent exercise video .. bobby G..............

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers, thanks for watching!

[@susannepearce2577]

Nice one Nigel. It reminded me again of not just practicing the band stuff. I find it really hard to work on other things than just band practice material. Any ideas on balancing that? Cheers, Susanne

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Susanne, good question. I think just finding another piece / technical challenge that interests you, and following through with it is the best way. Plenty of inspiration in the Sax School lesson library! Hope you guys are keeping well.

[@susannepearce2577]

McGill Music Sax School Thanks Nigel. Yes, we're fine (apart from that I fell earlier today and have a sore/sprained ankle and shoulder). At last we can start doing work inside the house in small instalments and feel we are finally in control again! And yes, there is so much in Sax School, I want to do soooo much....:)

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ouch! I hope you're getting plenty of sympathy and cups of tea!

[@chubichubaka187]

Thank for the tip. What model is that sax? It sounds waaaay more better than my 15 years Yama YTS-275. One of my first lessons, thanks!

[@15matisse]

great stuff

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Jean!

[@jerrydne2912]

Something I've been wondering is the differentiation in keys. I often see or hear people saying "this song is in the key of 'x', so for us it's in the key of 'y'. Why is sax in a different key than the song?

[@danderibas2640]

thanks from Ormond beach fl dan

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks for watching Dan!

[@andrewwright6893]

Hi nigel do you do a paper copy of the practice book or is it only the pdf down load. Great lesson. Nice one

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Andrew. My book is only available as PDF download here: www.mcgillmusic.com/book

[@realjrjulien]

From Montreal thanks ! What is your tenor model ?

[@jpdj2715]

www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Tenor/guardala_earthtone_tenor.htm in a review dated September 2008 of a used Guardala saxophone: "the Guardala saxophone [... is] a collaboration between B&S and Dave Guardala. [... B&S] once known for turning out some very interesting professional quality horns, and [... Guardala ] noted in particular for his range of high-end mouthpieces. [...] B&S went out of business in the early 2000's, and Dave Guardala is currently awaiting trial in the States on various counts of alleged fraud." Maybe Dave Guardala was able to straighten things out and start again. As Nigel's tenor may be newer than 2008 in this nickel plated guise. The instrument (about 9m35s into the video) shows the Guardala name with "New York, USA" engraved, but this does not mean the horn was made there. A bit of Google and you can find anything yourself.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Do you prefer side C and alt F# keys for chromatics? Without thinking I automatically use Alt F#, side C and the side Bb. To me they seem quicker.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Yes, I use those alt fingerings a lot for chromatic runs. I think they are very important.

[@BAEESCOPE2010]

Which is the MAKE and MODEL that you are using for this video?

[@jazv1233]

Hi Nigel I find your lessons first class in every way. furthermore, when I hear you play it's so smooth from all direction. I notice you don't have anything to do with soprano i am learning on a straight (stone) & a curve (yani) What would you advice the soprano or alto ? as i have a ref 54 but always return to the soprano. I practice scales but my ears dont seam to sink with anything. Your Ultimate guide to practicing sax i being hunting for a baper back copy but was un able to find one can you help ? i am so desperated wanted to learn to play. Can you please advice and you are brilliant, so can you tell me of video you concert you got on the net pls ? Glen

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Glen. Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed this video. I do have some soprano videos on my channel. In my Sax School I focus on alto and tenor but loads of students use the tenor videos for soprano. Here's a soprano video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qarEep6QmKl4e6M

[@peterdrake5156]

Excellent video as always. Where are you based, Nigel? Are you in NZ or UK? If you live anywhere near me I might come along to a gig. I'm in the north of England, near Newcastle Peter

[@Thomas-gg3yy]

Great video Nigel. What mouthpiece and ligature are you using?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Thomas. I'm using a Theo Wanne Slant Sig 2 size 8.

[@roop11650]

awesome video... How can we fix the timings? I am unable to play fast... i am unable to catch the timing.. please help me with this.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Timing can be difficult, but the key is to use a metronome all the time when you are playing - from practicing scales to practicing pieces. This video might help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorNoouteqyGn9E

[@olivierherment1188]

thank You

[@matthewcasey1703]

Are you tonguing each note? I struggle to tongue each note smoothly... so I have separate exercises: 15 mins ish of tonguing a single note (1/4, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16) gradually building speed, and 15 mins of slurring scales. What do you think?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

HI Matthew, I am actually slurring all the notes when playing the chromatic scale because I'm really listening for how smooth my fingers are. Slurring between notes will show up any finger "glitches".

[@matthewcasey1703]

Awesome, good to know.

[@dougsmith7616]

The "one" thing to practice on any insturment is called "music". Shape each sound with care. Beginner or seasoned pro, this is how we learn the difference between music and noise. How we practice is more important than what we practice. Please excuse my unsolicited, gratuitous pontificating. McGill sax school does good work and no disrespect is intended. Thanks all for your kind attention.

[@ian_s7481]

I've been doing a chromatic scale just on my mouthpiece 😖

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That sounds too difficult for me Ian!

[@ian_s7481]

McGill Music Sax School I'm sure you could do it with your eyes closed.

[@peterdrake5156]

Hey Nigel Love the videos! Go onto KZbin and look up a band called Five Men No Dog. They have done a track called River of Salt. Such a cool sax solo. Would love to know what you think of it!

[@monolo4129]

What are you using to record the audio for this video?

[@MrCannonbal]

Hi Nigel unusual? Ask Emma what colour the grey is on the feature wall please.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+Lou Canning Hey Lou - Dulux Chic Shadow (I actually knew that all by myself!).

[@MrCannonbal]

McGill Music Sax School Thanks used it last week but looks darker in your surroundings

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

It's a nice colour.

[@elenaandrei3777]

The monkey was funny..the rest is..a great lesson thanks very much 😘

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Elena. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@derekakien7379]

LONG TONES. Use for breathing to pace yourself. Loud to soft to loud. Intonation. Vibrato. Note bending. All good.

[@rosy15825]

What saxophone you have.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

+Rosy A. Hi. My tenor is a Dave Guardala horn - the Black Nickel model. It’s been my main tenor for about 25 years!

[@saxophonedave]

long tones

[@bromixsr]

When I first started, long tones were boring. Now that I have a few years under my belt, I never start a practice without them.

[@rosy15825]

Again where's your video for beginners and is that a cannonball sax thanks

[@CarlyWaarly]

Don't think much of players that just play fast, not impressed.

[@perlidstrom9073]

not for beginners. can't se where he put his fingers

[@PlebHunterlol]

Is that flight of the bumblebee at 7:10?

[@tonybaloney3921]

How to what

[@blueeyedsoulman]

If I do go on holiday I bring a cheap Allora soprano with me. You never know who you might meet!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great plan Chris!

[@suerouse-ottonelli6931]

👍

[@jgressman288]

Well that and sum l o n g t o n e s

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Long tones always help too!

[@syff]

What is the One Thing to practice on saxophone? more like, watch my life story..

[@realjrjulien]

From Montreal thanks ! What is your tenor model ?