Sax Tone Exercises! | Free .pdf

[@nick_cnc]

I can attest to how well this exercise works! A few years ago I did the same thing only starting on a G instead of low Bb. In a few short weeks I went from "embarrassed someone might hear me play" to "hey I actually sound kinda good!" It absolutely can not be overstated how important it is to remain relaxed in all areas of the body and to focus on not changing a single thing when you start the "climbing" part of the exercise. Pay attention to those details and this exercise pays off big time.

[@drwallysax]

This is fantastic to hear! Thanks Nick, I really appreciate your perspective.

[@nick_cnc]

@@drwallysax Hey Dr. Wally, it's been a while but I wanted to report back that I've started doing this exercise starting from the low Bb instead of the G like I had been previously. My tone and intonation has improved even more doing it your way! Thanks again for sharing this amazing exercise!

[@elissahunt]

Fortunately, I live on the edge of nowhere, so my neighbors can't hear me practicing. Or if they do, they'll assume it's a cow.

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

Jealous. That's literally all I want. To be not heard 😂

[@AlexanderShmugliakov]

They will assume it's a voice form the past - the last farewell from Titanic... :)

[@penikmatmusik500]

😂😂😂

[@BenSax17]

This comment is a gem 💯

[@maxtheSax8]

I've continued to use this excerise for the last week and it's the single best video on KZbin on how to get a good tone period....I've now got a clean 2 and a half octave range and now breath properly as well....pity the channels that only give half truths ....top advice Dr W 😎👍🏼😎

[@drwallysax]

Whooohoooo that's excellent Max!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Great video. That’s some bona fide teaching value right there! 👌🏻

[@tedholcombe2325]

Again, why did you not put this information out 40 years ago? It is gold. At 65 years of age and retuning after major dental trauma, I find your videos the best of any others. I consider myself an intermediate sax musician and look forward to learning more from you. I continue to play despite dental problems because of love of music. I am learning to use a dental piece used for night time teeth grinding. It’s not like normal, but it is working. If it is something you love, you just have to keep working at it any way you can. (My poor wife and dogs. They do suffer.)

[@jamesfish1169]

I’m 53 and I’m just learning,the sax is my favorite instrument, I think this video is the best video I’ve see on KZbin so far I’ve watched a lot of videos, I want to watch and learn from your videos thanks keep them up you have the best since of humor , I bought 2 old saxophones I think they have some mold in them , they make me kind of sick when I play them I cleaned them , so I ordered a new one from Amazon, and it’s going to be delivered tomorrow and I’m going to teach myself to play the sax , along with your videos so I look forward to more of your videos thank you you give me hope that I will learn from them now

[@craigscott3133]

It’s starting to dawn on me how important these type of tone exercises and overtones can be to my sound. Thanks for addressing it!

[@mskorude]

This is now my favorite saxophone lesson ever! Don't get me wrong. The b flat exercise is awesome and I will add it to my practice. However, the video itself solid gold! I laughed out loud literally through the whole thing. Love it!

[@nadja8620]

OMG Dr. Wallace, I was struggling with the sound of many keys and thought it was the saxophones fault. Tried this exercise once today and it sounds like a real saxophone! Thank you so much. My neighbors will also appreciate it :)

[@madyeti3224]

This is Great… Only been working on the low B flat for a few days…and already got a gig on a cargo ship when the fog rolls in!!

[@drwallysax]

Nautical safety is important, and as saxophonists we need to do our part.

[@lukeserrano62]

Interspersing a low Bb randomly into higher pitched phrases is excellent advice. Loved the Q and A!

[@jamestaylor7746]

😂 Where have you been all my life. You have a new subscriber. My frustration with my (in)ability to master the skills being taught can now at least be drowned out by my laughter of your humor. 👍🏾🎷😊↗️

[@lion037]

I love this!!! I've been singing the praises of low B flat for years! It fixed so many things for me. Now I have more to incorporate. Thanks Doc.!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy Tuesday Spencer!

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Excellent video production. Dr. Wally, I love your sense of humor. Most young players are impatient. You have to take the time to get it right. It pays off. I have been playing for over 50 years and I still practice my Bb and overtones. Many musicians and listeners have complemented on my tone. Just like lifting weights or long distance running, you have to stay on it. Thanks Dr. Wally

[@percym2915]

I’m an oboe/bass clarinet player who has recently picked up tenor sax. I watched this video a few days ago, and have been able to apply a lot of your advice to my other instruments as well as my sax. You’re an amazing teacher and explain yourself very well. My tone has actually improved in a way that I didn’t expect! Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

This is so nice to hear, thanks so very much for sharing your perspective, much appreciated!

[@chrispeebles4572]

Wow, I didn't realize you were recording the whole time I was practicing back there.

[@drwallysax]

I wasn't talking to the tea kettle.

[@michaelweaver6933]

Dr. Wally Wallace is the best! I have been saying many of the same things for decades, but he says it better, with perfectly coiffed hair, really nice suits, and a sense of humor that is (probably) better than mine.

[@drwallysax]

Well that is incredibly kind, Michael, thanks for making my morning! My wife assures me I'm not funny, she's likely right :)

[@ACleef-sb5ui]

Holly cow! I was considering selling my student Sax (yamaha Yas280) blaiming it for the muffled colourless sounds i produced. And than this exercice for merely 1 hours and im baffled by the improprement , you are the real deal. Thanx a lot!!

[@williamhardin8879]

I love your humor! Thanks for the laughs!

[@vkratoch]

Bravo for humorous and highly entertaining lesson.

[@patporemba2806]

Congrats on the new horn! Thank you - this is best explanation of voicing for the sax that I have heard. Very helpful!

[@drwallysax]

D'awwww, thanks Pat! How's your week going? Getting ready to submit an exam?!

[@patporemba2806]

@@drwallysax - Thanks for the prod, Dr. Wally 8-). It's definitely on my list, right after I perfect my low Bb and get that passage of On The Waterfront under my pinkies!!! P.S. Loved the new background music and the FAQ's in your video!!!

[@puddinTane760]

That note b flat/ a# is the toughest one for me to sound. I'm glad I found this

[@bobfixes7640]

You said something very interesting and I think important at 12:05 "...sneak behind me and close all my keys, low Bb should sound with me just moving my tongue a little bit - I'm voicing up there so if they finger, the Bb I would get an overtone..." Sometimes I find it difficult to go from a higher note to Bb (or other low notes) and what you said is so true. My difficulty is timing the voicing for the low note because I often will get an overtone. This exercise should help correct that a lot! I've seen your exercise Zero before but you just answered the 'Why?' we should practice it. Thanks for another great lesson.

[@drwallysax]

So glad it's helpful! Happy practicing!

[@darinjin4855]

yes！！！ I have the same trouble with you when i make this exercise. when I go lowBb from the note that is above mid A, I will get a overtone. now I find it is a normal phenomenon.

[@peterlorenz9766]

Hallo Mr. Wally WALLACE. First of all thank you very much for all your so so helpful, inspiring and motivating TUTORIALS. You present them in a such a transparent and understandable way with humor, fun and skills. Thanks again. With this ULTIMATE TONE EXERCISE I learned so much. Now it has to be put into practise, into my brain and into my BEING. I promise I will. Please allow me one comment / suggestion. I started about a year ago BLOWING MY HORN a YAMAHA TENER SAXOPHONE which was in very good "condition". The only thing was, it had some tiny leaks which made the lower tones pretty difficult to achieve and to play. (understandable) So please recommend your students before STRUGGLING to get the low B flat right or ANYTHING right. Revise your instrument. Get it CHECKED. Get it repaired. I was thrilled when I got my HORN revised and fixed back. Again Mr. WALLACE I want to express my deep adoration to you and to your work. YOU really know what you are teaching. Best best wishes from SPAIN. Peter

[@npwind]

Marvelous Lesson Prof Wallace! Your explanations, demonstrations and conducting are invigorating and inspiring. Thank you immensely for your full proof system👍🎷

[@tomtresco2952]

or " Fool " lol Seriously no offence, it just made me giggle a little"

[@drwallysax]

Well that's very kind :)

[@avp0713]

I play my sax mostly to R&B music and I play by ear, I don't read music (any more that is.) So I typically play the solos that are on the records. Most sax players playing popular music don't often get that low in their melodies however there is a very notable player who almost always includes those notes in his solos, and that would be Michael Brecker; When soloing, he always includes those notes in a sort of "octave" jump. Its also important to advise players to not only practice the voicing, but to practice using their pinkies to play those 3 notes... it takes a good effort to move that pinky accurately to play those 3 notes.

[@burgessbrian9329]

Absolutely top quality advice once again; thank you so much for posting!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks very much Burgess, happy practicing my friend😀

[@JayCee-hw4zc]

Dear Dr Wallace, you are soooo funny! I love your content. Please keep it coming. Jay.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Jay, most kind. I'll keep it coming if you keep watching, deal?

[@JayCee-hw4zc]

@@drwallysax Deal.

[@Bobbobobobobob]

Dr Wally, is this exercise good for alto sax as well? Thanks for the lessons, you're the greatest teacher on youtube!!

[@BILLSHREEVE]

Another hilarious lesson chock full of useful information!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Bill :) Happy practicing my friend!

[@wand6792]

just rented a tenor sax 2 hours ago and this was such a lovely surprise. thank you! i only have a month of experience with a soprano sax i rented a while ago, and tone has definitely been something i've struggled with. ill be sure to try out this exercise, it sounds great!

[@drwallysax]

Let me know how it works out! Congrats on the tenor and happy practicing!

[@stewartwforbes]

Excellent guidance here. I love your co-ordinated tie/kerchief too 😅

[@coajrmusic]

Alright, time to subscribe....the 'tell them to suck it up' line, and the attitude it projects, is irresistible...

[@drwallysax]

My wife assures me I'm quite resistible, but glad to have you on board. Welcome, Chet.

[@MarcoCee-o6t]

What an absolutely invaluable lesson. It greatly expands on exercises my teacher assigned me. I've been doing this for a few days and can already hear improvements in my tone quality and my intonation. If I play both Alto and Tenor do I need to practice on both daily? I regard my Alto as my primary instrument. I'm so grateful Dr. Wally, not just for this but for all the videos and educational downloads you provide.

[@drwallysax]

That is MOST kind, thank you my friend. Happy practicing!

[@accordiondrew]

Having taken an unscheduled month off playing, my embouchure is all over the place, but I trust Exercise Zero to work its magic once more!

[@drwallysax]

It's the RX for your embouchure woes! Glad you're back playing Drew!

[@LunarMoods]

I laughed to tears from the answer in question number 3! Absolutely hilarious!!!

[@drwallysax]

My wife does not find it particularly humorous :(

[@ramiveiberman3182]

Dr Wallace, thank you for this amazing video demonstration. Regarding the voicing, what voicing should I use for different ranges of the horn?

[@ronaldwhite5905]

Great lesson! Wow, I was/am having a problem with a low B flat. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Whhhoooooo! Go for it Ronald, you got this!

[@sleepdoctor09]

love this. thanks for all your free lessons. would love to sign up for your private studio but I#m only 6 weeks into my journey so most likely it is too early, right? could you maybe please do an embouchure basics video as your way of teaching resonates with my way of thinking…. thanks again!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Sleepdoc, I'm working on a full beginner course - stay tuned! (oh, it will be free)

[@sleepdoctor09]

@@drwallysax hey Doc, that is awesome. If you need a Guinea pig to the sections/content out on duct hesitate to reach out….. with my level of skill I’m a good benchmark… teach the unteachable?! Hope all is well and keep up the great work. Cheers

[@v06106]

Hi Dr. Wallace. Thank you for your scale PDF. I am wondering where do you find all these Jazz instrumental background music for practice the D scale?

[@josephneil8554]

Thank you Doc! This really helped

[@DavideMarzola431]

Many thanks for this great practice.

[@juancarlosluna5491]

Gracias por los consejos...podria poner traductor al español a sus videos???

[@FirstnameLastname-fg9qf]

Hello Dr!! It’s Alonzo Escamilla… I’ve been out for a while (almost a year) 🫣 But now I’m Back and it’s great to know you still here!! Great video as usual!. Sorry but I have to practice. Text you soon 🎷

[@drwallysax]

Hey Alonzo!! Great to see you! Happy Saturday my friend :)

[@Sax_Tapes]

🙏👍👏 from Austria 🫶What a cool channel! I love it! Your videos have already been really helpful, and I have just started my tenor sax journey… I am sure I will be coming back for the professional advice many more times 🤩 Keep up the great work & THANK YOU!

[@peterolsson3662]

Great lesson Dr. Wally. Thanks a lot!

[@royfowler1583]

Love Dr Wally! You da Man! Thank you!!!

[@rayfraser1773]

I think your great ! I also find you brilliantly educational Thank you your grateful Subscriber Ray

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Ray! Happy practicing!

[@fun1111]

Dr. Wally is Funny and Informative! Thank YOU!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome :)

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks Wally! I can't wait to work on this (when the neighbors are out!)

[@drwallysax]

You can always get new neighbors! Happy practicing Rob, hope you're well!

[@henryjackson206]

I appreciate the videos Doc!

[@olebirgerpedersen]

Thank you ! It's just what I been trying to tell my students .

[@drwallysax]

Wonderful, happy teaching my friend :)

[@ultrasax2254]

Very nice suite Dr.Wally.

[@maxtheSax8]

Superb straight talking ,very helpful,thank you Dr Wally 👏 👌 👍🏼

[@drwallysax]

Well that's kind, thanks my friend. Happy Tuesday and happy practicing!

[@leszekpeszek9261]

Another great video, but, i have a question about all the etiude from saxophone fundamentals, Can we find your etudes somewhere so that we know how to play them?

[@drwallysax]

The recordings of the etudes? Not at this time, sorry.

[@leszekpeszek9261]

Yes, recordings of the etudes

[@johnxu6735]

Hi Dr. Wallace, thank you so much for your lesson, I can hear the difference of my voice already after only practiced a week. I have a question, when I try to keep the same embouchure playing higher notes and slur back to low b fat, my higher notes are flat in tune. Is that normal? When I try to bring the higher notes back in tune, I start to bite again. Is there a magic trick that would fix this issue?🙏🏻

[@bigsnozitaliano9494]

New selmer mark 6 or a different selmer? Thanks for the great tutorials Dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

New mark vi, thanks for asking :)

[@trevorpope1913]

Brilliant, thank you

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome Baz, happy practicing!

[@rk702]

Hey Dr. Wally, Just wondering who you use for saxophone repair? Thank you! I enjoy your content.

[@kenjilee3513]

Any tips? I’m a newbie learning

[@andreward2594]

What is the recording playing right before the Breathe segment at 4:36?

[@Learning2Sax]

It took 3 videos but i finally started using this exercise. And thank you so much for it! It helped me a lot with staying in tune. I have a question. Is it good that I have to play every higher note ever higher in volume to stay in tune, while i practice this?

[@drwallysax]

No, try to stay relaxed!

[@kevinngo9138]

Thanks a lot for the lesson! Guaranteed to help all of us. I've got a question actually, how long should one do long tones in each practice session? I've heard 5 minutes, i've heard 30 minutes

[@drwallysax]

Depends on the player and circumstances, but 5 minutes is more than enough if done daily.

[@llewelluynzepper6741]

Good stuff, thanks.

[@thepianokid27]

Thank you for this really really impt video. I’ve never ever understood what it means by using the larynx to change the tone without changing the embouchure. That never made sense to me as my embouchure has always changed with every different vowel, leading me to think that I’m doing something wrong all these while..

[@drwallysax]

Glad to add some clarity, happy practicing Ben!

[@bluegoose555]

Love your work

[@drwallysax]

And I love your comments

[@nicot.741]

Dear Dr. Wally Wallace, I really like your playing and your way to explain! I will buy soon my first alto saxophone (I have a classical guitar/ lever harp background) and I saw on your website there's a membership with other lessons, is it suitable also for saxophone newbies? Thank you in advance, have a nice day!

[@drwallysax]

Hi Nico! First, congrats on picking up the saxophone! I don't have a newbe course offering yet, but VERY soon :)

[@blapis89]

I love how goofy you are but at the same time dead serious

[@drwallysax]

How DARE you call me goofy! I am a bastion of serious saxophonic sauntering!

[@interestedlen8823]

@@drwallysax 👋👋👋

[@MrSatoshiKon]

Which vowel should I think of when playing the notes ? Do I start with o for the low b flat and the higher I climb I actually think of an e?

[@m.garvin5227]

Thank you! Very much enjoy your videos. This is a challenging exercise. I am new on tenor sax and have a question. How does intonation play into this exercise? Your intonation is spot on--no surprises. When I place the mouthpiece on the cork and set my embouchure, there is variation in intonation on notes across the range. To play a low B flat in tune, I have to adjust some to keep from playing it sharp (>20 cents). Does this violate the principle calibrating to low B flat?

[@ajalaolayemi]

Thanks Dr, you added something to my knowledge

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy practicing!

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

Apparently your parents loved alliteration 😊. Great video. I don't even play saxophone but it's always amazing to appreciate another aspect to alto activity. Damnit! wtf Wally Wallace

[@chrisdunstancpambactdunsta8142]

Wally you inspire me to play better saxophone 🎉😅

[@drwallysax]

Well you've just inspired me to keep making good stuff :)

[@Kinglymarker8988]

Exercise Zero is much easier if there aren't any pad / key leaks! Found out I needed a tune-up on a few screws. ✌️🤘🎷♾️

[@ianr0404]

Lol Bari Saxes are pretty awesome, hope sometime you get your hands on one :)

[@drwallysax]

Me too, but so expensive!

[@jillytiffen6305]

Hi Dr Wally. Could I ask you why it’s impossible for my little finger to reach the low Bb key on my Jean Paul alto but can easily do so on my JP tenor? Is it set much lower? Can it be changed? It’s driving me crazy! I don’t have problems with tone on any of the lower notes just reaching that little pearl! Thanks. 😁👍

[@drwallysax]

Likely hand position, upward tilt of left hand - keep index finger perpendicular to the body of the instrument.

[@vannigio6234]

uah! your lessons are so funny! ...and usefull of course, bravo 🌜❤️🌛👍... but now i go, i have to practice! 💥🌟🎷🌟💥

[@johncontos9577]

What if that low Bb won’t come out clearly or it can’t easily be sustained?? Could it be the instrument is leaking? 😬

[@donkeller1233]

XLNT review, speaking to some aspects of the horn that only a "player" could really appreciate. As a 30 year repair tech and former shop owner, I would have to agree that Selmer Paris tends not to put an xlnt set-up on their horns. Especially egregious is the fact that they tend NOT to have level tone holes. Having it "drop shipped" would be a bad idea. I can't imagine a reputable shop not investing a couple of hours with their best sax tech into this horn prior to sale.

[@drwallysax]

That's what bothers me most - the person who doesn't know the "insider" info and orders one online! They're getting a really sub-par experience and may not be aware. It's a shame!

[@hecateswolf6007]

Great video! But when I play overtones how can I stop my German shepherd dog from howling? 😭😆🐕

[@drwallysax]

Peanut butter

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Hilarious intro! Well done video!

[@drwallysax]

Many thanks! Happy practicing my friend :)

[@highlow8875]

Hello, what setup (Sax; MP; Reed) are you playing in this video. Many Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

In this video? My 56 Select mouthpiece, Yanigisawa Aw010 and Vandoren 2.5 Java greens.

[@interestedlen8823]

When is Doc Wally getting his own TV show? I'm just asking. Ps, if you're wondering who Doc Wally reminds you of - it's Dan Akroyd, just sayin'. Great lesson, as always.

[@drwallysax]

Dan Akroyd! Well, you're my new best friend :)

[@StephenB_LE9]

Hi Wally, How come you are playing a Selmer (my VI? ), rather than the Yamaha 875 you have praised in the past? Was it hiding in the back of the room?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Stephen - the Yamaha is getting repaired (I still love it). I've been exploring "landmark" vintage horns over the past several years (Conn, King, and others). Traded my Yanigisawa, King, and Yamaha soprano (plus some cash) for this Mark vi last week. It's hard to describe how good it feels.

[@madyeti3224]

Welcome Dr Wally to the Mark Side….

[@palfrayguitars2916]

Everyday for the rest of your life….classic. 😂 Great sax and life lesson 👍

[@maxtheSax8]

I've been trying this technique out with great success 🙌, BUT I can't get front F to pop out without pulling the sides of the mouth in a lot. Especially if playing F major in arpeggio,

[@drwallysax]

Front F is a different ball of wax - slur from a place of success! See my altissimo video for some guidance!

[@maxtheSax8]

@@drwallysax yes I can slur from the c on the arpeggio, but I've been trying 16th tounged to get it, very difficult...I'll take a look thanks 😉

[@nighttrane1]

Hmmm....What was that last word????

[@drwallysax]

Futzenheimer

[@enispenvy9174]

I believe he said awe shucks.

[@Trevayne4]

Love it!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Edward, happiest of Tuesdays to you!

[@bienangelogonzales8541]

How long does it take to learn soft?

[@drwallysax]

Depends on many many things :)

[@jamessingleton4856]

That tone!!

[@drwallysax]

Wait, there was a tone?

[@krommer66]

No double lip? I'm a clarinetist who uses double lip

[@drwallysax]

The double lip is an outlier, many big drawbacks. Too many to detail here.

[@krommer66]

@@drwallysax Can you give me a couple?

[@DaleFedele]

Ronald Reuben, the greatest orchestral tenor tone I've ever heard, played exclusively Double Lip for everything. He is also THE benchmark for orchestral bass clarinet sound, for his forty years in the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as in my top five soprano clarinet sounds of all time, as well as a killer Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman impersonator. Oh, and he also played in the Stan Kenton orchestra. As for tone across multiple single reed instruments, I can't think of another singular paragon.

[@DaleFedele]

Oh, he also had no trouble standing. Same thing with Ralph McLane...who, by the way studied exclusively from Gaston Hamelin (also a double lip player) who was one of the main teachers of a Mr. Joe Allard, who taught a single-lip embouchure style very informed by double lip principals.

[@drwallysax]

@@DaleFedele I've never heard of Ronald Reuben, but I can name 1,000s of top clarinet and saxophone players around the world who use a traditional embouchure. A few outliers, in my opinion, is not a good reason to abandon tried and true pedagogy.

[@johnsaliba7191]

your fundamentals book shows what you are saying. .

[@Pepecigar]

Another useful video from Low B Flat Academy

[@tomtresco2952]

Hahahahahahahaha "Chicken Wing with the elbow " I shouldn't know what you're talking about, but somehow I do hahahaha

[@drwallysax]

We've all seen it ....*shudders*

[@BrianMusak01]

What happened me ...got back on serious Sax study.....(sax was overhauled).....what 'NO LOW NOTES'!...got torch out...inspected Sax technicians work....horror! Had I been conned?....got online ...had to practice Low Notes....."I dont remember them so difficult"....After a month my tones were there..I wasnt as breathless, and I was glad that non- smoking thrice weekly swimmer and Serious Sax application was paying results...........the one day dropped reed into bell....and...found blocking the air-fliw...a mildewd..neck strap....'so thats why my cleaning swab wouldnt go through.....I mean ..."STUPID"...but maybe my little experience had helped me develop a better low note tone?

[@willistaylor4077]

Goodness knows what my neighbors think of the various (musical) noises coming out of my bedroom: Flute, Clarinet, Guitar & Bass, and various loud-ish recorded music... 🤪😄♥️♥️🎵

[@tannerloach7440]

I swear to god Chris 😂😂😂

[@shipsahoy1793]

I’m imagining the bell of that 🎷sticking out of Chris’ butt, and he’s still making noise! 🤣 Get out the mute!!😉🤣🤣🤣 👨🏻

[@drwallysax]

Good thing I wasn't playing the tenor.

[@thomashunt2905]

The hard things are very simple. The simple things are very hard.

[@tttzzz1957]

F... Good Sax teacher