Saxophone Overtones | how and what to practice

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[@GetYourSaxTogether]

There he is!!! Ollie’s lookin’ bad ass. Love it. Great video Wally - I literally found myself nodding along the whole time, silently saying “yes yes yes!” in my head. Mega bugle calling as well old bean! I gotta try the vowels thing now with my students. My TTM owners are gonna love this reinforcement, and it’s great to know it’s not just me saying this stuff! Awesome. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Jamie! For the science behind all this stuff, I send them to you! For puppet sing alongs...I got dis. Happy weekend my friend!

[@Saxologic]

Very professionally done! You are the man!!!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Nathan, but YOU are, in fact, the man. Happy Friday my friend.

[@Melody_Mike.4460]

It’s really cool to see a verified comment with only 1 reply. Never see that from you!

[@slmjkdbtl]

I'm confused, so who is the man here?

[@jockey101]

@@slmjkdbtl Me

[@1Blablz]

The "Its gonna be weeeeeeeird" hit me hard xD

[@drwallysax]

I try to keep it weeeeeiiiird. Straight up saxophone stuff gets boring!

[@danielbeckman6492]

Ollie is a Star. Ollie NEEDS his own channel. His channel would SLAP!

[@drwallysax]

Ollie says: "hhhrrroooonnnnnkkkk." That's overtone monster for "thanks."

[@marktyler3381]

The overtone monster has been missing in my life - thank you.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome! What's that Ollie? oh, Ollie says hi too!

[@TheThrillerJunkie]

This video actually helped me learn how to play altissimo. Thanks so much!

[@stephenwhitney2666]

Man literally just what I needed like I just discovered overtones and was wondering what to practice

[@drwallysax]

Fantastic! Check out my first video too - eases in with a linear approach!

[@brianduncan5064]

My wife is great at bugle calls...and she doesn't have an instrument. Ollie taught her all she knows. Live long and practice.

[@drwallysax]

Wait...waaaaaiiiiiiit. Whaaaaa?

[@user-xi3ff9vz2r]

Even though I am 'just' a beginner, I love watching your lessons, you make me laugh and understand that all the strict linear information given by many is actually quite frightening. I have learned a lot just because of that, you have a great sense of humour. I am glad to hear that you are going to include a small amount of stuff for my level. Can I ask though is it possible when you are doing work on fingerings which aren't usually included on a general fingering chart, to include the fingering. I have seen it a couple of times and it made a lot of difference. Keep me laughing and understanding that people who play the saxophone are human like you and I'll keep watching even though it's over my head, I still learn.

[@chuck4972]

i died at torture stick 😂

[@drwallysax]

Many people die at the hands of my clarinet playing. RIP many people's ears. (it's safely in the case now). Happy practicing, Charlie!

[@chuck4972]

@@drwallysax Oh yeah one thing, how do you get the really high overtones. I'm good until the second octave of low b flat

[@drwallysax]

@@chuck4972 Higher tongue position (very individual) can be a good starting place. If I'm honest - a slightly firmer embouchure and stiffer reed is VERY helpful as well! Keep me updated, Charlie!

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

8.23, Australians suddenly jump up and go for ice-cream!

[@drwallysax]

Wait, you have an ice cream store called melodic study #3? I don't get Australia. Giant bugs and weird ice cream shop names.....

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

@@drwallysax The ice-cream trucks play Greensleeves, I thought that was the tune.

[@mayhulk7514]

Torture stick had me dying. Good video, trying to become more advanced with my Tenor Sax

[@stevematcovich5638]

Two Words: Thank You!

[@eugenegoltsov9975]

Very interesting and practical! Many thanks!

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

Thanks for the vowel sound reminder. I make a better, more rounded sound when I practice overtones regularly and I haven't touch on them for ages, so thanks for the prod! Loved the appearance of Ollie, he is looking mighty fine.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Kerry - and thanks for the coffee :)

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

@@drwallysax My pleasure!

[@williammatneyii6842]

I would love to devote all of my time to music but over the past half of a century I already haven't. I do have a love for music that does surpass all other aspects of life and study for It is a release and outlet that calms my nerves from all else that I have had to do that surpasses the worth of music. That is the worth of music for it is a accessory that exalts all that mankind endeavors as expressions relate to significance of accomplishments as fervor .

[@ManoAfinador-RJ]

amazing! thank you for lesson.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, Mano!

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

This is your funniest episode yet. Great video as always!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks David - happy practicing and hope you have a great weekend!

[@SaxVentures]

Brilliant - I love your videos! They always add fresh perspective and much needed humour! Thanks, Dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

Awww, thanks Andy! Happy weekend my friend! (now go practice) :)

[@michaeldean9338]

lol ...Right On using the 'Ollie the Overtone Monster' beat in the opening, Dr. Wally :)

[@Vitupers]

Perfectly on spot as usual, can't wait for the transcription video. Thank you dr. Wallace

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Mik! Hope you have a great weekend!

[@stewartwforbes]

Dr Wally. I love your classes. Your the only dude who also bothers to dress properly for a public forum. Everything is always relevant to a specific topic.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Stewart, I really appreciate that my friend. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@davidbraner156]

An amazing resemblance to the cookie monster! Related? Well done as alway Wally.....the saxophone community should be very happy to have your work at their finger tips. 👏👏

[@drwallysax]

Whoah there, Dave. Ollie bears no resemblance to said trademarked intellectual property! And thanks!

[@davidbraner156]

@@drwallysax I wasn't referring to Ollie at all. It is clear he is his own monster. The guy playing the saxophone is another story.

[@bluegoose555]

You Sir... are a Marvel !

[@drwallysax]

I WISH I were a multi=billion dollar franchise! Thanks, Bluegoose! Happy practicing!

[@andypotts3776]

Absolutely fantastic instruction, and laugh out loud funny. Sterling stuff sir, and hats off to your furry friend.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Andy! Ollie says "ooonnnnnnkkkkaahhhonkk" - that's monster for you're very kind. Happy practicing my friend!

[@elliottmills4652]

Good stuff as usual Doc. Love Ollie!🤣 Excitedly awaiting the arrival of my 56!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Elliot! You're gonna love the mouthpiece. Ollie sounds fantastic on it!

[@aaronkarlin3241]

Simply amazing! We are so lucky to have this material!

[@drwallysax]

I'm glad you're part of the Academy, Aaron - I'm lucky. Thanks my friend.

[@aaronkarlin3241]

@@drwallysax It's a privledge to be here:)

[@jacobwarren6973]

Incredible

[@drwallysax]

D'awwwwww. Thanks Jacob.

[@paoloalbano4690]

Dr Wally, thanks God you're back!..

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Paolo - hope you're having a great weekend my friend!

[@thedahunsidavid]

Appreciate the work, effort and humor that goes into your videos, Dr. Wallace.

[@drwallysax]

Thank you, Dahunsi! I really appreciate you watching and being a part of the academy!

[@mrchristian0457]

Wow. This is so eye-opening. This is the best overtone video I’ve watched, and I really appreciate this video! Such interesting explanation that makes sense and provides a useful method for progression.

[@drwallysax]

Wow, that's VERY kind, thanks! hope you have a wonderful week and happy practicing!

[@bharatbhavsar3159]

hi sir your big fan and i always follow you

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Bharat! I really appreciate it!

[@joewalsh4191]

My 56 mouthpiece should arrive in just a few days! Great video Dr. Wally

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Joe - you're gonna love the 56! I've already spent a gazillion hours on mine!

[@josealarcon1599]

You are really a doctor, And a great teacher maestro..

[@drwallysax]

Jose - that is incredibly kind. Thank you my friend.

[@cheknfaks]

Great video Dr. Wally. As always, you look extremely well presentable. I am always amazed with the sounds, with your talent and the excellent advice you give really helps out a tremendous amount and with much love and respect, I can not thank you enough for a wonderful job you do with every video and greatly appreciate you for all your hard work and generosity and may God continue to bless you throughout the year! I was blown away how well you made that sax sound like a bugle horn sound so clean and so smooth and I like the hilarious comment mentioned afterwards.. hahaha lmbo.. I did not think that was even a possibility to play that on a sax and now that I am completely astounded, dumbfounded and amazed and its also back to square one for me once again just when I thought i had this instrument of mine, down-pat, under control and succeeding in the 'Accomplishment in-a-short-period-of-time award', I feel the need... To start from from scratch and back to sq.1.. So recently, I did some homework & plenty of practicing and I managed to accomplish just 1 overtone on my cheap $80 Bundy piece of brass can. .. I can achieve the higher octave tone, it sounded more like a screech, concentrated, coming from a creature dying by steamroller at first, which now has has improved, thank God But I think I might have caused increased aging on the left side of my face by 4.5 years when I look in the mirror, my sunglasses don't seat level anymore either. So pretty much the fundamental note and its higher octave is all I can play. Could it possibly be my mouthpiece , neck, the saxophone's limitation, the reed I'm using? Not sure, or just me and I'm having major trouble finding those sweet spots, seems too difficult to fine tune my embrasure any more than I can.. I am hoping I can achieve these other tones w/o having to require lip surgery or a little botox shots in the cheeks first to help it. lol. This seems much harder of a task than expected ...worst than trying learn to play the beatstick for the first time, I betcha.. Soo Idk, I'll have to get back to ya on this one after practicing some more or I just might need some more advice Doc... Also I'm wondering, just how many overtones are there? (excluding fundamental of course) ..Umm...... 4? ..I think I heard like 7 there..wth?

[@drwallysax]

In theory, infinite overtones!!

[@sakuntalarichardson5231]

Thank you for all the knowledge you share. 👍🏾. I play by ear so it becomes fun for me to have many notes coming out of one note. But now I will try to get the same one out. 😊💚🎶🎷

[@drwallysax]

That's great! Happy practicing, Sakuntala!

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Haha I love the humor.. great channel … just starting overtones. Not easy but

[@drwallysax]

Keep at it, just a lil' bit each day.

[@Rabittsfoot1]

Olli looks like one of my sax pad savers 🤔 Hope your classic mouthpiece will be released soon. Love the 56, fantastic mouthpiece 👍👍👍

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend! Every time I see a pad saver, I think: how many Ollies had to die to make that :(

[@Rabittsfoot1]

Hahaha, save the muppet

[@rinkashimeperoja5344]

Thank you, Thank you very very much sir for your teachings.. We all love your videos.. Thank you with all of my heart.

[@drwallysax]

That is most kind, thank you my friend!

[@pas0003]

Another great video! Enjoy your coffee! :D

[@drwallysax]

Thank you Gross, most kind my friend. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and......go practice!!!

[@jeanlucoberle5055]

Thanks Dr Wally. I have received my 56 two weeks ago! You were right it is just amazing ! I am looking forward to apply overtones on melodic study. Thanks again for your advices, energy and french wording! Et voilà merci !

[@drwallysax]

THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!! Keep me updated and share a clip on instagram if you can - I'd love to hear it!

[@gravedaisy]

I love Ollie

[@LeoNovel]

Oh hi!!!!! We missed you again!!!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Leo! How's the weather in Paris?

[@quickref]

Great to start the Month with another Video from you. Very good explanation. I have to Take a break for a few days as a Dog crossed my bicycle at the wrong moment. But i hope that very soon i' m back on the Horn.

[@drwallysax]

Oh no! You ok?

[@quickref]

My right Hand ist sprained. But until monday it should be fine again. The Dog ist also fine. The only real victim ist the Bike. :-)

[@drwallysax]

@@quickref I'm glad everyone is ok! More importantly, you can go practice soon! Sooooon......

[@saxfish]

< So amazing the vowel yoga !¡! I was focusing more on my larynxThroat. Are there more vowels? These 5 sound wonderfull¡>

[@jasonthatcher3611]

You should cover Subtones soon! I would like to hear your thoughts on them

[@kentkryer3630]

This is an admission - and an interesting discovery. I was doing the overtone exercises with my tenor and I wanted to explore the difference of using two very different mouthpieces. One is a Selmer metal C* (which has a short facing curve, the other is a Berg Larsen metal 90-2-SMS with an almost twice as long facing curve. I will admit that I expected the overtone exercise to be easier with the longer facing curve. But I was wrong. The tongue positions are the same for both mouthpieces. So it is really only tongue positions that matter. However, I found it easier to "cheat" with jaw adjustments with the longer facing. And since I want to learn this technique as quickly as possible, I think I will stick to the Selmer mouthpiece for a time. The Berg Larsen is more powerful but that will have to wait for another chapter of the story.

[@eduardopizarro1961]

Great video as always Wally!... 4th partial and above are a nightmare... you make it look so easy... yeah I know... "Go practice"... LOL.... My conclusion... If Ollie can, it can't be THAT hard... and finally we can buy you a coffee!!!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for the support my friend! Don't tell anyone, but Ollie uses performance enhancing supplements to hit the 4th overtone. shhhhhhh.

[@paulaewa]

Dr Wally and Ollie making practice fun every day since 2021 😄 Thanks for great tips Dr Wally, you're the best (and you know it!)

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Paula. I'm not the best, but maybe the top 50 saxophone you tubers who use puppets while wearing suits? Maybe top 75? Hope you have a great weekend! Is it warm in Poland? It's lovely here!

[@paulaewa]

@@drwallysax Don't be so modest, when it comes to suits and puppets, you're definetly number 1. Actually it's cold and rainy and doesn't feel like spring at all. We only had a couple of warm days but it was only a teaser. Have a great weekend too, Dr Wally! :)

[@drwallysax]

@@paulaewa Hope it warms up! Your friend and #1 suit wearing puppeteering saxophonist, Wally.

[@paulaewa]

@@drwallysax Awww, thank you! 🤗

[@vincenzodigioiasax]

Hello Dr. Wally, thanks for this great video. I'd like to ask you if you could make a video about subtone, explaining the correct way to do it (focusing on embochure, air path ecc...) and maybe some exercise to practice and improve it. Thanks in advance, have a good day.

[@drwallysax]

Hi Vincenzo, I could probably swing that - lemme see what I can come up with! Happy practicing!

[@vincenzodigioiasax]

@@drwallysax Thank you Dr. Wally, it would be great if you could make it.

[@vannigio6234]

uah! Grandissimo! Bravissimo! I love Ollie so much! Uah i want to marry him! uah Ollie my love! Bellissimo video! Long live Ollie & ciao from ancient Italia... 😋🤪😋🤪🐻🐻🐻👍

[@robstevens9590]

I usually can only get 1st octave, fifth and 2nd octave overtones, but with certain reeds I can get 1 or 2 above that.

[@drwallysax]

Going higher can be rather reed picky, to be sure!

[@francistaylor5097]

Great video, Dr Wally. I have to be honest I really struggle with overtones. I've a feeling my clarinet/bass clarinet background is somewhat behind this! Anyway, still loving my 56. I've also found that D'Addario select jazz reeds have worked best for me and not my trusted red javas.

[@francistaylor5097]

Oh yeah. If a clarinet is a torture stick then what is a bass? A bat'leth?

[@drwallysax]

jazz coffin. (and thanks my friend - glad you love the 56!)

[@kurt.schwab]

Once again, thanks for sharing your knowledge! I consider myself a somewhat advanced player, yet I learn new things every time from your vids. Will you or Ollie go into multiphonics later in the course? I think I may need something to keep the admirers (f/m) at bay if my sound keeps improving as it does lately (thanks to you). Also there's some new neighbors that I didn't meet yet 😉😀🤪

[@drwallysax]

Ollie is an OVERTONE monster, Kurt. Not multiphonic. That would be ridiculous.

[@wids]

Brb gonna go learn that Bugle call

[@drwallysax]

Wiiiidssss!!!! Learn it! happy weekend man!

[@alesort6744]

Hi Dr! Improving I all the time with the new videos you upload. Thanks! The question: how frequently should we practice overtones in a regular practice week?

[@drwallysax]

4-5 minutes a day will make Ollie happy. happy practicing!

[@therealappl3]

Nice

[@drwallysax]

Thanks

[@wcakgilleran]

Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Great lesson! Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Ollie bought some parsley....oh and some sage and rosemary....and something else? No TYHME to think of it. Happy practicing, and thanks!

[@frankzona9867]

Wonderful video on Overtones. It's a topic which is difficult to teach and get students to understand the concept and the need to practice this.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Frank, and agreed! How do you approach it? I'm always debating the best time when/how to introduce it!

[@frankzona9867]

@@drwallysax I debate when to introduce it as well. Even for my more experienced students, when I cover it they look at me funny. It's a hard sell for a student to grasp the benefits. But then, I was there myself once. I try to tie it into my studio mantra: "TONE IS EVERYTHING!" All my students get brainwashed with that from day 1.

[@drwallysax]

@@frankzona9867 That is an EXCELLENT mantra!

[@pollokilleeer1067]

Yesssssss sirrrrrrrr new vid 🌅🌅

[@drwallysax]

Polllooooooooo!!!! Have a great weekend my friend!

[@sitarnut]

"Torture Stick" I'm going to have to order in an Oxygen Tent to survive the laughing fits created by your barbed wit and humor.....

[@drwallysax]

Ha! Well my wife says I suck all the oxygen out of the room, maybe the tent wil help :)

[@danielmarshall1753]

This just made me realize that I don't use the octave key at all apart from high d upward, I use overtones! Is that weird? Also thank you for introducing me to the Goldberg Variations by Glen Gould. It has become a very soothing yet focusing daily meditation for me. Much appreciated. I'm going to go and buy you a coffee.

[@drwallysax]

You should definitely use the octave key, Daniel! And thanks for the coffee my friend, your support means a lot to me.

[@leobrahmachari6611]

Dr. Wallace strikes again with some of the best content on the internet! And hey, since we brought up clarinet, any chance you could make a video on doubling and how necessary it is for the survival of us woodwind players? I’m planning a career change (a little late, in my late 20s), and going all in on music. Don’t plan on a big house nor on having kids, but I will unfortunately need to eat. Are flute and clarinet skills necessary for my eating in the real world?

[@drwallysax]

If you play musicals (like on Broadway) or cruise ships, doubling is necessary. But I don't double! I honestly don't like "gigging," playing pops concerts and such. I like putting on concerts of my stuff with my band (the Sononauts) and LOVE teaching. The real money (for almost EVERYONE) is in teaching the artform! I don't teach doubles, but have made my living teaching (and playing saxophone). My biggest paycheck was in the Army Band - no doubles required!

[@leobrahmachari6611]

@@drwallysax I’m heaving an audible sigh of relief! I’d much rather be a solid saxophonist than a jester with a bag of instruments I can only mostly play

[@jacobruiz97]

I play trombone, but I found your video amazing (and hilarious)!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Jacob! go ahead and do me a favor, head on over to Ebay and search for "saxophones" and then...buy one! Join us!!!!

[@brianpite0893]

Doing it without meaning to. Yeah that's me. Another great lesson Dr. WALLY

[@drwallysax]

That's all of us at some point, Brian. Happy practicing my friend (and have a great weekend!)

[@kaibau1839]

Great video, well explained! I am doing these overtone matching exercise for quite a while now & and it really boosted my tone quality. However, I am still struggling to get the 4th overtone (e.g. high D on low Bb). Any recommendations.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Kai! (cool name, by the way). Going higher than Bb3 *may* take a bit more embouchure pressure. Also, if I'm using a thinner reed, it's more difficult. Can you overshoot it and slur down? Or are you having trouble going any higher?

[@kaibau1839]

Hi Wally, thx for your quick reply. It‘s really the 4th and the 5th, the higher partials (like the Bb 3 octaves above the low Bb) are coming out again and from there I can even go higher to C and D etc. This holds true also for B, C, and C#! But I will try with a slightly harder reed and will let you know if it works. Thx Kai

[@oliverkollas4526]

I love Ollie 😀 Thank you for clarifying the use of overtone practice and how to apply it to the other exercises. P. S. Does watching your videos count as practice?

[@drwallysax]

I'm glad you like Ollie!!! But to answer your question. No. Go practice, Oliver.

[@oliverkollas4526]

@@drwallysax Already did today. I love this month's assignment. Was looking forward to it and it's a lot of fun!

[@andreuromeroelias8341]

Could you do a video covering exercices to improve at single-tonging?

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely. Lemme order a puppet for that....

[@nicolechua680]

Hi, Nicole here from Malaysia. Thank you for the great video. I am with soprano sax. Still can't reach to the 3rd overtone which is high Bb. Struggling to figure out ways but will keep trying.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Nicole! It's a long process to increase the range, be patient! Also, most people find it more difficult to get the higher overtones on Soprano. Try to keep the embouchure relaxed and give it time!

[@nicolechua680]

@@drwallysax thank you glad for ur replied. I am thinking I can't use the same way attempts expecting different result. I wonder any tips ie. What should I pronounce in throat or the airstream speed. Noted for relax embouchure 👍

[@nicolechua680]

I tried to sing by my voice for an octave (indeed high octave voice to match the soprano pitch) then I realise & guess it won't necessarily need so much of adjustment to reach the 3rd overtones. Yes, u r right. It takes time to experiment & be patient 💪 jst wonder what is the right way or tips to try it out. Yes. Will watch ur video again thank you.

[@astarothgr]

omg, I'm not even a quarter of the video in, and I'm pissing myself from laughter!

[@drwallysax]

happy Monday!

[@thomascoleman6340]

My tone has improve as you've promise! How much? Wait on it! 25% and counting! Much easier flow of air stream! Waiting on my 56 in black but if it's the real deal I'm definitely getting a white as well! Appreciate your teaching methodology! Like you always say.....off to practice! Thanks

[@drwallysax]

This makes my heart very happy, Thomas, thank you for letting me know! Keep up the great work - and you're gonna love the 56 (just played mine this morning)!

[@attiliofurci6409]

Hello Dr. Wallace and thank you for sharing you knowledge with us.. I am using a Meyer 6 mouthpiece with a 2/12 or 3 reed. Is this ok for playing overtones or a 7 opening would be better? Also I find it very difficult to slur from one overtone to another. Should I tongue each one? Happy Easter!!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Attilio! No need to change equipment, but do try a light "kuuu" syllable. More of a breath accent than tongue. Try it and keep me updated! Happy Easter to you as well!

[@Andy_Miles]

I’m learning the clarinet after years of sax, “torture stick” sounds an apt description 😅🤣

[@donl3248]

That’s a variation of what a college Jazz teacher called the clarinet. He called it “the pain stick”. He was a Star Trek Trekkie. The Pain Stick is a Klingon torture devise.

[@drwallysax]

When I play it, there's a 35 foot torture radius. No one is spared :)

[@drwallysax]

Don that is delightfully nerdy. I love it!

[@tracyolivermusic]

I have not had that experience. I started on clarinet in 5th grade and added saxophone in high school.

[@drwallysax]

@@tracyolivermusic Most of my heroes started on clarinet! When I play it, people cite the Geneva conventions...

[@Djpersimmon]

Oh my, you had me in tears of laughter when you brought out your secret weapon Ollie. I absolutely love your sense of humour, your sax playing and your tutorial lessons. Maybe I should stop right there because this is starting to sound like a little romantic. What I'm trying to say is that I really enjoy your videos and I greatly look forward to them. Ok, I'm in love with your youtube channel. There...I said it. I can't hold back my feelings for your videos. Was that as good for you as it was for me?

[@drwallysax]

ha!, Thanks my friend. Ollie is a bit jealous, but I appreciate the love! We've got a very cool lil' community here, and I'm grateful for you guys. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

[@msftwong]

Lol the torture stick 😅

[@drwallysax]

When I play the clarinet...it is accurate.

[@michaeltaylor-lo4xx]

I would say he got that sound. Through lots of practice.

[@drwallysax]

Ollie? He doesn't practice at all!

[@jardov1234]

Great course and very helpful lesson on overtones - however - I'm really struggling keeping certain notes in tune, (it gets worse when I go into overtone mode). I use a tuner app and seem to be continually adjusting my embouchure to stay in tune (it's worse for certain notes eg middle D). I'm 6 months into playing so maybe this is normal, but right now I cannot see how I can stay in tune with a consistent embouchure - and without a tuner I'm all over the place (eg +/- 20 cents)

[@drwallysax]

Be patient, 6 months in and it's not uncommon! Don't become overly focused on the visual tuner, use your ears and be patient!

[@lucasgrape8576]

Man your videos are very great! One question: is it better to practice loud? I'd really like to play smooth and quiet. Although I already made some progress, it's still hard to get controll over the sound. Is there a big benefit from practicing on full volume? Thanks!

[@drwallysax]

Ideally, practice at a variety of dynamics. I suppose the benefit of playing at full(ish) volume is developing an airstream that lets you carry over a big band, small combo, etc?

[@lucasgrape8576]

@@drwallysax Thats great news! I'll practice quiet at home and loud in the shed and at sessions :) Just wanted to say thanks one more time, I watched almost all of your content by now and even took notes. There is so much great information and now you even made that call and response practice together video. I'm just overwhelmed how good and helpful your content is!! THANK YOU :D

[@adrianpaulwynne]

"torture stick" haha

[@curtiswilliams5827]

Great video! The only question I have is should I strive to keep each partial 100% in tune with the fundamental? The first overtone comes out quite sharp and when I try to bring it down the note simply falls back to the fundamental. Thanks for your help!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Curtis, fantastic question! I DO NOT try to tune the overtones. I use them to find power and resonance in the voicing. When I play the normally fingered note, the intonation is quite different, but the focus remains. Some people focus on brining them in tune, that misses the point in my opinion. On my Yamaha, they're crazy out of tune - brining them in tune creates more change in the oral cavity than is useful. And that exaggerated motion is much larger than I use in normal playing! Great question!

[@koaqii4406]

What’s a good mouthpiece I should buy for my alto sax? Im lead alto and im looking for a mouthpiece that will give me the jazzy/projecting sound that I hear most lead altos play.

[@drwallysax]

I'm biased - but I'd obviously recommend the mouthpiece I designed with Windy City Woodwinds: The 56! www.windycitywoodwinds.com/product-page/wcw-alto-saxophone-mouthpiece

[@danielbeckman6492]

I'm going to say what everyone is thinking.....if you ditched that metal tube and went Full Time with your Ollie puppet comedy act you would be way more wealthier and famous. That puppetry act is your Goldmine! You can still play sax on the side as a cute hobbie. Ollie is your money maker!!!

[@saxlois1]

Ollie!

[@drwallysax]

Professor Lois!!!! On KZbin!! Hope you're well!

[@willreynolds7630]

Hey Mr wallace can we maybe have a setup so it gets you a coffee once a month on renewal?

[@drwallysax]

First - that's incredibly kind, thanks for your support! I have no idea if that's a thing? I'll check - and seriously, thank you. Have a great weekend!

[@r.g.saxone]

So interesting, but as Spanish speaker I feel a bit confuse. Evidently the way how we use our vowels is different. I’m any case, thx professor Wally.

[@drwallysax]

Hola, Saxterix! I speak southern American, I assure you, our vowels are strrraaaaannnge! Thanks for watching, and hope you have a great weekend my friend!

[@Shrekfromthehitmovieshrek]

The bit at the beginning is haunting

[@drwallysax]

Haunting? You misspelled highly informative and sophisticated puppeteering.

[@blaketaylor9317]

Completely out of my depth here, but on a sidenote your wristwatch is fantastic! 😉👍

[@drwallysax]

Blake!! It's not a Mona, but I think the Lorier works with the retro-vibe? I was listening to an interview with Lorenzo and Lori (Lorier founders), and they were asked if they would ever use a Swiss movement. Lorenzo had a funny answer: "I grew up in Switzerland and took Karate lessons next to Rolex, they're not magical, they're just people....the Miyota is great." (gave me a good chuckle). Still jealous of your Monta, that thing is gorgeous! (happy weekend)

[@bar8393gm]

Q1: How important is intonation of the overtone? I'll play a note (ex. G2) followed by its overtone version (fingered as C1) and find the second one to be quite sharp. Should I spend time flattening the overtone to get it *exactly* in tune, or have I already done the important work by just getting it to sound? Q2: As I do experimental mouth gymnastics to get the higher overtones out, "hee" "haaa" "harr" "Kee" "Kaa" "Karr", I found that lifting my top teeth off the mp seemed to work in some extreme cases. I think this "double lipping" is much frowned upon, but obviously something in that mouth shape contributed to successful tone production. Any idea what that was?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Bruce! First, happy Tuesday. Also, my friend Jamie sent me a video of you (I think it was you?) playing the Hitchcock etude - you sounded FANTASTIC. As for your questions: 1. intonation - I don't worry about it, I focus on resonance and clarity. There are some great players who DO tune them, I just don't agree. My Yamaha plays overtones SO out of tune, it's not useful for me to tune them (when the fingered pitch is so much closer to in tune) - I have my students "tune" the actual fingered notes. 2. I'n not entirely sure - but I would rather have a stable, consistent embouchure than hitting higher partials. I have some AMAZING students who can't really get above D3 in overtones- it's not a problem. Personally (given how long I've been playing) I can take overtones into the stratosphere - BUT I NEVER DO! I find the greatest value in focusing the tone of the natural range of the instrument. GREAT QUESTIONS! Does any of this make sense?

[@bar8393gm]

@@drwallysax Yes that video was me on jamie's site. Sadly I still have the same probs with achieving speed, but I'll keep working on that. I consider your advanced etudes as "apirational" as opposed to "achievable". :). I just go as far as *I* can and consider the incremental successes I make. As for your answers, thank you. That helps a lot. I was hoping you weren't going to demand that I tune them because the embouchure changes required (for me anyway) to get them in tune makes me lose the overtone altogether. I'm sure there is a happy medium in there, but as you pointed out, clarity (which I've got) is more important than intonation (which i don't got). As for the higher overtones I was struggling with, I'm slowly stumbling upon workable methods by trial and error. That double lip thing was a surprise to me. I have no real need to play ultra high notes (but I appreciate the theory). I sit next to an alto player who does it all the time. And i can do it easily on my "torture stick". I like the full dark and smokey sound of the bottom end on my tenor. Overtones is helping shape those too.

[@cmelodysax]

What a Muppet - and I don't mean the blue fuzzy thing... ;-) Seriously Wally, keep up the good work !!

[@drwallysax]

Heeeeyyyyy now! Are you British, Alan? Being a big Top Gear fan, that seems to be a James May favorite insult. Happy Tuesday! NOW GO PRACTICE YOU ABSOLUTE MUPPET.

[@charliefink1381]

Hi, dumb question: should I start the course with January and just be a few months off since it's already April or should I pick up the course at April? In other words, does the course build each month or is it cyclical?

[@drwallysax]

Start wherever you please! It's not progressive (other than going through the circle of fifths) - just relates to that months KZbin exercises. Jump in and have fun - and hit me up with questions!

[@georgeluna5845]

This is hilarious. I’m the reason you’re folks sent you to private school and here I am ‘waiting on my 56’.

[@drwallysax]

Wait, I went to public school? The 56 is shipping ahead of schedule, they're making incredible progress on the 2nd and 3rd rounds of preorder. Now the wait will be on USPS - they've been slooooooow. happy Tuesday!

[@gusmarrero]

The wait on the 56 is so worth it. I am about to purchase a second one in black, as I got white on the first order.

[@georgeluna5845]

I got the white one. It goes so well with my silver Sax.

[@marktyler3381]

Could you do Tartini tones please?

[@drwallysax]

I honestly have no idea what Tartini tones are?

[@marktyler3381]

@@drwallysax Really? Often called difference or interference tones, they are based around the psycho-acoustic effect based on our perception of harmonics. Derek Brown is pretty good at them, and some classic alto and tenor players incorperated them into their playing. Basically, if you sing a fifth up from the note you are playing you can create the illusion of an octave down. Get it right and you can make an alto sound like a baritone.

[@marktyler3381]

@@drwallysax Here's Derek's take kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnq4mX2tasl8h7c

[@marktyler3381]

@@j.h.2656 Sort of, you're singing a fifth up, which is audible, but mostly you get the effect of playing an octave below the range of the sax.

[@Matthew-vz3vw]

Tarting tones are pretty rad

[@jeremysmith1120]

Hey Dr. how’s it going?

[@drwallysax]

Very well, thanks for asking Jeremy!

[@LeoNovel]

Ubertones!!!! 😁

[@drwallysax]

More than just an overtone.

[@mrparanran5094]

how can I get the work book PDF

[@drwallysax]

It's in the free course, linked in the description.

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

What I want to know is where do you get your snappy suits? 🤔

[@drwallysax]

Space suit or teaching suit?

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

Teaching! Digging your suit & tie choices. Really, what kind of suits are you rockin'? 🤔

[@drwallysax]

@@EnlightenedRogue24 Oh man, that's very kind! VERY cheap stuff - with tie's and pocket squares my wife got me with a Sprezza box subscription. Seriously, thanks, made my day!

[@jonathanromero333]

I can't get to the second octave, but I can get higher or lower but never to the second octave :c Any advice? Thanks for the video!

[@drwallysax]

Overshoot it (go higher) - then slur down. Then, hooooooold it and pause. Then restart on that overtone.

[@jonathanromero333]

Thanks doctor!

[@saxfish]

< I´m triPPing...the "i o u" work best for Me ! They are so sensitive...can´t even touch them ( you know where they´ll send you)!¡ I Owe You. I live in Nicaragua , Central America. It used to be a 3rd. world country. Today it´s about an 8th ! ....but still grows great cofee!¡! IIf you know anyone coming down , or me, someone going up , I´ll send you a couple of pounds!> Hasta La Vista Master Wally>

[@drwallysax]

You had me at coffee..

[@yairflax3053]

How long does it take to control all of them? I've been practicing overtones for a year and I can only get to the fourth one.It is very difficult!

[@drwallysax]

It can take YEEEEAAARS. BUT, getting to the 4th is GREAT! Given how many years I've been playing - I can take them into the stratosphere, BUT I DONT! I find the greatest value in the normal 2.5 octave range of the instrument! Altissimo fingerings work great without killing your embouchure if you want to go higher! Great question!

[@yairflax3053]

@@drwallysax good to know! Love your KZbin Channel!

[@drwallysax]

@@yairflax3053 Thanks Yair, happy practicing my friend!

[@kiz8409]

Is there a secret to get to the upper overtones? After years of dedicated practicing overtones, I still cannnot get over the high d from Bb. The high f is impossible to get, it is as if hitting a wall.

[@drwallysax]

It takes YEEEEARS to develop the embouchure that can hit the higher partials consistently (without biting). Reed strength also plays a part - stronger = easier. Also, make sure you "hear" the pitch before you play it. Play it as a normally fingered note - then try to sure to the overtone while keeping the pitch. Try that - and let me know how it goes!

[@kiz8409]

@@drwallysax thanks so much for your reply. I did this already before and triy it still regularly but I'm kind of desperate about this, it is not working for me. When I played the high f regular and the try the overtone, only a high d comes out.