Saxophone Side Keys: Side Bb and Side C lesson

[@jimcurrie]

Dr. Wally Wallace youtube channel is my favorite

[@Schmidt-Sax]

Dr. Wally is my favorite KZbin channel.❤️👍🏻

[@drwallysax]

Ah man, thanks Oleg!

[@sitarnut]

Right on.... love his Cool School, Desmond- like tone too!

[@willreynolds7630]

Morning Wally excited for this one

[@drwallysax]

Hey Will! good to see you my friend!

[@joshuadaugherty2267]

Your Right, we have no idea what all the keys do. Aldof Sax probaly didn't either.

[@drwallysax]

Was Sax really even his real name? Sounds a little too convenient if you ask me...

[@Robert_Browne]

@@drwallysax How about his brother Alto. He' was kinda shifty as well.

[@habitdaemon]

So timely for me. Was struggling with the bridge on Pick Up the Pieces on Tenor. Side C was a life-saver. I salute you Dr Wally.

[@bluegoose555]

Thanks Dr (I've been waiting for this one)

[@_mickmccarthy]

Awesome, new sax player here who's been trying to figure out why middle D sounds so different when I play it. Didn't realise it was an inherent issue with the instrument design. Look forward to trying out the side-key fingering, thanks again Dr.!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, Mick!

[@r.g.saxone]

Best part of ur videos = the workshop

[@SaxJockey]

Excellent lesson. Just getting back on the sax after several years break. Found myself using the Eb palm key (by accident) for a passing D2, and now learn that it's a genuine thing! Those lyrical passages around 8:35 remind of Paul Desmond; Paloma Azul is a wonderful example.

[@robertgreen3702]

Super lesson. Thank you Dr Wally.☺️☺️🎷🎷

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Robert, have a great day my friend!

[@1.nf674]

Great info! New guy on bari and I figured there had to be a smoother way to go from B to C. My (dreaded) finger flip was improving, but now I have added the middle side key to my arsenal. Subscribed!

[@PhinAI]

I don't use them (much) because I don't understand much. I'll use them when I stumble across need for them. I'm a beginner, but the general key layout still let's me figure out many of the songs I want to play. Your explanations (and more importantly, encouragement) really help! I would love to hire you as my instructor, but as a working adult, I could never ask you to make a commitment to my learning that I am not making, myself. Thank you for your help!

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Very good video. I have been playing Tenor for over 40 years and I always use the RSK1 for Bb which is now internalized deeply. I never use the bis key or both index fingers for Bb. I am aware of the side C key and will start working this in as well as the high E key for mid D. I just bought a new mouthpiece which has helped with the mid D stuffiness (Jody Jazz DV 7) Another great video Dr. Wally. Love your tone. Smooth and so sweet.

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Totally get it.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Thanks a lot, especially the b to c via side-c sounds very usefull. ❤

[@jackdolphy8965]

Another fine installment from the good Doc WW! I like using the bis key as a split key with the b. Exactly the opposite of what you described. I use the side Bb for trills, or very occasionally otherwise. Same with side c, mostly I use it just for trills. And never if the line goes up to C# and above. ( we agree there;) lol. Using the bis as a split key definitely took getting used to!!! But doing so now makes the use of the side Bb feel clunky ( which of course could be practiced until smooth). At this point I’m mostly a classical player, returning after 40 plus years 👍🏽. And I work out passages say in JS’ cello suites and flute sonatas with the split bis thing. When the passages are worked they’re quite smooth and feel efficient to me. Thank You as always for you clarity of presentation!

[@eduardopizarro1961]

Thanks Dr Wally. So clearly explained and taken into practice. And I really liked your Lester Young style to set the mouthpiece 😎 for tenor. Running for president? Lol. Gotta go practice… see you!

[@drwallysax]

Eduardo, you made my day. Thanks my friend! Happy practicing!

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good evening sir the side c on most horns is really in tune .On most horns alto and tenor the front c is usually a littli flat.Keep up your great work sir.

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Great as always. In HS (95pc classical) in the 70s. Never learned any alternate fingerings. None. B flat ways always stated and written that way on sheet music. Back in the game the last two months and ...the concept of the Bis key, still foreign to me and don't feel confident using it. Afraid of a fumble. Thanks for the alternate D advice. Was never a fan of the TV show 'Flipper' either. Practicing daily and having fun.

[@couchphotography8861]

"Ya paid for the dang things" LOL!!

[@Edgarromero94]

you are awesome man

[@drwallysax]

You're awesome, Edgar. Have a great week my friend!

[@joeholland9593]

I have observed pro-players using the "flute" B-flat fingering which is top key on the left hand (B-natural) and top key on the right hand (F). I have rarely found a viable reason to use it, but occasionally catch myself doing because I double on flute.

[@brightelikemusic3198]

Thank you dr. Wally

[@chisaomusician7752]

Thanks Wally!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Thanks for reminding me of the handful of ways depending on the phrase I could play the middle D on the alto 👍

[@drwallysax]

You are most welcome for the saxophonic tool answered in Haiku

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysax 👍 I ♥️you too, Dr. Wally, platonically of course!!🤣 Btw, are we supposed to tell Windy City Woodwinds that we’re disciples of Dr. Wally so that you get sales credits for the #56 alto mpc, or it doesn’t matter. I was supposed to order one way back and the guy on the phone told me to wait a few weeks and I never got around to calling back and ordering after that, but I’m I’m thinking that I’d really like to try one out at this point, I’m feeling like a need a summer rejuvenation!😉 🥳and the band plays on…

[@drwallysax]

@@shipsahoy1793 You don't have to mention me, but it would be fun to add a "Dr. Wally has controlled my brain with microwave signals" kinda message?

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysax 👍😉Yes, that would be very😎!! 🤣Ok, no problem! I don’t know if anybody was ever listening, but I’ve been suggesting that #56 mpc when I see interest in other ~$100 alto mpcs or those pricey syos pieces.. Keep up the controller with those great videos !! 🥳 They’re Great !!

[@LennyPrice]

Great content, Dr. Wally! 🎷

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Lenny, hope you're having a great week!

[@patrickmarino8601]

With me it's all about the speed and control. The side keys win when I can play the motif or phrase with more control and speed. Patrick

[@evanchrisney7069]

You use the side D in "your love is a gamma ray". I recognized it when I learned it by ear, I used the same fingering when learning the glazunov.

[@drwallysax]

Heck yes! Such a cool tone color!

[@javierm_uk1588]

Great stuff. It´s both wonderful and terryfing how you keep on bringing more material than I can work on. Regarding side keys, I do think tuning plays a part on it as well. At least on my YAS-280 some of those notes sound slightly different.

[@yun_saxophone-studio]

wow, I woke up now !!! ~~ thanks for ur video!!

[@michaelcaldwell7107]

Right with you Wally. What ever has your fingers moving smoothly. There are Bb fingering Nazis that would say you should only ever use the side or bis key fingerings. BTW, I use the Eb palm for middle D for the same reason. Overall, I use 4 different fingerings for Bb depending on the situation. Do they have different timbres, yes, and before anyone points it out, there are some where the tuning is slightly different, but not enough on my horns, to tell the difference while playing faster.

[@astarothgr]

It was kinda fun when I first got my sax and pressed all the buttons to see which holes open up. It was elucidating, figured out what each key did. I come from guitar world, and I was thinking, ok, what do I do when I have to "trill" (i.e. play repeatedly back and forth) a semitone? ..and that's when the side keys came to focus :)

[@donl3248]

I paid good money for my saxes, I’m using every one of the keys it came with! One of my teachers absolutely did not allow “the Bis key slide” in his studio. I think we should lobby manufacturers for the return of the G# trill key! 😄

[@donl3248]

@Sal Mullgrav Selmer MkVI and Buffet SDA ‘59 Tenors. Selmer Super Sax ‘33, Mauriat System 76 alto. I haven’t played a Yamaha for 20 years. (Sorry Dr Wally). Currently in the market for a good used tenor and also might consider the 82Z.

[@drwallysax]

My first "pro" alto was an old buescher tru-tone with the G# trill key!

[@drwallysax]

That is a veeery nice horn, Sal. So good to see you.

[@ForcedMemeIsAMeme]

@@drwallysax That's what I'm playing! I do have to really try to find situations where the G# trill seems worthwhile though. On that horn, even stranger is the "fork Eb" trill. Not that it's not a little easier to trill D-Eb with it than with the pinky Eb, but the timbre of the Eb is just...weird. Stuffy and meaty at the same time, much like me.

[@alexsandrosaxmin.delouvors9008]

Muito obrigado por essa aula..🇧🇷

[@johnkremastos5713]

Good content mate 👍

[@drwallysax]

Thanks John, hope you have a wonderful week!

[@johnkremastos5713]

@@drwallysax You to ,will always keep an eye out for content,,I enjoy the material you teach ,I am mostly R&B,but always eager to learn other material 👍👍👍

[@yolioms]

Hi DWW, I try to avoid the G & G# second octave on tenor-- why so squeaky wrong most times especially when I’m switching between it and C or F#? New reed new mouthpiece 2 repairs later😩-I know it’s me , how would you transition, fix adjust embuecher? Thanks and you are super helpful and entertaining! Glad the algorithms pointed me toward you! Cheers!

[@josekuykendall5592]

I didn't know you could used the E flat palm key to play D thanks

[@davidwood351]

I asked a repair tech to adjust the RS2 key (C note)on my alto, to make it more ergonomic. He asked me why do I use that fingering. As though it is rarely use by “real” players.

[@drwallysax]

Ha! I've know a few "know it all" repair techs. Can't play Come to Jesus in whole notes, but happy to tell you what you're doing wrong. Make with the screwdriver, Larry. Leave the playing to us!

[@lyntedrockley7295]

Phil Woods used it ALL the time.

[@qie2iqee]

How do i press the side keys? Do i gotta twist my whole right hand around and use my pointing finger to press it? Do i gotta use my right thumb and risk my neckstrap as a reverse garrote?

[@janymikeptz1156]

Thanks for another great lesson Dr. Wally and concur your channel is the best saxophone education on here. 2 quick questions if I may, first is there a PDF of these lines by chance as I'd sure like to work them across a few other keys and secondly, any ETA on the 56 for tenor?

[@carmenmannino6766]

I would like to hear more

[@gillesd91]

The side D was very appreciated by The Bird.

[@kenromano3355]

Hi, Dr. Wally, can you help me understand the relationship of the size of tthe mouthpiece tip opening, the stiffness of the reed, and the tone and sound, playability. Thanks. It seem to be the industry standard to use as hard a reed and big opening. Why?

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Side Bb: no problem; side C: even with a gun to my head I'd forget to use it.

[@drwallysax]

😂

[@daniel_moretti]

I find that pearl key B + side C is significantly sharper than using just the pearl key C. Is that somewhat normal? I'm playing a vintage American stencil tenor. Thanks so much!

[@amv.crisis]

2:50 guilty rolling off

[@amv.crisis]

3:05 class

[@borisaranchuk2279]

The saxophone 🎷 brand is Yamaha ?

[@andersonaaron110]

Do I see a new WCW mouthpiece on that tenor? Please, say it's the new 54 version for the tenor!

[@stewartwforbes]

What about the 1 & 1 or 1 & 2 or even maybe 1 & 3 B flats that cud be available ? Enjoyed this demo very much btw 😎🎷

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

Awesome work here Dr Wally! Because I’ve been lazy I’m going to give this a whirl tomorrow (currently almost midnight in not so sunny southern Australia), but…. what about side F# at 8:40? You didn’t touch on that one at all?

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

Also - other than in absolute fly sh*t passages, where there are so many dots there’s not enough space on the page, I basically never use LSK 2 for D. I’m just not a fan of the timbre, but that’s a very personal call, I let my students choose.

[@homeandfamilyservices2650]

Nice tone hey? 👌

[@davidfairweather1034]

What about side F#?

[@kinbank3844]

I have an aversion to using side F sharp. Just feels like I have to move my right hand 2nd finger way too far off its normal position

[@mackenziemclean97]

My saxophone instructor taught me to use the side C when I first started playing so it’s all I know. Is it a bad habit to only use the side C?

[@xxczerxx]

I'm looking at a piece of music and it has a middle D but the note says "Side D"...I'm guessing that means "Palm D" but without the octave key it sound woefully out of tune. What gives?

[@mikekelly2387]

Thanks for this lesson. What fingerings to you suggest to go between b-flat and c? Thanks in advance

[@drwallysax]

Hey Mike, really depends on context! Most of the time, I'll use bis though!

[@amv.crisis]

6:33 left side keys or palm keys

[@amv.crisis]

4:05 b to c

[@matthewseebran3030]

Hey, Dr. Wally! When the GMEA All-State Jazz Etudes come out, would you consider playing and recording them? Also I've almost gotten past being nervous or scared of improvising lol

[@drwallysax]

Hey, that's great! As for GMEA, I don't live in Georgia?

[@matthewseebran3030]

@@drwallysax well I figured lol but is it possible that you record them because they release them on their website sometime through the fall semester. If not, then that's cool so I can instead just work on my etudes at my own pace and work to improve my improvisation 😂

[@JM-mh9zr]

Hi Wally, thanks for that West Coast D fingering, I can't wait to try it out. Can I ask you about the front F key? I've recently bought a Yamaha Alto 62iii which has a really comfortable front F (unlike the 280), but I'm finding it much harder to get E3 to speak using the front F (plus A and G) than when using the palm keys, the default is a honk. Does this indicate a problem with the horn, or is the front F just a harder key to use?

[@drwallysax]

Hey JM, Afraid I'm not sure? The "ease" of front fingerings are affected by a LOT of factors. The height can be adjusted to open the front fingerings more or less?

[@JM-mh9zr]

@@drwallysax Thanks Wally, I'll ask the tech to check it when I next have it serviced.

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

You can also use the LS D key *together* with the standard middle D fingering to eliminate stuffiness on that note.

[@JM-mh9zr]

@@panjandrum.conundrum Thanks Jim, I just tried it and I preferred the feel of the note, but the fingering is going to take a little practice! :-o

[@alexensing1541]

If Jazz=bis key and Classical="A#", then the Bb fingering for modern classical (or new music, whatever) must be a multiphonic based on low Bb. Seems logical ;)

[@drwallysax]

My.....my brain hurts now. I....wait.....what?

[@jasonkolman7820]

I’ve never known that multiple players use the biss so often. In fact, personally I rarely use it.

[@Trevayne4]

Is it permissible to use side C with a Bb? C is way out is tune that way but like maybe on a 16th note?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Edward, ABSOLUTELY. The intonation may be wonky, but as you note in a fast line it's great!

[@drsudiptodutta4815]

Sir can I have any Query Class separately through Zoom

[@borisaranchuk2279]

Where can we get music with the notes and background what you played? Thank you.

[@peterkelly8357]

screenshot?

[@borisaranchuk2279]

What brand of the saxophone and the mouthpiece is that? Thank you.

[@paulalovescats12]

Is that a '56 for the tenor?

[@nick_cnc]

Wait, is side Bb not the standard fingering?

[@blueeyedsoulman]

BIG question. Can I have the bis key down and use some side key(s) reach C? Releasing the Bis to use side key C is very awkward. How do pros achieve this?

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely you can!

[@rusty728]

What fingering do we use for a side A (Ta) key ? And what key is it ?

[@drwallysax]

Afraid I don't understand the question? there's a side Bb key? I've never understood the French fingering names (ta), sorry!

[@russellbursey7175]

@@drwallysax as it turns out the side A# key is also known by another name too. As I just found out... the side Bb key. Sorry for any confusion.

[@pingusosaba6642]

Ayo Dr Wally what’s the tune that you play at the beginning of your videos

[@andyquinn1125]

Okay Doc, which Bb key do you use when running all the 4 note (7th) arpeggios on Bb major?

[@drwallysax]

Bis, all day, every day!

[@andyquinn1125]

@@drwallysax Okay thanks Doc. Not to belabor it, but ... I find that using the Bb side key whilst running up and down the Bb major scale to be comfortable. Likewise other flat keys. But when it comes to running the arpeggios, the side Bb key is clumsy for me, and the bis key, though I'm still not used to using it, works much better. Should I stick with the bis key in all cases, ie keep it simple stupid, or should I do as I please in this regard? FYI I was chugging merrily along in my practice, blissfully unaware of anything but the flute fingering for Bb until about a month ago. So I started with the side key, and am now checking out the bis key.

[@olebirgerpedersen]

Could you please tell me haw to get rid of those very disturbing underline texsts ?

[@drwallysax]

Not sure what you mean?

[@coin777]

Press the cc button

[@Saxmanjoe]

I subscribed with one request. Some of us play by ear and would appreciate it if you would mention the "concert " key amongst all that transposing chatter. I know the classical trained folks will laugh. It's okay!!!

[@garysnowdon1918]

Hey sorry I can't visualise that side D fingering. Are you fingerings a regular long tube D and adding additional side key. Thanks

[@drwallysax]

It's just the palm Eb key by itself!

[@garysnowdon1918]

@@drwallysax yeah that rocks you are amazing. The crazy sax playing cat god shine down you today. Toot toot

[@robstevens9590]

I never use the side F# key (because I don't have it on my sax). :)

[@drwallysax]

It is a RARE day that I use side F#! (what year is your horn?)

[@robstevens9590]

@@drwallysax My alto is a 1979-1980 Czechoslovak made Amati horn. This morning I was listening to Jamie Anderson's tips about the left-hand-pinky keys, and some of the tips don't apply to my horn.

[@tonemother]

But instead replacing the bis-key with the RSK, can't you just press one of the 3 right hand keys (D, E or F) and .. isn't that even simpler ? Just a beginner's question :-)

[@drwallysax]

If you're just going from B - Bb - B that will likely work. But, going other places, like C, it's not as efficient. Try it, see what you think!

[@tonemother]

​@@drwallysax I tried it .. and .. you're right .. thanks ! :-) This helped me to understand the evolution of the instrument ..

[@jessemarfil9000]

Good morning Doc Wally. What brand/model ligatures you use on alto and tenor mouthpiece? Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Hi Jesse, sorry for the slow reply. I like the Vandoren M/O, but currently designing my own ;)

[@jessemarfil9000]

@@drwallysax let me know when your own designed ligature is out in the market. Thank you

[@astarothgr]

Dr Wally: Son, we're going to get spicy! Me: How spicy, Dr Wally? Dr Wally: Here, hold that #6 for me, would you? Me: *starts to shiver* for how long? Dr Wally: 3-and-a-half bars Me: ... Dr Wally: ..followed by four bars of silence. It's yours now, you have to hold it! Me: *faints*

[@drwallysax]

😂

[@jorgeescobedo1579]

What mouthpiece do you use? :)

[@lyntedrockley7295]

The side F# RH is a wierd one. I don't think you mentioned it. Why isn't it a sliver key like on flute or clarinet? And the placing of the pad limits forever the position of the thumbrest. Poor design that has never been addressed.

[@bryanballot5684]

Confession: I don't use the A# or C out of stubbornness - I hate where they are located - it would be easier if they were ½ inch lower on the body of the sax. Maybe if I got a newer saxophone, the ergonomics might be better than on my geriatric used saxophone....

[@amv.crisis]

5:14

[@jimcurrie]

I don’t use the high f sharp key, because my saxophone doesn’t have a high f sharp key

[@jaberificc]

How's your day going, Wally?

[@drwallysax]

could not be better, how about you? (and thanks for asking)

[@jaberificc]

Sorry to hear that. My day is going great so far. Oh, and sorry for not addressing you properly, Dr. Wally.

[@drwallysax]

@@jaberificc you misread! I wrote could NOT be better! I’m great, and thanks for asking! Also, no title needed my friend, thanks for watching 😀

[@jaberificc]

:D

[@Robyn19fnq]

Now I'm totally confused ... you say use the left hand palm keys alone for a D, but wouldn't that give you a high Eb? Oh, you mean without the octave key? ... still a bit confused, should have coffee first.

[@drwallysax]

No octave key, and you get a cool D! May be a bit sharp on some horns!

[@esalehtismaki]

I think it's just silly to play a C-D-C with the octave D only because using palm keys in lower register is "wrong".

[@tanksama27]

Hey Hamburger, I ate a Wally.

[@drwallysax]

You might want to call poison control.

[@robfleming5588]

This comment seriously late, but a little hand-holding would be beneficial to this adult. As you play the examples I have no idea when you're using the recommended side keys.

[@drwallysax]

I literally put a red arrow on the notes using the side fingerings in each example!

[@antoniosantorini9355]

Less talking and it wouldn't hurt to show the fingering on screen instead of cutting it out