Saxophone Sound Development

This is a video on how to develop a great tone on saxophone by not destroying the air when it leaves your body. I'm using a Claude Lakey 6*3 and an Otto Link STM 7 for this video with Vandoren #2.5 reeds.
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SIRVALORSAX PLAYS:
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GETTING STARTED WITH ALTISSIMO FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE "FINGERINGS": • GETTING STARTED WITH A...
GETTING STARTED WITH ALTISSIMO FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE "EMBOUCHURE": • GETTING STARTED WITH A...
Gearing the Sax for Altissimo: • Gearing the Sax for Al...
Claude Lakey Mouthpiece Review: • Claude Lakey tenor sax...
Otto Link STM #7 Review: • Otto Link Super Tone M...

[@iksaxophone]

I love how he nearly goes on a tangential calculus lesson eight minutes in, and then reels himself back in to music. Serious respect for both his saxophone powers, teaching style, and scientific/mathematical literacy.

[@latinkeys1]

This dude is one of my favorite KZbin teachers. He really knows what he's talking about deeply. Than you for sharing, Sir Valor

[@aircanuck]

Couldn't agree more. I could listen to him for hours.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@judah49]

@@Sirvalorsax do you our offer lessons?

[@guydelorme417]

Great lesson, hope you realize how lucky we are to take lessons from a master teacher on KZbin for free.

[@user-gb8jk3te1q]

Thanks from Russia, Sirvalorsax! You are the best saxophone teacher I have found on the web, and at the age of 60 after two years of searching, I know what I'm saying. So let you live to see a hundred, man, stay healthy, and never stop doing good just as you do right now. This world needs deep ones like yourself - who can also share their thoughts.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@jaxziel]

Thank you I’m 84 years young and started to play sax the right way and the tips I got from you are priceless I’m after the George Auld sound and getting close

[@shankaravarma118]

This guy is crazy good at explaining stuff. Says exactly what he needs to without a bunch of fluff and still manages to get a lot of information out in one video. Love it!

[@itisnottaken4444]

Man this just reiterates the teachings of Senta in his altissimo book where the first exercises are purely playing octave key notes WITHOUT the octave key. Creating the octave wirh your lips and voicing as opposed to the machine

[@diegsvelasquez1608]

Amazing video. I gotta say that there is no other teacher on KZbin like you man. Keep up the amazing work 👍

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@rossmilligan8319]

I

[@menilmontant100]

I agree....He is .... the best....!!!

[@mr555harv]

Hey man you are so right on. You explain so simply. Dave Liebman teaches the same thing but not as simply as you. And, I think your sound is better than Liebman. This is because you are so natural, so real, so fundamental. Thanks, and keep up the great teaching.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@derekakien7379]

The guy who coaches me stressed long tone practise and playing without the octave key. Great for embouchure control. Practised in the afternoon then went to an evening big band session. Concentrated on the reading so much I forgot to use the octave key! Sounded in tune though. LoL

[@warrobotsbtkbattletacticsk4550]

honestly i was glued paying attention....so much so....i realized what he was talking about as i self teach..... explained different yes...which make more sense......like the little secrets you discovered but wasn't sure what made that last few notes better.......thank you..... straight sax sounds like your bathing a beautiful woman in a traditional white tube with flowing bubbles of lathery love......which it could hit a little lower.....like drop warm chocolate into flow. thanks again. Great job

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL, Lathery Love!!

[@beter7886]

This is the best video on sound development on sax that ive ever seen

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thank you. I'm currently working on the book with playing exercises and more

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

The University sax prrofessor instructs diligently. Excelentissimo behavioral objective and presentation. Thanks, champ!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching

[@abbashaidari8313]

I have been struggling with overtones for a while now, and this was by far the most helpful and informative video on youtube.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@saxboss1]

This is one of the most important videos on saxophone sound on KZbin, thanks for sharing your brilliance.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@Gendreaujf]

Excellent instruction. As a beginner I appreciate his videos.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenswope47]

You know when you have a teacher that wants you to learn with genuine solitude. Thank you sir!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Very welcome!

[@Cantbuyathrill]

This lesson is gospel. Very enlightening.

[@paulrichmond6867]

Another amazingly insightful video! You have taken a complex topic and made it simple! As an engineer, I greatly appreciate your ability to bring in the scientific explanations to help make our own sound better. I too tend to lean towards a medium open tip & longer facing length and then use my lip to adjust the softer reeds I also prefer. I am nowhere near your level of expert playing level, but with your video, I can get closer. Keep up the great work you are doing for the Sax community. Thanks. PS: Please feel free to toss in a few Clarinet and Flute videos. You also sound amazing on them. You put out a few videos on sax doubling. I suggest putting out a sax and clarinet doubling tips and tricks video which would include how you are able to adjust your embouchure to adapt between them. Thanks again for your great work!

[@1fude1]

Knowing and understanding is a great skill, but breaking it down so rookies like me get it is a whole other level of knowledge and love. All my love and respect to you and your work brother

[@meatballion]

Calculus & physics to teach saxophone!? You, sir, are amazing. Great video.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@davidr2863]

Amazingly simple explanation for something that's hard to do well! Only great teachers are able to explain things like that. Awesome job!

[@emanueleziglioli499]

This must be my favourite video: it was on my birthday! I started playing the saxophone because I was given one as a birthday present at age 36, almost 10 years ago! thank you Sirvalorsax for all the tips!

[@haroldokoro415]

My Goodness. I have only been playing Alto Sax (Very Badly lol) for a year and a half and moved to Tenor two weeks ago and have been struggling with my sound and trying to replicate the sound of the Alto. I just watched this video and based on what you instructed, I can get overtones across all the notes. My sound is also much better after only 2 hours of practice. You are indeed a master at teaching and I cant thank you enough

[@BrendanRoss]

you're a Jedi - the way you explain this stuff is just so good - thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Happy to help!

[@mysurfcorner594]

Im your big fan Brendan

[@jus39]

Your videos are so erudite and well thought through. You are a very gifted teacher 🙏

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@DamoLivesRed]

There's a big difference in being told 'do this and this' to get something, and being told the why and the how. This is the mechanics of the 'why and how'. In whatever we do, if we know why and how we're doing something, it makes the activity more intuitive, and makes it easier to work out any problems, rather than just trying to copy somebody, who can make subtle adjustments we just won't see. My understanding levels just went up a couple of notches. Thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

😄

[@fredjacksonjr.4422]

Dude you’re a scientist! I always tell my students all the time music is science. I’ll make sure they all see this thank you for sharing

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cool

[@readytext]

Really enjoyed this. As a beginner I was taught to not move the embouchure in a general attempt to stop biting. So there's a lot to unlearn for sure - as you demonstrate here, it's clear all the great players are constantly adjusting position - over time I'm sure there's a perfect spot for each note that gets burned into muscle memory with practice. But permission to shift that lower lip is very welcome.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MuthukrishnanSubburayalu]

Hats off.You are a patient and good teacher.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@SkylersRants]

I think you would be fascinating to take lessons from. I wish I lived nearby.

[@aircanuck]

I feel like the skies parted and wisdom just floated down from above. This makes a ton of sense, I've never seen it explained so well. I sure do enjoy your videos, you have a gift and it's clearly been paired with hard work. Thank you so much.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samtedesco3529]

I've been using a rubber band at times to shorten the facing but with your explanation, no longer necessary. Thanks for the great science (physics) lesson . tenorsaxsam

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad to help!

[@benjaminmiller5649]

The mechanical analogies here are really useful. This is the only good saxophone channel on youtube.

[@dileepnaik1312]

I think this is a great video. You have explained how embouchure can be used for creating correct tone and notes

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@rudylopez5620]

This is a very articulate yet a very simple way of understanding your lecture. I am glad that you were able to go a little slow in the explanation on this video. Please, continue at this pace, fore there are those of us who are not that advanced players to capture your instructions at a fast pace. Excellent work. I really appreciate it. Peace out!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@Roland_Geyer]

Thank you! that was the key! since then I can play the saxophone ❤🎉😊👍👍👍

[@mrjfs75]

A human octave key. Absolutely brilliant , sir v. I am lol. All the real estate 🏡, and the calculus. Mechanical advantage transcribed to acoustical advantage. Man, this is the sweetest sax lecture I have seen on the tube in 25 years. I like the aerodynamics(air flow) talk as well, and-the hydrodynamics (hose). Jfs. Alto 🎷, bass 🎸, 🎺, Church organ (full organ). Vandoren A7 M, Vandoren leather lig. Sel series 3.

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@nickmartorano6766]

FANTASTIC tips. So we'll explained, and it works!

[@feddaneyr]

After watching this video several times and 37 days of ardous practice, I can say I drastically improved my embouchure, not sounding great but improving. Thanks Sir Valor.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Excellent!

[@drronclark]

Just recently discovered your channel and just found this gem. Love your videos, and this may be my favorite I have seen thus far (caveat, still have more of yours to watch). I have actually watched videos by people I respect who say you should not adjust your sound or your range using your embouchure). Then, I go and watch all these great saxophonists (Rollins, Brecker, Grover, Bird, Trane, Oliver, Jacquet, and more) and their bottom lips are moving just like yours forward and back … changing up that “fulcrum.” Thank you, for being the first I have found to really break down the mechanics of what they are doing. It’s amazing how you can take such cerebral concepts that have been evading description for years and break it down so clearly without pretentiousness or condescension. As amazing as you are as a player, you are equally formidable in pedagogy. Thank you for the tremendous body of work you have shared with all of us. Much love, good sir!

[@espr7564]

An amazing teacher Mr.Spencer 😎 thankyou

[@jamesdarylthomas3684]

You'll the best on Utube showing sax player how to do it right Thanks Be Safe God Bless each1

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@sleepy-beagle]

I’ve watched this video a number of times now. Each time I watch it I pick up new ideas and capabilities. I’ve actually managed altissimo G and A fairly reliably since watching and with practice. Thankyou. Excellent resource. Please continue helping us with your knowledge 👍😀👍😀👍

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@AndSendMe]

Awesome. Got here from looking into Venn reeds. This is complete gems from end to end, thank you. I wish there was someone like you teaching classical.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheFakeMikeLWatts]

Sir, this is brilliant. Publish a new illustrated technique book IMMEDIATELY! This lesson alone will set you up financially for life.

[@ForcedMemeIsAMeme]

Wow. I think I'm going to end up watching this video about once a week, forever.

[@jonathancarlson2955]

Okay, I watch youtube videos all the time, and have for many years, but I don't think I've ever commented even once before. That's why I'm surprising myself here, but I just have to say how impressed I am by your detailed, yet easy to understand description here of the physics of a sax embouchure. I'm a tenor player myself, and I really appreciate how you break things down and provide such useful information in an interesting and fun manner. Well done Sirvalorsax!!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@HeathWatts]

This is great! I wish that a video such as your video was available when I was developing my altissimo range. I had to make these discoveries on my own and it took a long time.

[@Gliglyify]

Thank you for the video. I really enjoy the way you approach the saxophone. The images you give on how to make a sax work shows the talent of a great professor.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@TheGrizNation]

The relaxed embouchure is interesting because from the earliest practicing of the saxophone, you're taught to have a stable embouchure not to relax it too much because you'll go out of tune or get a poor tone. But the importance of experimenting and learning new technique is the key here because by relaxing in this context, you're not doing anything to hurt your playing ability. You're actually improving it. Can be hard to understand for some if they've been taught a certain way for years I'd think.

[@giuliocalbi8385]

Thank you Sir Valor. Gera-te explications

[@madwithwords]

Thank you so much for this, I only found your site by accident this morning, and found it fascinating, and was practising as you played and making the same sounds, only too happy to subscribe for more! brilliant and refreshing!

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@maxalaintwo3578]

I play euphonium and trombone. But I feel like there's something I can extrapolate from this

[@Sirvalorsax]

Two of my favorite brass instruments

[@rayfraser1773]

Been looking for you for years. It’s what I’ve been trying and now your confirming. Let’s go, but in my own time. Thank you

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cool

[@larrystanford3873]

Fantastic info!! I wished I’d had this type of guidance sixty years ago.This is a great channel.I hope you publish your book soon.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I wish I had KZbin when I was in college. That is the philosophy behind why i make the videos the way that I do. Thanks for watching

[@edzankowski2767]

Nice! Thanks for all your positivity and unselfish sharing of very helpful tips on the saxophone! Much appreciated and valued!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching

[@MrJazzedBlues]

You are a great teacher. Thanks man.

[@Sirvalorsax]

You're very welcome!

[@noelbeltran2651]

Thank you for your divine energy on helping others advance in their saxophone journey! I appreciate you! Have an amazing week!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks, you too

[@peterlbos]

I have practiced your technique for a couple of days now. I played in key in the normal register but up till now my upper register was always sharp throw the whole range. NOT any more thanks to what you have taught me. My tone is also less stuffy too. Thanks so much.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Sweet!

[@xrgiok]

What nice person you are !

[@harrisonwhitebread1694]

Love this video, man. The explanation of technique, the humor bits here and there, and of course, the simplicity. Write that book and make an album! (Though I know it’s hard with all the stuff going on out there and the pandemic). Point is we’d all buy them both. :)

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@lucyyockey]

This was fantastic! It was so clear and specific with well worded indications of exactly which variables to focus on. I love how you covered several elements like mechanics, resonance, and the relationship between body and instrument. Thank you for making this and I can’t wait for more great content!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@matte8677]

I'm an alto player and appreciate your vids a ton. Bless

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@user-on2pt5uv2x]

Thanks for giving back to the community. This knowledge is priceless 😎🫡

[@bro_liv]

Just getting back to it, that is so valuable, thank you so much

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@jonahwalt]

Dude just cracked the case for upgrading your altissimo playing in 18 minutes

[@Sirvalorsax]

Lol

[@mikeschlott]

This is amazing, such a good teacher. Also, the resonance difference in the F#'s was clear.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching 👀 🙂

[@the_daftkid]

Pure Gold.

[@theleftymonster]

Thanks a lot. I noticed some of these concepts by experience but the way you explained it was very articulated and complete. Tone development is one of my favourite subjects and there are not many videos out there about this subject matter. keep up the good work buddy. 👏

[@jasonandrews9058]

Thanks Sirvalor. We are blessed and fortunate to have your wisdom and hopefully to apply the knowledge you give us correctly. Many thanks.

[@marcao777]

Thank you!

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Thanks Sir. That was very straightforward and clear. 👍

[@dennisd2531]

Some valuable information, thank you..

[@scomdnz9]

Hey Sirvalorsax, I hope you are safe and doing well in these troubled times. Love the vids sir!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching

[@imacatwith6toes883]

This lesson was so good, I didn't want it to end!!!

[@christiansax3959]

Man this was so helpful. The machine explanation was what I had learned some years ago in my physical science course I had in hs,however to see it related to the mouthpiece and embouchure allowed me to conceptualize this concept way better then some of the vague explanations that people have given me before. Thanks alot!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching

[@richardglithero139]

Excellent tutorial. A lightbulb moment for me. Thanks for your efforts.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@thegingerbeardman8399]

i dont play saxophone, but i wanted to learn about it anyway. Thanks for the helpful tips! Side note, dude, you should look into voiceover/voice acting work cuz holy sh*t you got a great voice and you annunicate incredibly clearly! thanks again!

[@Sirvalorsax]

😄😄😄

[@Michael-ol7wm]

Very good video. Your explanation of acknowledging makes sense to your viewers. Thank you for sharing your talent and videos.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cool

[@donnysilverman6067]

Love your fulcrum/balance analogy. And your paraphrase of the octave key situation sounds very similar to something i heard 40 years ago from a Mr Rollins. Great stuff man!

[@SeanFuller]

Thanks! Great explanations. I can't wait to experiment during my next practice session.

[@YiannisKassetas]

great stuff!!! as a sax player myself i can say thats a great video and in fact its inspiring me to make more educational videos myself!!! i could add that every body sounds different in any mouthpiece so dont hear too much rumor about them.i never forget when i bought an Aizen from a sax player who sounded great on it and i sold it in a week ... i just sucked on it.. when back to my cheap vandoren and i was happy again..

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for watching

[@bruhj]

Such a great video man ive been watching you for 2 years now ive learned so much thanks for everything.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@danielorum1918]

Very interresting! Thanks for making this video!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cool

[@davebrubeck1489]

Never heard this explained this way.

[@joeretired4552]

Vewy Vewy inter-resting! I think some of the techniques you are demonstrating are some of the very techniques that "normal" high school band directors/music instructors would say are the cause of squawks/squeaks. I like the incorporation of the "idea" of the embouchure being a "fulcrum" and how to adjust the location/point of the fulcrum to "lift" the point of reed oscillation to obtain desired results. We need to keep "an open mind"! Thanks - keep 'em coming.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@michaelc3732]

Shit, my man went all geometry and physics, I wasn't ready....I'm just tryin to learn how to play sax....lol! Good stuff!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@shawnforster1754]

Gold..love it.👌. cheers from Oz

[@tonybillingslea2772]

You are an awesome teacher

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@mrjfs75]

Good, with that area talk. Cool. Area is 2-d. Volume is 3-d . So you have a wedge space , a volume space. So it comes to volume under the 3d graph. Great stuff, how you combining physics , maths and engineering to your art of saxophone. I also employ these God things to also produce 4 octaves. But I am not in your league as a musician. I am your toe.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Lol, thanks for watching

[@henshaus]

Always learn something new, or explained differently yet understandable. Thanks for what you do...

[@l.j.2917]

Thank you so much for this! With just this one lesson, my overtones are so much better! I was struggling before.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad it helped!

[@johnbull6909]

Thanks, inspired me to sweep the floor or maybe can blow the dust away.

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

It definitely has worked for me... have been struggling for about an hour, I eventually discovered that the more surface of the bot. lip touches the reed, the more control it gives over overtones. I didn't expect that octave key could be redundant in some cases and the sound of overtones could be less problematic and definitely more interesting... and two more discovers I've made: new muscules on my face :) and a huge step towards stable and controlled vibratto, which is just about to progress, I belive.

[@hlanders8396]

Excellent!!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Many thanks!

[@robinreidmusic]

Awesome explanation. Great work.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thank you!

[@Merainfree]

Thanks for taking the time to teach this. Very well done.

[@estebanvenegas89]

Such a revelation! thanks so much for this way of seeing things

[@Sirvalorsax]

😄

[@stolenmoments8889]

Wow! Great explanation. Really helped me better understand the subtleties of embouchure control. Looking forward to more on this.