Saxophone Vibrato: Exercises, Tips and Homework

[@michaelcheon9031]

I love the way he teaches the saxophone with such a great sense of humor

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Michael - glad you can stand my bad dad-jokes!

[@ChewingtheDoors-ur2ff]

​@@drwallysaxDad jokes are the best.

[@leobrahmachari6611]

This is far too funny to be considered merely educational. You’re a real class act Dr. Wallace

[@drwallysax]

That's very kind, Leo. Thanks my friend.

[@anijuelharrisjohnson7006]

I love the way Cannonball Adderley and Paul Desmond use their vibrato

[@drwallysax]

Cannonball has such a vibrant intensity, I love that as well. Desmond is another GREAT example of how powerful it can be when used sparingly. Agree completely.

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Saxophone Academy I love Paul Desmond and actually have been wondering if he sometimes uses breath vibrato. He will start notes straight and finish with a quick vibrato. Example the first phrase of “things ain’t what they used to be.” (Toronto 1975), concert Eb. He starts of that note with slow vibrato that quickens. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4bGeJtqlNR8l7s Bon?

[@Melody_Mike.4460]

Hi there sir, my name is Michael and before I begin telling you why I came here I would like to tell about myself. So ever since I was little my family would meet up at my grandmas house for New Years and at the end of New Years my grandma would play a record called “Auld Lang syne” by Guy Lombardo 1947. When I heard this song I instantly fell in love with the old sax sound in the “old days” well when I was 9 I got into cab Calloway and I also loved his sax section in the 30s-40s. Then when I was about 11 I started out playing alto saxophone and I played Auld Lang syne perfectly for my grandma. And about that time I started listening to more big band leaders of back then and I stumbled across the legendary Major Alton Glenn Miller! I LOVED Glenn’s Sax section because the in that section he had some tenors, a few altos and one bari sax, then he had that one clarinet player (who ironically was hired to play sax) who gave Glenn miller his signature sound which was part of his quote “a band ought to have a sound of its own and band ought to have a personality.” Anyways i then kept listening to more big band leaders and doing research on all of them (they are my favorites.) Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, (inspires me to learn clarinet,) Tommy Dorsey (who inspires me to learn trombone) and jimmy Dorsey. I am 16 and to this day I still love the sax section back then but not only the saxes but also the music it’s self (20s, 30s, and 40s.) I really don’t know what it is about that music because unlike the music today it really soothes me and makes me feel so much better. Anyways I wanted to see if you wouldn’t mind giving me some tips on how to make a nice vibrato on sax like they do then or on clarinet like Artie Shaw does on that one song “concerto for clarinet” when he hits that high note. Maybe a video of you wouldn’t mind, I would really use that info because like I said I’m 16 and I want to buy a trombone and a clarinet and try to “recreate” music from then using those horns and my sax along with a horn from school.

[@drwallysax]

HI MikesG, I'm happy to hear about your jazz inspirations! The vibrato used by Miller/Dorsey others is the EXACT same concept here - just faster. Likely four pulsations around 70-80 bpm. It's the same jaw movement, just used in a more rapid fashion. Practice daily, and gradually increase the tempo. Good luck!

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Ben Webster, Paul Quinnochette, Stanley Turrentine, Lester Young... Gary Foster, Paul Desmond, Lee Konitz,

[@drwallysax]

God I love Konitz

[@sitarnut]

We need a "Comedy Club" for Saxophonists, reed folks of any persuasion... Dr. Wally would be the headliner every night.

[@drwallysax]

You. I like you.

[@HenryJonesVictor]

1:06 finally someone with the balls to say it

[@albertcoronado]

I had not realized before how each sax player performs his own vibrato, it's amazing, Coleman Hawkins uses it a lot, Candy Dulfer uses vibrato in a very fine and subtle way.

[@ntxmt]

While it wasn't on saxophone, Acker Bilk was a master of it on clarinet.

[@kiswas8863]

Hello Doctor, Good evening. I’m 54 years, Indian Subcontinent guys. Really I got lots of free tips or class from you. Today I perfectly learned vibrato. Thanks Dr. 🫡

[@willistaylor4077]

I have always loved Stan Getz since I was young. My dad had a couple of his records.

[@ethanpark7753]

Very amazing use of humor.

[@drwallysax]

That's kind, Ethan. Happy practicing my friend!

[@shankarmanbajracharya2700]

Thank you Doctor Namaste from Nepal🇳🇵

[@drwallysax]

Hey, happy Wednesday from sunny North Carolina!

[@michaelbutler1991]

Paul Desmond and Cannonball Adderley’s use of vibrato are really nice as well!

[@aeryntwofeathers4463]

Really enjoy the way Claude Luter and especially hurray for Sidney Bechet!

[@drwallysax]

Bechet is amazing. It sounds dated by todays standards, but it's so vibrant and alive!

[@davidleontieff-smith2347]

Love your work Dr Wally. I really like the tone and vibrato of Willis Jackson playing ballads...

[@craigiefconcert6493]

I also love Paul Desmond and I was wondering a few days ago if he sometimes uses breath vibrato. It seems very fast and even sometimes. I like how he uses quickening and widening the vibrato as he holds the note. In tangerine on live in Toronto he does a thing that I can’t tell if it’s a note trill or some kind of vibrato. Bars 3 and 4 for example. I think it’s a trill.

[@paulkober5758]

i love johnny Hartman and Nancy Wilson both vocalists but I've leaned a lot listening to them

[@manoharachandrasena5367]

Very nice teaching 👍

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

Wow, my first Bud Shank listen. 🙏

[@drwallysax]

bud shank (early stuff from 1950s) is one of my greatest loves.

[@jasonandrews9058]

Thanks much Dr. Wally

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching, Jason! Hit me up with questions, always happy to help my friend.

[@jasonandrews9058]

@@drwallysax Firstly I would like to thank you for making the time to make all these amazing videos. I also would like to praise you for the exercises on your website especially the overtones for me are the best I have come across. Dr. Wally you may have already answered this but my question is, what key elements of my practice should I focus on in order to have a steady general improvement to my playing.

[@r.g.saxone]

great video as always !

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Roberto! Appreciate you being here. Lemme know any topics you’d like to see covered!

[@brunosaxofficial]

Great videos. Can you make one about the staccato (tongue hitting) please! How to have a quick tongue hitting? Which exercises?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Bruno, I've got one in the works. In the meantime, I can speed up your articulation right now. Instead of thinking about the tongue "hitting" - think of it as "releasing." remember, the tongue doesn't start the sound - air does! Happy practicing!

[@tomkirvin4571]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome Tom!

[@parkerpolen]

One of the forgotten kings - Lou Donaldson

[@drwallysax]

Parer, I LOVE Loud Donaldson! Blue Walk is the first tune I have my alto students transcribe. So simple and understated, but SO cool and swings like crazy. What's your favorite Donaldson album?

[@parkerpolen]

Saxophone Academy The Complete Blue Note. Such a killer album, some amazing transcriptions for solos like Callin’ All Cats. I’m glad you love him as well! I feel like he’s so often overlooked. Also his cover of confirmation really shows his personality as a player to newer listeners which is awesome. And groove junction, like cmon.

[@EvanTateMusic]

What is your view on the pulse of vibrato to be used in binary meters (4/4), as compared to "trinary" meters (6/8)?

[@drwallysax]

I use the same speeds - and try not to match undulations to the beat. I just practice that way! Great question.

[@merldesoisa2287]

Excellent

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Merl, be sure to hit me up with any questions!

[@merldesoisa2287]

@@drwallysax God bless you sir

[@vkratoch]

Lol. Again excellent mixture of amazing knowledge and humour. Inspector closeau? In pink panther would be proud of your French man.

[@erniewu27]

What microphone do you use?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Woah!!!! That is the song from "Raising Arizona!!! Please elaborate if you know of a different name of it. Thanks for playing that one

[@drwallysax]

Hell Yes! That song has haunted me since I saw the movie back in the 1980s. It’s an old Appalachian murder ballad (apparently, that’s a genre), most commonly goes by the name “Down in the Willow Garden.” Also known as “Rose Connolly.” Good ear, Sirvalorsax!

[@mertzjd]

I know I'm way late to the the party, but two exemplars of classical saxophone vibrato that immediately come to mind are Gary Louie and Laura Hunter.

[@drwallysax]

Laura Hunter! I had her CD ages ago. She quit playing, became an attorney or something, right?

[@hugomontuori5696]

Hi Dr. Wally Wallace after about 30 year plus not playing anymore the alto sax at the age of 82 decided to buy a soprano sax to put some music in my life. I always heard that the soprano is not a sax to start playing, however considering the fact that was with the Alto decided to buy a Yanagisawa WO10 made in Japan. I love the instrument and the sound, knowing that the soprano very easely can go out of tune, I purchased a Clip On Tuner SNARK SUPER TIGHT pitch calibration on vibrating or with sensor microphone. As of now after 4 weeks of having it attached to the bell of the instrument any note I play on the instrument does not correspond on the tuner. What do I do wrong ? Thank you Hugo

[@ZipplyZane]

Just to be clear: are you taking into account that the sax is a transposing instrument? On a (Bb) soprano saxophone, every note is going to be off by a whole step. If you play a C, the note will actually be a (concert) Bb. If you play a G, you'll get an F. It's just how transposing instruments work. It allows you to use the same fingerings on any style of sax.

[@kmom0]

Holy crap this works. Thanks doc :-)

[@paulpontbriand]

I am a great fan of Jan Garbarek everything is special from his vibrato to his double tonguing concept if you can elaborate on this would be nice Thank you for everything you do!!

[@drwallysax]

I'm going to be honest, Paul. There's a lot of good stuff of Netflix and I don't have time to keep my double tounging up! Well, not to where I feel comfortable posting it on KZbin!

[@aarantsarangi6985]

Hahahahahaha super funny while being very informative ❤️

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Aarant! Can you tell my kids that, they just roll their eyes at me!

[@costasyiannourakos6963]

What about other instruments' vibrato and especially following the technics and melody's shaping of cellos and cellists of course.!

[@drwallysax]

I listen a TON to Hilary Hahn and many cellists. For classical especially, they have a very rich tradition we should study. Absolutely agree, Costas!

[@joshuahuff607]

It's interesting listening to different people describe it as 50/50 or something else and different opinions on what is going on

[@drwallysax]

Very true. Certainly many ways to play the saxophone (despite my tongue-in-cheek dogma). Sometimes even when teachers sound the same, they think/teach things in very different ways.

[@tperry5839]

The right way and the French way 😂😂😂🔥🔥🔥 love it

[@joaquinbarahona4091]

i really like the vibrato of johnny hodges but i dont know if the technique is this one. can you help me ?

[@scintube]

Luv that you mentioned Jugs vib...but for me it's the brute via the rabbit

[@drwallysax]

Hodges has the quintessential mid-century alto sound. It's divine.

[@scintube]

@@drwallysax You ain't no slouch yourself sir!

[@scintube]

So...I had the distinct honor of buying your 200th cup!

[@drwallysax]

@@scintube Awww, thanks my friend! I'm jittery, but awake and making more hot KZbin content!

[@emersonmandal8536]

Awesome vibrato lesson.Thanks a lot.You’re the best 👏👍

[@AceHardy]

✍️

[@markmontaquila3098]

Subscribed. Not only for quality content. You’re friggin hilarious!! 🤣🤣 thanks. 2-year beginner here. I’ll work on this moving forward

[@drwallysax]

Thanks mark, welcome to the Academy!

[@LapuertadeHal]

i do the electro cardio, how i can stop it? just more practice?

[@drwallysax]

Practice lowering the jaw very slowly - out of time. Aim for gentle drops in pitch. Go slow!

[@LapuertadeHal]

@@drwallysax Thank you very much! i love your channel!

[@drwallysax]

@@LapuertadeHal Thanks my friend, keep me updated on your progress!

[@LapuertadeHal]

@@drwallysax 👍

[@johnm3844]

What watch is he wearing at the 5:00 mark?

[@drwallysax]

That my, my friend, is a Lorier Neptune. It's a micro brand out of New York. Retro inspired dive watch and VERY reasonably priced.

[@aldotanca9430]

I love Sonny Rollins playing in Saxophone Colossus (I am not very original in my taste), including his vibrato in 'You don't know what love is'. I also love the use of vibrato by some Baroque players on tension notes and when tapering off messe di voce. But beside my perhaps questionable choices, let me bore you with a question you must have heard an hundred times and then some? On violin and cello the pretty constant advice for pitch vibrato is to do it up to the note, from below so to speak. On a fretted guitar, quite obviously, save amazing bending and intonation skills I do not possess, vibrato is always from above down to the pitch. On sax, quite curiously, I heard very contrasting opinions? Pittel, referring to Allard's teachings, instrcts to do it from above to the pitch. Others, including a French player and someone on my favourite forum (who also play cello), are adamant that it should be from below. Do you have a strong opinion about this? Tendentially I would do it from below, because it is common in some styles I like, and because I feel there is a strong parallel between reeds and bowed instruments, while they are very different of course in many respects. Also I suppose that like with the frequency, in a band or ensemble all musicians are better off doing the same thing (everybody from below or from above), whatever that will be?

[@MrDavidFitzgerald]

For the French cut away scene, did you grow, shave and regrow the moustache for each cut away or film them all at once?

[@drwallysax]

I use a stand in, Jean-Pierre. Good guy, good saxophonist.

[@jamieforjazz]

I love how Benny Carter used vibrato. I think Cannonball really picked up on that.

[@drwallysax]

Benny Carter had such an amazing sound - so much life and vibrancy. I need to listen to more of him. There's a record of him with playing "Cotton Tail" with Phil Woods and Coleman Hawkins, I adore that track (one of my first transcriptions). Happy weekend, Jamie!

[@j.a.rollins4953]

What about Johnny Hodges, a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra? He's-the best!

[@drwallysax]

He's one of my all time favorites. I have a video on bends where I specifically mention J. Hodges and teach his technique for those sultry scoops!

[@Sancholeniglo]

Your videos are so helpfull with nice sense of humor! As a French saxophone player I'd like to say : Bon... Bon !

[@jazzhomemade4219]

Hello Doc WW, and thanks a lot for your videos. Wanted to ask what do you think about the tongue vibrato, by saying “doy-oy-oy”. Would you suggest it or you think the jaw/vah vibrato is still the best way to learn it? Thanks a lot!

[@drwallysax]

Jaw my friend, jaw!

[@j.a.rollins4953]

And who can forget Sidney Bechet, the childhood prodigy from New Orleans (though sometimes his sounds sound like he's buzzing.

[@marydunn8513]

That is an electrocardiogram not an echocardiogram and that was a sinus bradycardia, slow but not broken.

[@drwallysax]

Mary, I kicked myself as I was editing the video. My wife is a physician, as are sooo many of my friends. Alas, fast talking saxophonist messed up the joke. May I assume you're in the medical field? Happy New Year!

[@SargentSaxMusic]

Just for clarification, am I still thinking and saying "voh voh voh" each vibrato, or am I thinking "voh, oh, oh,oh"?

[@drwallysax]

"voh" on every syllable, good question!

[@bryandickerson5365]

I hope that’s not a dis of Phil Woods in the Bud Shank comment. Also check out Fred MacMurray’s Alto vibrato on the theme song to ‘My Three Sons’......or not.

[@drwallysax]

I don't dislike Phil Woods - I just like Bud Shank better before he started sounding just like him.

[@phr0styphreez]

Jackie Maclean on Mal Waldron’s Left Alone

[@alexsandrosaxmin.delouvors9008]

Gostei!...🇧🇷

[@drwallysax]

muito obrigado!

[@igsekhar2160]

Vibrato works in begginner mouthpiece

[@drwallysax]

It does, yes.

[@igsekhar2160]

Sir we hav to loose our jaw and keep moving for vibrato.vibrato exercises

[@thewraith872]

It bugs me that I don't his jaw move up and down I always feel like I'm doing it wrong

[@charliefink1381]

I am trying to switch from years of air stream vibrato because no one taught me any better to jaw vibrato. Old dog; new trick. It's a process.

[@drwallysax]

Re-learning things is waaaay tougher than learning things right the first time. Stick with it, you got dis.

[@apistosig4173]

Hodges?

[@drwallysax]

Hodges.

[@apistosig4173]

@@drwallysax Johnny Hodges - first alto with Duke Ellington - a Buescher player

[@drwallysax]

@@apistosig4173 I gotcha. I was emphasizing your awesome answer. "Flirty Bird" off the Anatomy of a Murder is one of my favorite tunes he plays. Sooooo good.

[@scott6889]

I have also heard of tongue vibrato - is that just another way to do airstream vibrato? Also, if you are playing in a saxophone section and using vibrato, I assume that all players would have to pulsate the vibrato at exactly the same rate?

[@drwallysax]

Man, great questions Scott! tongue vibrato seems to be more of a brass thing - alters timbre slightly. In a section - similar speeds but not synchronized! you'll make the audience seasick!

[@williamgregory1848]

I just started learning how to do vibrato on my alto, but it still sounds like a cars engine not working.

[@drwallysax]

Time and air, you'll fix it ;)

[@willistaylor4077]

Where were the Autobots, Wally ? 😂

[@wapickle1]

I like Coleman Hawkins

[@drwallysax]

So warm, so full. I love Hawkins as well!

[@bill3837]

i have a slow vibrato. it needs to be faster

[@otissax]

Awww mister smith

[@insanejughead]

I'm going to invent my own form for vibrato. I'll just bend the saxophone as I play. First, I'll have to invent a rubber sax...

[@aaronrobinson9386]

Sidney Betchet

[@brucechamberlain5042]

Not to be picky but it was an electrocardiogram ... still bad news

[@drwallysax]

I caught that right after I uploaded! I know better - My wife is an ACTUAL physician. I'm disappointed with myself, Bruce.

[@brucechamberlain5042]

Saxophone Academy probably not as disappointed as I am with my many errors with the saxophone. I really enjoy your videos and your humor, thanks!

[@DynamixWarePro]

One of my favourites is Dr Eugene Rousseau and the way he uses vibrato here, especially in Stardust: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5bUamhum8-Ga8U

[@drwallysax]

Dave's Nature Productions Love it. My sax prof was one of Rousseau’s first graduate students. What a legacy. Have you seen his “steps to excellency” videos?

[@DynamixWarePro]

@@drwallysax No I haven't seen those but I'll definitely check them out. Eugene's style is similar to what I want for my classical playing.

[@drwallysax]

rousseaumusicproducts.com/discussions.html

[@DynamixWarePro]

@@drwallysax Thanks.

[@kennetheastman5703]

I always liked Dexter Gordon's laid back vibrato. Different but so cool.

[@drwallysax]

I love everything about Dexter's playing - totally agree, Kenneth!

[@valeriilukyan1493]

Bon😂😂🤌🏼

[@drwallysax]

Oui.......oui......

[@derekakien7379]

Use sparingly, just to embellish the melody. If you use Echo back off till you don't hear it. It is still there and thickens the sound. Unlike Getz Plays Bacharach And David - awful, awful, awful!

[@rapidevelo]

Poor Mr. Smith.

[@drwallysax]

He'll pull through, with enough vibrato exercises...

[@thierryroullier8401]

I have noticed this anti French sentiment in some of your videos. 😃

[@drwallysax]

Bit of a pushback against some classical dogma (residual grief from grad school). I love France, the French, and French musicians. The Vienne jazz festival may be my favorite place on earth.

[@jero2955]

vvvou