Saxophone Low Notes | How to play low Bb

[@TheToneBender]

"So grab your horn right now" It's nearly 2 a.m. people are sleeping.

[@drwallysax]

DO NOT QUESTION MY METHODS!!!

[@zaxophne]

Not for long.lol

[@marydunn8513]

Thought that I was the only one up at 0200 watching sax videos🤪

[@_mickmccarthy]

"Hey what time is it?" "I dunno, pass that saxophone" "Okay..." *honk* "HEY SHUT UP WITH THAT SAXOPHONE! IT'S 3AM!!!"

[@dempseybarisax1648]

Low Bb practice at 2am, hahaha!

[@cheknfaks]

Starting with that low Bb sure does set the motion and makes a difference through the range. After practicing this, I am managing to play much smoother, cleaner and not all that vibrational over toning, stops and squeaks I've been getting. Thank you Dr. Wally!

[@normanski5074]

I wish I could spend a week with Dr.Wally, he could teach me so much. Unfortunately, I would leave him a quivering nervous wreck popping all sorts of meds, just to get through the day. Thank you for your content, both amazing and amusing.

[@drwallysax]

There is NO way you could take a full week of my dad jokes. You would be on meds. Thanks for the kind words, Norman. Hope you have a great weekend my friend.

[@julielv5300]

you and me both!

[@almostasaxplayer]

@@drwallysax yeah, not with that attitude... ;)

[@jazznutz]

Been playing a long time and still have tone control issues. It's great to return to solid fundamentals. Thank you so much!

[@drwallysax]

Fundamentals are where it's at! Hit me up with questions and let me know how I can help. Happy practicing, Trinchera!

[@billwoods6508]

Another great video Dr Wally, I now play low B Flats for a few minutes to kick start all my practise sessions and I already notice a big difference in my tone, my embouchure and my confidence of hitting those notes on my baritone. My family are getting a little tired of the fog horn though

[@drwallysax]

Ha! My wife starts slamming doors when I do zero and overtones. She feels your family's pain! Glad you're seeing improvement, keep me updated!

[@Jenbateman74]

It’s so strange as a former bass clarinettist who loved the low notes, I’m now viewing d,c and b with trepidation!

[@drwallysax]

Yup! It's the conical bore! The clarinet has a lovely cylindrical bore, makes the low notes so lovely. I'm always surprised by how little air it takes to play low on my clarinet (and how horribly I sound altogether). Welcome to the wonders of the saxophone! (hit me up with questions)

[@kisoki2]

He answered all of the comments..... HE IS THE CHOSEN ONE

[@drwallysax]

Do I get cool robes, or something now? Maybe like a staff?

[@kisoki2]

@@drwallysax hopefully sir you will be getting an millon sub placket soon enough;)

[@robertmitchell2884]

By chance I came across one of your videos and was captured by the interesting and pertinent information you provided. I appreciate your dry sense of humour and find your instructions to be clear and very useful. Of the many music instructional videos available on the Web, I consider your videos to be the most useful and professionally done. Keep up the good work!

[@drwallysax]

That's incredibly kind, Robert. And judging by your picture - you are a man of incredible taste! I do love David Lynch.

[@eddyhoughton6542]

I never thought of applying the four principles of marksmanship to playing the horn... 1) The weapon must point naturally at the target without undue strain. Well applicable to the sax and embouchure. 2) The hold and position must be strong enough to support the weapon. Yep. Or in this case the sax. Like it. 3) Sight alignment must be correct. Well, in this case, I guess that means your instrument should be set up right. OK. That's applicable. 4) The shot must be released and followed through with no disturbance to the position. Definitely applicable to embouchure and breath control. Thanks for that, you've taught me something today!

[@drwallysax]

I was fascinated by the whole process of learning marksmanship. The entire reason I call exercise "zero" that is what I learned "zeroing" the sights on the range. The Army spends gazillions in research and consulting for the best training methods - I took a lot away from my experience in basic training!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

@@drwallysax Did you remember to call Michael? ;-)

[@drwallysax]

@@eddyhoughton6542 Well now I feel guilty. Happy Thanksgiving Eddy!

[@daltonfreire6328]

Very nice tips! I agree with one hundred per cent of them! I'm allways saying those things to my students, but I don't try to make them play the low Bb in the early classes. But I think I'm gonna try now. This video is perfect for that purpose, and I'll translate it to Portuguese, to my students! Congratutations!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks very much Dalton! Let me know how it goes with your students. Have a great weekend!

[@pas0003]

I LOVE your presentation style. Clear, brisk and to the point, with a sprinkle of dry humor here and there. Thanks!

[@drwallysax]

That's most kind, thanksGRoss!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great video Dr Wallace, what an informative video. I hope all is going well my friend. Stay safe out there and happy practice.

[@drwallysax]

Likewise Samuel! Have a great weekend!

[@juniorpaz2726]

Magnífico !!! Vou praticar esse exercício!!! Abraço meu amigo.

[@stephenrose9154]

Love your videos and your music - I just have trouble getting my head around the suit

[@drwallysax]

I teach saxophone, not a Zumba class.

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Incredible video man! Even though the concept is the same, would love to see you play som low B flats on the tenor back there. It takes more power and maybe you could give us some expertise on that as well? Thanks so much fir this channel!

[@drwallysax]

That's definitely a good idea! I'm home alone with two young kids during the pandemic, so practice time is crazy limited, but when the vaccine hits and my state re-opens - I'll definitely do more tenor demos. Have a great weekend!

[@dennischacko499]

Great video excited for what's to come

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Dennis, I'm excited too! I've been dreaming up this course for years, hope you find it as helpful as I have!

[@mrsandbergmusic]

You had me at "low notes." This is exactly what my college professor told me. Sonny Rollins was known for warming up with low Bb for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

[@drwallysax]

I'd never heard that, thanks for sharing! it's meditative and fun for me, I should probably find another hobby...

[@tsumeristudio639]

So that's how he became such a colossus!

[@Craig2760]

For the first 20 years playing the saxophone, based on my first two teachers, overtones and descending legato octaves was the path to sound and control. Well, when I was finally introduced to calibrating the emboucher to low Bb, things dramatically changed for the better. Wish I knew about Exercise Zero decades ago, it works. I’ve been using it with my students. Thanks!

[@drwallysax]

that does my heart good, thanks Craig! I was in my 30s before I re-thought about my fundamentals. Have a great weekend my friend!

[@thebritandtheyank3821]

A good friend and player described Sonny Rollins doing the low Bb thing at a 48th street store in NYC to check-out what he was looking for in terms of a horn with great resonance and tone. HOWEVER, Sonny certainly never looked as if he had a "set"

[@Saxmandu]

You are saxophonist super man 👍️❤️🇳🇵

[@wallimjamm]

Thanks, beginner here🖐 finding it hard to get the low Bflat to sound in the corre t register unless I work my way down to it

[@drewkearns8045]

I just want to say that in addition to your awesome music-stand-side manner, that half the fun is reading these comments and your hilarious and witty replies. I’ve been following several Sax teachers but I think I have decided that you shall be my go-to professor. Respect ✊

[@michaeltaylor-lo4xx]

Very insightful. Also possibly the best attired Sax player.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Michael. I always say: if you can't sound good, at least look good. Happy Monday my friend.

[@jonnobloggs1139]

The best way to play a clear and precise low b flat with consummate tone and resonance is to remember to take your sock out before blowing .

[@BeachBoi1000]

Lol😂Dr Wally…😂😂😂 “His fine but I keep forgetting to call him”…

[@drwallysax]

We talked this summer, he's going great!

[@vivianastridge2167]

I take it that you are a doctorate musicologist . I have searched most or perhaps all of your videos on the production of subtone on tenor but have not found any. Do you in fact have a video specifically devoted to this technique with specific references to type of mouthpiece with its various parameters , type and hardness of reed, details related to embouchure and all other aspects that must be considered with the production of the subtone. If you do have such a video please give me the link . Thank you.

[@chrisconley7181]

"You might just poke your eye out." I knew I recognized you from somewhere! How's that Red Ryder BB gun treating you these days? ^_____^ Appreciate the video!

[@drwallysax]

Peter Billingsly grew up all hunky. I stayed nerdy.

[@AaronTMartin]

Great points, Wally! Hopefully you have no prior experience with falling down stairs while attempting to thread a needle:) To this day I still have to reign in the unconscious urge to physically shift when starting off on a low Bb (especially on tenor). Keep up the great work, and thank you, as always!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Aaron, and great to "see" you man. Every now and again I practice in front of a mirror (or record myself) - I need to be reminded as well! Happy weekend my friend.

[@petegalindez9961]

So, I own 3 altos and a tenor…my altos are a YAS-62 mark 1, a Selmer Series III, and a Selmer Mark VI; my tenor is a YTS-82z…I have absolutely no issues all the way up and down the horn for the Series III. Low Bb comes out as easy as any other note. ALL my other saxes I have trouble with that low Bb…even after having my horns recently serviced and checked for leaks, etc…what gives?

[@Redwane-Music]

Why I cannot play low notes straight especially B flat , then C # and B but if I am coming gradualy from low note it's ok I am trying to play saxophone now for more than 6 years, same fricken problem. I feel like just throwing it, especially when I am told that you have to spend $100 to repair a sax if it needs it can you answer my question please , or anyone who can help

[@whatdidhesaysaxophone1253]

Whenever I need a little bit of sax in my life Dr. Wally shows up

[@drwallysax]

a TON more saxophone stuff coming your way, T-Ling! Hope you're well! Happy weekend my friend.

[@oliverkollas4526]

You can't have enough sax

[@drwallysax]

@@oliverkollas4526 My student loan debt would disagree. Happy Monday my friend!

[@mprenn1547]

My trouble is articulating a soft, airy low B-flat (or anything below a low C). I can slur down to it, even with a lush subtone, but to articulate--it's always too honky for me. What I'm after is those big soft lows, like Sam the Man Taylor would get and you can hear this on his recordings. I'm puzzled as to how he did that so cleanly...

[@SC-lc7cs]

Hi Doc. thanks for this. It's just a cool and useful lesson. I wonder why I am rather good with low Bflat but I struggle much more with the B.. Yesterday I even check mechanics or pads but it looks ok.. who knows..

[@Also_Ran]

Maybe I'm missing something obvious. In the 80s those of us who took band (be it marching, jazz or whatever, basically any kid in the music dep't) were called Wallies by the other kids. You're probably like yeah mate that's the point. But I haven't heard Wally for a band person in 40 years, so, well done.

[@Zamten]

New sub here, revived an old tenor of mine. Self taught on sax and lows notes are my greatest weakness. Came across your video and certain things made sense, using the Bb to test your embouchure. So I will be practicing in the next couple of hours using your tips, looking forward to see the results. Will update as well and do pray i have finally found the solution :D

[@drwallysax]

Good luck and keep me updated!

[@Zamten]

@@drwallysax Ok, i get an overtone Bb or overtone F. When I let the air out a bit gentler, the 1st overtone comes out.I kinda have to play around with voicing to get C# out. :( with the horn as i am typing this; i can hear it want to come out but..... UPDATE: I think i didnt have the throat open enough so it comes out without the tongue but shoots to the 1st overtone with tongue. Guess it's practice, but so far so good UPDATE: Decided to call it a day but after some relentless practice, those Bb notes are coming out on the fly xD. Took a bit more mouthpiece in with a more open throat and the low notes are sounding at will BUT i can't start it with the tongue x.x I can tongue after i start it with my breath but......no luck with the tongue

[@larrylenard4284]

Hello. I have not played classical saxophone in 40 years. the low Bb does not speak but jumps to the first harmonic. I have a Selmer mark 6 tenor with a Selmer C* and a Vandoren 2.5 reed. Do you have any suggestions?

[@richardelsam1656]

Dr Wally thank you for your videos I find them fun and inspirational. My problem with low B flat is the fingering with my left hand. I’m 75 and my fingers aren’t as flexible as they used to be, I also have fairly small hands. Is there any advice you can give me or should I take up the drums. Richard in the UK

[@bro_liv]

Hi! Really enjoy that attitude and sense of humor! Quick question, do you approach subtones the same way? I'm playing on a student tenor and that low Bb is a struggle (although getting a bit better over time)...

[@thosewho10]

I've try changing the mouthpiece, the reed, look at my fingering, my embouchure, my tongue, and really i couldnt have nothing for sound except a kind of squeaking sound, I was able to have it clearly before and suddenly nothing, I started to think it might be something on the instrument itself which went off, is it possible????

[@ChefAlto]

I sill can not reach the low Bb.. 😂 Very difficult...

[@raleighparker9396]

I just found your channel pretty awesome Im akeyboardkeyboard guy I can read music etc. but I’m taking up the alto sax now Thanks for your help.

[@sleeptil3]

Something else that REALLY need mentioned is that low Bb is the note on the sax that, out of all of the others, most critically depends on a properly maintained instrument. Every single pad is used, and a leak on any one of them makes the note very hard to speak and may make the newer student feel like they'll "never get it" even if there embouchure is perfect. I remember the first time I had my sax tuned up in a shop, and I was astonished at how easily my low Bb spoke when I got it back.

[@Maximus92400]

I'm the hammer man. Because of you no more bell will ring in the area😉 A big thanks to have point this defect, only one try on it but I definitely level up. But I wonder why you are the only one the explain this... They all talk about tongue attack!

[@v06106]

Thank you, Dr. Wally! Is there any video that shows us how to position our lips for low notes and high notes?Much appreciated!

[@xrgiok]

Amazing level of details and depth. As a complete beginner I appreciate your work a lot sir!

[@daniel_cizmar]

im still laughing at that joke u made in the mutes video. "its dr. Wallie u little piece of-"

[@drwallysax]

It's Wally with a "Y" you little....

[@daniel_cizmar]

@@drwallysax AHAHHAHAHAHAHA

[@kjell-akeapell3285]

I,m a beginner,this episod was a lot of talking.A bit difficult to follow.

[@costasyiannourakos6963]

What if you are being accompanied by a 340 HZ A, or even Lower piano tuning? What happens to our low Bb then? How do we deal with this reality?

[@ramonhardcastle8556]

n you show me how to sound like Eddie Lockjaw Davis Or Johny Griffin.Bell notes on the tenor are hard to play like these guys.

[@louismccoy3067]

Having quite small hands the biggest problem I have is actually reaching the Bb Table Key cleanly

[@chitranjansingh9501]

Hi Can u pl xplain how to play Bb flat! Makes it far more easier if explain in the figuring chart!

[@Redwane-Music]

playing loud is easier on low notes, what about playing soft, meaning quiter without bothering the neighbors. I can do that with the higher notes

[@benplatte9330]

Thanks for this lesson, it really helped me out. I have one question though. Every time I play low Bb, my fingers are pressing very hard onto the buttons, so much that my hands hurt after half of Exercise Zero and I have to stop. I also tried to press less, but then no tone was coming out of it. I dont think that theres something wrong with my sax, because its not that long ago it has been in maintenance. Any suggestions of what I should change in my playing?

[@EmmettAsinas]

Doc, for some reason, the low tones on my Alto flutters. Starting with low C going down.

[@negovei1]

Great video!. How come The G on my guitar ( Low E string 3rd fret ) does not match ( in frequency ) the G on the Alto Sax? Thanks !

[@ohimfinnadie]

alto sax is transposed to Eb, so an Eb scale is written as a C scale on alto music, while guitar is concert pitch, all the notes are written how they sound.

[@nigelmyers5502]

The Bb workout on Bari is for real. Never tried so hard to slur to and from low Bb

[@drwallysax]

That's a lot of air!

[@AlejandrodeSouza]

Essential lesson! Does the same principle apply for soprano sax? Thanks .

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely!

[@paoloalbano4690]

A great video again.. many years ago I developped my sound on the tenor just playing long notes down there, from low Db to Bb... I wish I had your hints, so technical and accurate. Thank you again !!

[@drwallysax]

That's great to hear, Paolo! Have a great weekend my friend!

[@Fidex2]

I really like how you say "go practice" after each lesson🤣

[@chelsabailey1018]

Hi Dr. Wallace! ❤️ your Sax Academy vids!!! Thanks SO MUCH for posting them. Am just getting back into the sax and want to master the lower and altissimo ranges. Strangely enough, I can do the altissimo notes better than I can the lower notes. I'm REALLY STRUGGLING with those!!! I'm doing my best to keep the same embouchure for ALL of the notes, but it's NOT working for me. Do you think I just need to practice more or do you think it's the size of my reeds (rico 2.5)?!? Please advise.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Chelsa! Unfortunately, that's a very difficult thing for me to answer over the internet! could be a leak, could be embouchure tension, could be incorrect voicing. (or, could be reed strength). Sorry, but it's impossible for me to diagnose via youtube comments :(

[@sitarnut]

Dr Wally.. I'm subscribing today...it's my 2nd time to watch...you've won me over... Man-alive, you're like a walking, talking, expert - playing Oxymoron...dressed and looking like a bank manager you deliver the goods with such correctness, and HUMOR...barbed wit and are just plain funny.... and don't try to tell me you don't have Gary Larsen cartoons in your house... I won't believe it.

[@drwallysax]

Every Christmas - for YEARS and YEARS, my parents would give me the Larsen Far Side calendar (those pull off 365 kind). I'd have memorized them by the end of Christmas Day. But I take issue with "Bank Manager" - I CLEARLY am going for "used car salesman in the 1950s." Thanks my friend.

[@Redwane-Music]

thank you for clarifying how the tonging is done while the other people pretending to teach it and spend hours on that topic, don't explain it right and end up giving the wrong information, shame on them really

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Red, I really appreciate that. Have a great weekend my friend.

[@charlietrevathan-tier3024]

dr wally! i'm a 14 year old saxophonist and i have a question - what way should the ligature be? i have some friends who have the screws(?) of the ligature facing down, and others have it facing up! what works best? what's the right way?

[@drwallysax]

Hi Charlie, great question. The screw placement depends on the ligature. Older stock ligatures, the screws go on the bottom. Some modern ones are "inverted" and have the screw on top. Easiest way to tell - the screw head (part you turn) should always face to the right!

[@PEFK]

i play bari sax that has a low A. Would I then start on a low A instead of a Bb

[@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942]

I find that I'm struggling with this on baritone sax. I try to produce a sound with just air but either nothing comes out or I'd wish that nothing came out to say the least. I'm also trying to learn an etude from Paul DeVille (Number 4 from the "Twenty Studies" section) and The transition from D2 to F1 makes an unpleasant sound. It's a little disheartening to experience this as I've been playing tenor for a long while but I'm beginning to realize more and more that the bari is a separate beast. Do you have any advice tailored to this issue or will just the stuff in the video be good enough? Thanks a ton btw!

[@drwallysax]

It's really tough (as you can imagine) for me to diagnose without seeing you play in person. (sadly, the downside of virtual learning). My guess would be 1. possible leak 2. embouchure tension 3. voicing too high (oral cavity not open enough). As for the D2 to F1 - that could be a problem with secondary octave key not closing in time - finger coordination issue. Good luck and keep me posted!

[@freshlysqueezedaesthetics2942]

@@drwallysax Thank you, I will consider these things in my practice and I'll compare both horns to see if the issue is mechanical.

[@TheLincMiller]

It makes me so satisfied that the metronome in the intro lines up with the music

[@drwallysax]

Ha! My therapist says she doesn't like labels, but has "no problem labeling me obsessive." Happy practicing my flightless flock in transport!

[@maguffle]

I started playing sax in 5th grade. I am basically self-taught because my school district was pretty well-to-do and the expectation was that we would all get private lessons. My parents didn't get me those so most of my learning came from band class. Believe it or not, I didn't learn tongueing until high school! I was using my air stream to separate notes. I was taught the concept of tongueing by a classmate who was flabbergasted to learn that I didn't know how to do it. (He's a music professor now btw.) Anyway, by sheer force of will and a little talent, I graduated High school and one of the best sax players (I was a bari guy). I played all through college, but only in marching band and other sport pep bands. Nothing that really challenged my so I would say I peaked in high school. I graduated from college in 2003! I stopped playing for YEARS but now I'm getting back into it. My question oh wise professor, is when should I place my tongue on the Reed when tongueing? I remember friends back in the day that cut their tongues on their reeds. I want to avoid that if possible. Thanks for reading this (if you do)...and thank youbfor these videos. They're a big help. P.S. sorry for writing so much. I'm a pastor...which means I'm long-winded! Lol

[@drwallysax]

I wouldn't worry about cutting your tongue, I've never seen it happen! As for how much - as little as possible to stop the reed from vibrating. It's different for everyone, but for most: an inch or so behind the tip of the tongue touches a tiny sliver of the tip. Eugene Rousseau has a great video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHnQn6l3bM2MkLc

[@maguffle]

@@drwallysax thanks! And that video was very helpful! Eventually, I'll have to ask you about double tongueing...but not quite yet.

[@saxfish]

< Priceless Knowledge Doc. Thank You !¡! >

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Mike. Happy practicing my friend!

[@RelPangan]

why its so hard the sound is vibriationg

[@oliverkollas4526]

Hi, thanks for the great videos! I recently switched from clarinet to saxophone, and your lessons help me a lot. I have a question about the tongue movement: do I touch the Reed from the bottom or from the front? I always moved the tongue up because it felt more natural, but some clarinet teachers told me to approach the reed from the front. I'm confused.

[@drwallysax]

Welcome to the Honk-side, Oliver! You should tongue the tip of the reed from whatever angle your tongue naturally touches it when saying "doh". Generally, it's a half inch to an inch behind the tip of your tongue. But everyone's tongue/mouth is different, obviously. Good luck and keep me posted!

[@aceofdiamonds1285]

Another brilliant video from someone who knows what they’re talking about and makes every concept fun and entertaining. Thank you again Dr Wally

[@drwallysax]

that's very kind, thanks Ace. Lots more in-depth concepts coming very soon (with a huge boatload of free exercises). Have a great weekend my friend.

[@aceofdiamonds1285]

Thanks 😄 you too

[@Jerfish1]

I’m 37 days into my saxophone adventure and which my instructor would spend 30 ins just on embouchure instead of ‘play this and I’ll duet’. Inconsistent, tired jaw, sometimes ‘feels’ great and other times I’m beating the reed/notes and my lip/jaw into submission to get them right, with a big jaw drop to keep the low notes from overtoning on my Jean Paul TS400 Tenor with Yamaha 5C mouthpiece and 2.5 Java ZZ reed. Now, I’m going to 1). Learn the fingering for low Bb and 2). Get my embouchure calibrated to it and springboard from that for the rest and 3). Hope for the best! Thank you for your videos!

[@reginr]

"His fine, I just forget to call him" That was HILLARIOUS! Greetings from Okinawa Japan!

[@drwallysax]

Hello from sunny North Carolina!

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

Navy School and 15 th army band

[@costasyiannourakos6963]

How do you deal with your low Bflat if you are accompanied by a 339 hz or lower piano tuning where you will be forced to move your mouthpiece to the almost outer end of your sax?

[@drwallysax]

For concert work, I use a ring/donut mute to lower low Bb. It works wonders! Great question.

[@blendedblindblue]

Excellent , clear and very helpful advice from Dr. Wally! One question regarding articulation: how can I maintain "back pressure column of air" while stopping the air flow with the tongue ? Meanwhile, thank you very much for your informative and uplifting videos!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks! The back pressure just means keeeeeeep blowing while your tongue is resting on the reed - so when you remove it, the reed vibrates immediately. Make sense?

[@blendedblindblue]

@@drwallysax Thank you very much!

[@MrDavidFitzgerald]

I find that I need a tighter embouchure in the higher octave. Should I tighten my embouchure on low Bb to match? Or, if I should stay loose all the way up the horn, what variables could I play with to sounds the high notes properly (air stream? Throat?). Thanks!

[@bastiaananthonie]

Wauw , that was an eye opener , thanks Wally. I just joined your Academy and am now jumping from KZbin to the Academy site as it happens clicking the links in the starter course. I have been playing for many years (started in i guess 1994), actually most self taught incl some months of lessons. Yet as a multi instrumentalist, school music & music therapy and breath / voice trainer i got the hang of it fairly easy and have practiced various methodes over the years (started with Berklee online and books). This what i now learned from you rely have not heard from anyone else and it make Perfectly Sense. So i will start practicing for sure. Kind healthy music greetings from out of Finland from a Dutch guy :-)

[@baddognobiscuit2]

I have no idea if you still check in on this channel but I'll comment. I started sax at 80 and waffled around with other instruments. Going full on sax and backing up to your fundamental stuff to correct some sloppiness. Your detail is exactly what I need. Thank you! If you hear some sour notes, that may be me. Hoping to see progress by September.

[@quickref]

Whenever i get tired now and use too much pressure i go to low Bb to reset my Embouchure. Really helps. Also my exercise zero improved already.

[@drwallysax]

Fantastic - you used it exactly as intended!

[@txsphere]

Dr. Wally studied with Michael Hester? Hester's recordings, in particular his performance of Desenclos' Prelude cadence et finale made me fall in love with the classical sax. I didn't even dig the alto before hearing that.

[@Greebstreebling]

I've been playing (well that's what I call it) the sax for three weeks now. I've watched too much youtube content and far too many about embouchure. So this vid is refreshing as it states that the embouchure does not change except in minor ways, whereas I've seen stuff that says the opposite and one famous sax school that proposes that a Clarinet embouchure should be used, which I would suggest is incorrect unless you want to lose your lower lip. I will try out what's suggested in this vid and perhaps it will restore my enthusiasm for learning the sax. :)

[@haiquoc2013]

how do you play vibrato on these low notes on Saxophone?!

[@drwallysax]

Same way as any other register - undulation of the jaw!

[@andrewgarland3805]

Exercise Zero is so helpful! Thanks Dr. Wally for another great lesson. I'm a beginner, but I was able to hear some improvement in my tone the very first time I worked the exercise. I've now been at it for about a week and I'm already seeing noticeable improvement in the lower & middle registers. I'm still having a little trouble shifting quickly from the upper register back down to Bb, but I'll get there.

[@ninjalightning2631]

How low can you ?😀😀😀

[@Caglarsax]

You Are absolutely right.Low B flat speeds up the higher register but quality sax matters

[@lukas72703]

❤

[@owenwalter451]

I play very loose and open throated up and down the horn and my low Bb ends up about 10 cents sharp compared to all other pinky key notes. Any suggestions?

[@drwallysax]

Voice it down, but for classical, I use a donut mute. Good to see ya Owen, have a great weekend man.

[@marcdeckard7064]

The a#/b flat as a calibration point really works! Possibly the best playing tip I've ever encountered. Thanks!

[@oluwakemiituen2737]

Do you guys think he wears pants?

[@drwallysax]

Respect my privacy

[@morphojazz]

It is hard for me to play Bb low volumen (pianissimo)

[@drwallysax]

It's difficult for everyone, that's the beauty of the exercise - it works on control and mechanics of playing! (you're not alone, Fabio)

[@morphojazz]

@@drwallysax thank you sir, you are so kind !

[@alangreen2774]

good humour and also easy to understand. Love it. Alan GB

[@colemclellan4188]

ha *grabs bari sax FIRST TRY!!!

[@drwallysax]

Niiiiiice!

[@notjoebiden9517]

Dr. Wally! I’m a senior in high school getting ready for college & getting started in music education! Any tips as a saxophonist going into college?

[@drwallysax]

Practice hard, but enjoy the experience! Listen more than you play, and practice more than you check social media. And above all else, don't switch to a performance degree! Music Ed is the way to go (my undergrad was in Education as well). Good luck and keep me posted!!!

[@wids]

Lmao Make sure you call Michael soon..

[@drwallysax]

Wids! Good to see you man. I keep forgetting....

[@prestoernesto2280]

Hey.. first of all..great tutorial! But I have a question.. i want to do quick changes or tremolo with the low b and d flat note...on my left hand I have to roll my pinkie finger fast forward and backwards over the rollers. Everytime I try that..there's a short C in between. Is it even possible to do it fast? Or maybe there's a trick. Greetings from germany

[@drwallysax]

You're going to break a finger. I've never had a reason to do that, is there a specific musical passage that calls for it? Greetings from sunny North Carolina!

[@elijahvaldivia3729]

Just play bari hehehe

[@drwallysax]

Happy honking my friend.

[@nlgasudbury5210]

How important is mouthpiece in making sure your embouchure is correct? Being a beginner I have a 4c. Does your mouth size, teeth positioning (Anatomy) contribute to different mouthpieces etc? Thanks Dr

[@drwallysax]

Great question - it does make a difference, but not much. The 4C is an EXCELLENT starting mouthpiece, you should have no problems!

[@thebritandtheyank3821]

....thing going on with his chops.

[@drwallysax]

True, some very fine jazz legends move their embouchures quite a bit. Most of my students need help finding the base line embouchure, from which later we will make minor adjustments to address idiomatic inflections.

[@MrRawnerves]

Love your analogies. To compared the mechanics of marksmanship firing to proper embouchure wow brilliant. I’ll give you another analogy. Many years ago when Tiger woods decided to completely change his golf swing people in golf said why. He was the most successful golf player in the world why change a swing that had won tournaments. Because he realized that his swing was not mechanically correct. Remembered he didn’t win a golf tournament for several years after the change until he finally succeeded in mastering the swing and began winning again. Then the media praised him as the best of the best. The same way many of us have problems with our embouchure but are not willing to change because we have spent years playing with the one we developed and changing would be like a total waste of time. Well you convinced me I’m going to change . Thanks for the lesson.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Richard, golf swing is an EXCELLENT analogy to embouchure! You're right, we often avoid the tough change that results in immediate challenges, but could result in big gains down the road. The same was true for me with learning jazz by ear and transcription - tough long process, and I sounded terrible for a loooooong time. But now I actually improvise, instead of regurgitating patterns learned in books. Happy practicing my friend!