HOW TO PLAY SUBTONES ON THE SAX

[@rickgraham786]

Perfectly explained. Thanks again Scott.

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍👍

[@georgeluna7232]

Scott, I’m very self conscience about how I sound. My music is the one thing that I do for my own personal enjoyment and keep it to myself. Though I’m still not very good, your videos bring me so much closer to acceptable human consumption. Thanks, and keep them coming.

[@jameshowe8996]

After playing sax for thirty plus years I have seen a lot of sax books and videos and I have had countless lessons, you subtone lesson is the best I have seen. I hope you can get paid for your great work. James H

[@ScottPaddock]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

[@BurtStnner]

Your lessons are great Scott; thanks for the way you progress into each materials

[@Bobbobobobobob]

Amazing lesson as always! Thanks Scott

[@patheticsteam337]

Every time I search for videos to learn a new technique its always your videos that end up working for me. Masterfully taught and straight to the point, these videos help a lot.

[@ScottPaddock]

Thanks!

[@behnamdastjerdy9479]

Thank you scott. I suggest your channel to every person who wants to learn sax as easily as possible

[@ScottPaddock]

Thank you Behnam, that is very much appreciated!!

[@tonybelobrajdic4483]

I believe the best teacher out there.

[@abidpervaiz2517]

man you are doing a great service to beginners like me bless you

[@patrickrousset2612]

Thanks Scott. "Lover man", great jazzy standard I try to play often. I will apply your 4 advices. Thanks!

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Patrick! Yeah, it's a great tune, and dropping those notes down into the subtones really makes it sound bluesy.

[@patrickrousset2612]

Scott, when I play B and Bb, I have a non regular vibriting sound even with a steady air stream? with C is fine.

[@ScottPaddock]

Sounds like you've got leaks! Does it gargle?

[@patrickrousset2612]

No leaks, I m sure. No gargle neither. Actually, Contrarily to you recommendation, I need to take more mouthpiece to avoid these unwanted vibration. Maybe cause of my mouthpiece, it s a selmer S 90 170? same pbme with reeds 2.5 and 3. Curious? just to know, I use to play with just 5 to 7mm mouthpiece, no more. maybe not good? I tried to take more mouthpiece (>1cm), sound is less controllable.

[@jprnn]

First of all, thank you for your videos! I've learned more in a couple of hours, playing along with your videos, than months on my own! I find subtones really pleasing, and definitely something I want to cultivate in my playing. I took it as a challenge to try to find subtones in the higher register as well =D It's not the most "traditional" sound, but I really dig it. I guess it goes back to something you mentioned, when talking about finding ones own sound. Ultimately it's up to your taste, and how your sound makes you feel. Thanks again!

[@ScottPaddock]

Thanks! I'm launching an online sax school in the near future. Keep an eye out for it.

[@jameshowe8996]

Thanks for your help. You are a great teacher.

[@sabrinashea198]

love this! It explained some stuff to me that I was half doing and didn't know it so ended up getting it right away. Thanks again, Scott, you rock!

[@ScottPaddock]

Awesome! That's happened to me a lot in music over the years. Glad it cleared things up and made it easier.

[@marciojose9908]

Boa noite🌙 Mestre do SAX! Show de bola! Excelente aula de subtons! Parabéns Mestre!😊

[@johnchristie6186]

Very clearly presented. Nice job! JC

[@ALFKANTRADE]

Learning a lot from you. I self taught myself to play the sax and your lessons have improved my play immensely. Thanks Scott.

[@ScottPaddock]

Awesome!

[@djllamma4834]

zero dislikes! this is good quality dudes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@prithvisingh1984psk]

Best explained sir, thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@ScottPaddock]

😁😁😁 THANK YOU!

[@prithvisingh1984psk]

@@ScottPaddock sir its my great pleasure that you replied me . Thank you sir 🙏🙏🙏

[@martinpahnke9958]

Thanks!

[@Redwane-Music]

hi, any idea why I can't play low notes other that using Subtone and with double cushion. If I try the full sound with my teeth resting on the mouth piece, the notes just break or stay high. Actually I never learned how to play with my teeth resting on the mouth piece, and I hate it. please what am I supposed to do in this case?

[@vivianastridge2167]

Is it possible to play subtone using a double lip embouchure? if so could you offer some suggestions or advice or instructions? thanking you for your reply..

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Vivian, my advice would be not to play on a double lip embouchure. You lose a ton of control and sound production by having your top lip on the mouthpiece instead of the teeth.

[@coachwillridley1374]

Awesome 👏

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍

[@crazybunkum]

Cheers Scott. So clearly explained with beautiful sounding sub-tones. I’m off to practise with an old leaky sax now so I suspect this might be difficult for me right now. Inspiration to get that new Mauriat next week. (tenor) Any advice or model recommendations?

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey! I play a 66RX and love it. The 66R is really good too. Don't get unlaquered unless you like a sax that looks really aged. I prefer the dark lacquer but that is all personal preference. Let me know how it works out!

[@kittyhe2578]

Great, thanks.

[@vivianastridge2167]

Thank you Mr Paddock for your reply. Understandably I was disappointed. No one seems to use the DL embouchure. I started my musical education on clarinet and at that time it was the double lip embouchure that was used. I did not actually enjoy this type of embouchure with the lips stretched over the teeth. I did not particularly like the clarinet sound especially in the higher registers so discontinued and took up piano which I completed to performers grade. I was actively engaged in woodwind refurbishing from the age of sixteen and have been so engaged for the past fifty years . I took up tenor saxophone some twenty years ago and found the double lip embouchure allowed me produce the soft smooth sound that pleased me and all listeners greatly. I find the single lip embouchure produces the characteristic honking harsh brutal natural sound of the saxophone which charitably stated could serve as a form of acoustic torture. As far as has been possible I have learnt of only two performers who have used or presently use the double lip embouchure. One being the Master, John Coltrane and the other a contemporary French performer Paul Ennison.While I totally understand your inability to help out with my request could you at least let me know the type of mouthpiece and reed hardness. Or you could even give me the brand names of the mouthpiece and reed and I could check out Google for information. I use a Keilwerth Angel Wings tenor, Rico A7 mouthpiece and Rico 2.5 reed. I do most sincerely and dearly love the sound you have demonstrated in your video and feel sure I could give my front teeth to get out even a fraction of your most beautiful subtone sound quality.I would like nothing better than hear you on a full ballad in subtone.All the very best to you and thank you again for your most speedy reply.

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Vivian, I play a Barkley Brazil Kustom Pop 7 Blue (definitely not the most natural sub-tone mouthpiece... it's kind of edgy and bright). And I play Legere Signature 2.25 reeds with a BG Silver Duo ligature on a P. Mauriat 67RX Influence alto.

[@rafagxjunglezz]

Ty scott!😊

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍

[@russellduitman3474]

Is there a version of sub tones for higher notes so it’s easier in your ears

[@ScottPaddock]

No, subtones only work on the low notes. For high notes you can just play softer, but you can't get that fuzzy sound.

[@DrRocketTurner]

Thanks much! Very clear! Rocket 🚀

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍👍

[@soloDioshacealhombrefeliz199]

Wow you're great. I wish I could learn how to do this today

[@soloDioshacealhombrefeliz199]

What are the notes? I'm a little confused

[@patheticsteam337]

As stated in the video this technique will work best in the range of low F to low Bb, but can also work decently up to A.

[@janymikeptz1156]

Very helpful, thanks much!

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍👍

[@marissagarza3277]

What are your thoughts on bari sax

[@ScottPaddock]

Love the bari sax! It's my favorite instrument to play behind the alto. I need to some videos on it!

[@soloDioshacealhombrefeliz199]

How about the Conn 20M? that's the one I have.

[@bernardussamuel8445]

Hi Mr. Scott, I have some question about subtone. I use Vandoren V16 Reed size 2.5, I can reach low B subtone, but I can't reach low Bb subtone. By the way, how to fix it, thanks.

[@ScottPaddock]

The B is usually more difficult than the Bb. You may have a leak in your Bb key. If there is no leak try relaxing your jaw even more. But the Bb in general is more stable than the B so I'd have your horn checked out.

[@bernardussamuel8445]

@@ScottPaddock Thank you for the recommendation, Mr. Scott.

[@bernardussamuel8445]

@@ScottPaddock Mr. Scott, is the type of mouthpiece affect subtone, like baffle, tip opening, and chamber? Thanks.

[@saxman3336]

Thanks for excellent vid

[@ScottPaddock]

👍👍👍

[@KevinH-z3q]

When I try to subtone my pitch goes flat almost 50% ! I tried taking in less m/p. Not helping

[@Redwane-Music]

Why I cannot play low notes straight especially B flat , then C # and B but if I am coming gradualy from higher notes 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

[@ScottPaddock]

Check out this video I did on low notes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXSiJeNiNOimdE

[@vivianastridge2167]

is it possible to play subtones with a double lip embouchure . Ideally what should be the tip opening of the mp and whoa sore of chamber should it have.. I use a dp embouchure and am able to play soft and super soft but the breath sounds are totally absent. Can anything be done to get the true subtone as you have demonstrated in your video? Thank you.

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Vivian, I have no idea. I don't recommend double lip embouchure at all. It has a very limiting effect on how you can play and sound on a saxophone. I'd strongly suggest going with a traditional embouchure.

[@garymeroff3297]

Very nice it already helped me. I always had a tough time getting the low C B and Bb but, it has improved just now. What suggestions do you have to develop the low C B and Bb or sub tones in general ? Thanks !

[@ScottPaddock]

practice it. It all comes down to being comfortable moving the air a bit slower with a different shaped embouchure

[@garymeroff3297]

@@ScottPaddock Thanks ! it is getting better. It does help to do what you did in the video to alternate back and forth from full sound to subtone full sound to subtone...etc The subtones used to be flat but, they are getting nicely intune with practice. I guess the muscles develop and the control too so the intonation gets better

[@PrateekVarshney_PV]

On first attempts, I'm getting the higher octave overtone instead on moving the jaw down and back... What might be wrong?

[@ScottPaddock]

Tongue needs to be lower and move the air a bit slower. If you are using a hard reed or have leaks in your sax subtones are really tough!

[@wenghongwong5686]

what reed size do you recommend?

[@generalh1044]

You should use whatever size reed feels the best to you. The reed needs to give some resistance, but not so much that it makes it difficult to play.

[@wenghongwong5686]

Blocky_Games i feel very less resistance playing on size 3.5 of vandoren reed but gets tired literally after playing scales on size 4 of the same brand

[@ScottPaddock]

It depends on your playing level and your gear. But somewhere between a 2.5 and a 3 on cane is what all over my students play. Or a 2.25 - 2.75 on legere signatures. I play a 2.25 legere signatures. If I played on a size 3.5, I might be able to play half of one song before needing to stop. Haha.

[@wenghongwong5686]

Scott Paddock oh ok thanks! By the way, could you please do baritone sax videos!

[@vincegg5405]

If there’s a side view, it would be even better. Anyway, a great content. Really appreciate it!

[@ScottPaddock]

Thanks!

[@georgemonroe9683]

What strength reed do you use? Do you change strengths depending on what you play?

[@ScottPaddock]

I always use the same gear, and never change out unless I am playing classical music. I use a Legere Signature 2.25 for jazz, funk, r&b, pop, etc.

[@jackhsu8725]

is it just me or it's really hard to performed subtones on soprano?

[@ScottPaddock]

It's definitely harder! The lower the instrument the easier subtones are.

[@melb5996]

You definitely need a completely leak free horn or your notes could 'crack'

[@ScottPaddock]

For sure! Especially on subtones.

[@blackswan4486]

Scott Paddock almost the same as singing when your voice cracks and has “leaks”

[@jameshowe8996]

Thanks!