Alto Sax: High F#, Without an F# Key Options

[Kate]

It is possible isn't it?

I've come across pieces with high F#s in and tried to use an alternative fingering a book's given me, but I really am having no joy! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Are there any fail-safe fingerings that anyone knows?

Thanks! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Kate

[Kate]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) But I don't have a side F# key!

[TSax]

On tenor (and I think it works for alto) play top F using the front F key and use the side Bb key.

I've got an F# key and have been advised to use this fingering because it's more secure, good way in to harmonics etc. I have to admit I have so far ignored this advice since using the F# key is easier...

I don't think this is fail-safe though, once you've got to this point you have started with harmonics so all the throat position stuff comes into play. Maybe worth doing some overtone exercises.

[Saxophonist]

Whats the fingering for The G above the F#?

[Saxophonist]

ta very much!

[TSax]

There are quite a lot of alternatives. It depends on you, which sax (A, T, S, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) what type of sax etc, You have to put a fair amount of work in before the harmonics come easily (I've not put enough work in yet).

The fingering for G that works for me on tenor is LH: OK, 1, G# RH: top F# key
The A above that is LH: OK, 2, 3

I can't get the G# in between though.

Look at www.wfg.woodwind.org for lots of alternatives

[MattD]

F# to A
A# to C#
D# to D (the 3rd one above the stave!)

Hope that helps (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Kate]

Harmonics? Overtones? Throat position? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
I wanted to learn the sax as something less serious than clarinet and piano! I don't have lessons on sax cos I only have time to play it in the holidays. Ah well, it needs to be learnt I suppose!

I can't seem to get this harmonic, I've been trying the fingerings on the site you posted, MattD and they have been useful, thanks, but I can't get the note to sund, I can either get an unstable grunt, or a nice controlled squeak which I think is a C#! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) What a paradox! Shall I resign myself to being hopeless and blame it on my clarinet-ness?

[TSax]

It's not hopeless at all.

If you want to concentrate on playing sax as a less serious instrument than clarinet or piano, then choose pieces that don't go any higher than top F and concentrate on getting your sound and your intonation good in that range. If at a later date you want to explore a bit further then you've got a good basis for doing so.

I can get a couple of the harmonics, but not terribly reliably. I just add them into my long-tone practice, hardly ever use them when I'm playing, in fact don't really need to. I'm hoping that at some point they'll get more reliable and I can put some screaming top Gs/As etc into my solos, but that'll be after I've worked my fingers up to Charlie Parker be-bop speed!

[Kate]

It's not hopeless at all.

If you want to concentrate on playing sax as a less serious instrument than clarinet or piano, then choose pieces that don't go any higher than top F and concentrate on getting your sound and your intonation good in that range. If at a later date you want to explore a bit further then you've got a good basis for doing so.

I can get a couple of the harmonics, but not terribly reliably. I just add them into my long-tone practice, hardly ever use them when I'm playing, in fact don't really need to. I'm hoping that at some point they'll get more reliable and I can put some screaming top Gs/As etc into my solos, but that'll be after I've worked my fingers up to Charlie Parker be-bop speed!

Very good idea - I take your point, nothing goes any higher than this F# though, it's just so annoying that it's the one note that pops up everywhere. I suppose once I have mastered it it'll seem like its Gs everywhere. I'm going to give a harder reed a go next - I use 3s on clari and 2.5 on sax, but I only seem to get a grunty sound (not the squeeeek!) when I put too much pressure on it, as if I were playing the same note on the clarinet. It's worth a go, it's just so frustrating having to stop mid piece and sing because the rest works!

[Kate]

I managed to get half an F# today!
I played an F natural using the F key at the top (the one thats like the clarinet A key) and used the bottom most right hand side key and a half hearted F# pitched whistle came out before going "Grunt -Squeeeek" again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Someone is now going to tell me I am reading the fingering chart wrong and no wonder it doesnt work! Now I know a bad workman always blames his tools but.... is it possible there's something wrong with my instrument? I'm open to suggestions because it's highly likely that I am this 'bad workman'! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[TSax]

On tenor (and I think it works for alto) play top F using the front F key and use the side Bb key.

I managed to get half an F# today!
I played an F natural using the F key at the top (the one thats like the clarinet A key) and used the bottom most right hand side key and a half hearted F# pitched whistle came out

You're getting there!

The F natural using the F key at the top is the Front F key. The bottom most right hand side key is the side Bb key.

Now try really hearing the note in you head as you're playing it and put tons more air through the sax, don't back off because you're not sure it will work, really go for it.

[Kate]

Thanks very much for your help - It's getting there! It just frustrates me when I can get a good strong F, then as soon as I hit the side key it cracks and squeaks really loudly! Well, I suppose this is the point of practice...