Why the sax squeaks! Split notes. 🎶 Saxophone lesson/tutorial.
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- * Fancy a one on one tutorial? Ad hoc lessons available over skype from £55 per hour subject to availability. Contact sax@cheztaylor.london for details.*
I hope this video helps those frustrated saxers who are experiencing squeaks in their playing. It's common with beginners but can also crop up for more advanced players due to tension and other little quirks which are explained in this video. Hope it's useful. Thanks for watching!
Main points to take on board;
- moisten reed
- reed perfectly aligned
- ligature centralised & not too tight or loose
- Don't squeeze with embouchure
- Throat tension
- lack of Diaphragm support
- sealing fully with fingers
- is it's a new problem, there may be a leak. Worth getting your sax serviced annually
You can follow me at;
cheztaylorsax
cheztaylorsax
www.cheztaylor.london
www.fingering-c....
www.sax.co.uk
www.reeds-direct.co.uk
www.selmer.fr/categorie.php?famille=SELMER%20SAX
www.yanagisawasaxophones.com/saxophones
I'm a professional jazz pianist, and have never played any wind instrument, and your videos are very very helpful. Thank you so much!
Woohoo! So glad you liked them. Thanks for jumping on board team saxophone!
thankyou thankyou thankyou so much! i'm a beginner and i was really struggling but your tips really helped!!
ha ha! I do that with the finger and the reed as well, and if there's another reed player they will tell me off (!). it's an old habit and it never let me down, not even once. Thanks for sharing!
rania chrysostomou ha ha. Glad we're on the same page. Thanks for supporting the channel honey! Cx
Very helpful thanks!
New to the sax after many years playing guitar. Came across your channel. Love the tutorials and videos of you playing.
Thanks so much for getting in touch Mark! Glad to have you on the team! Thanks for your support. Cx
I play alto and tenor. I recently bought the tenor and it plays great except for the high g. I tried three other tenors different reeds and several mouthpieces. To one degree or another it does it on all instrument and mouthpiece reed combinations. Never does it on alto and sometimes I can play the tenor for awhile and it doesn't do it at all. Other times may do it multiple times in a row. Seems to do it the most with bach cello suite since lots of notes and fast passages. But I can play the alto through all of these with no squeaks. I use the same mouthpiece on both alto and tenor selmer c*. I even had the pads replaced with black roo leather on the active mechanism which for some reason seems to have improved it a bit but not much.
Frank Hicks I have this too. I think it's a notoriously squeaky part of the horn. G and G# both. If my embouchure is perfect it comes out good but it's really hard. Keep at it!
@@GillsDuTweeb it's gotten better. If I switch instruments too much like alto or clairinet in one day my embouchure is too lazy on the tenor. So I just play the tenor for longer periods of time.
This was really helpful for understanding (as a beginner) some of the nuances of playing sax! For instance I didn't know that where in your body the breath comes from makes such a difference to the sound. Or likewise how throat tension can alter the sound. I'm seeing how your body is really an extension of the instrument... (rather than just a basic source of air pressure).
Your exactly right and I'm so glad you found the video helpful. Hope there are lots of other useful tips on my channel for you. Thanks for supporting! Cx
Great advice!
Holy crap you are gorgeous. Good info too. This happens to me every now and then. Never realized it could have been tension in my body
Thanks so much for the lovely comments Justin and sorry it took so long to get back to you. Keep tooting! Cxxxx
Chez Taylor - Saxophone will do! I'm recording for the first time next week! I'm kind of nervous but it's a great opportunity!
I love the lamp in the beginning, I’d love to turn an old,name brand trumpet into a lamp.
My dad made it. He's such a legend right?!
I understand not a word. But the Lamp is a great thing.
Korchlingers World i agree
I am a beginner and do not squeak on the low range but I do on the middle range, why should this be?
Use the same Embouchure through your whole range
Thanks for teaching me sax goddess. 😍
Thanks, Chez. Very helpful videos, please keep them coming. I subscribed!
Woohoo! Fabulous news. Thanks. Cx
Thanks for the tips .BTW you are really charming.
Dear Chez, Thank you for your wonderful videos, which I have found most helpful.
I wonder if you can resolve a problem that has been confusing me?
Before I start playing, I tune to concert A. After about 10 minutes I have to re-tune as my sax has gone sharp.
I am told that this is perfectly normal as the sax has warmed up.
Herein lies my problem.
Normally, if something warms up, it expands. If a tube expands in diameter or length, it would produce a deeper note, i.e. go flat.
So how is it that a sax goes sharp when it warms up?
I am sure that there is a perfectly logical explanation for this but, at present, it eludes me as it appears to be counter-intuitive.
Can you explain this for me, please?
Enjoying the tutorials, thank you. Could you do a tutorial for Again never from Mo better blues? I'm a complete novice appreciating the helpful range of advice.
Thanks for the tips. I have a situation I didn't experience before. The squeak shows up in the high F# (alto sax) quite a bit but not if I use Vandoren Java #3 or Vandoren Trad. #3 but with Alexander Superial #3 reed which has a very thin tip and I'm wondering if there are some reed cuts that reveal a certain tendency of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is a Meyer #6 with a lot of table material removed because it was not flat and then it got back open to 5* (about 72 or 73/1000 inch) has a rollover baffle as a result of refacing. Both rails are equal as far as feeler gauge shows and there is no sign of squeak anywhere else. If I put a bit more mouthpiece in my mouth it works ok. I just didn't have to do such embouchure adjustment in the past. Even when I put less mouthpiece in my mouth, I never had that high F# squeak before with any other reed, and it is not a single reed defect because it happens to 4 out of 5 Alexander Superial reeds. It could be that they have a different profile for creating the reed cut and as a result it creates a very thin tip and it reveals the issue as a result. Can you please comment on that? Thanks.
You're definitely on the right track! I find huge variation with certain mouthpieces along with certain reeds. I suggest you try several different combinations. Do you have a local sax shop you could do this in? It's hard for me to comment on the best combo for you as everyones embouchure varies so much. You're best to try lots of stacatto notes - if you find a reed which sits nicely with your chosen mouthpiece you're onto a winner!
I love your accent! Nice personality, too. Subscribed :)
Bruno Neureiter why is your comment all the way here with no likes
thanks for the help
Pleasure treasure!
Sorry this is 3 years later but if you see this im an 11 year old alto sax player and i cant get my D F E in low botes please help and i squeel
I’ve only been playing about 7 weeks (I’m in my early 50’s) and have been doing quite well with my sound...until tonight. For Some reason, EVERY note is squeaking!! High, low, medium...I’m trying every single reed in my arsenal, changing my embouchure, standing, sitting....I’m nearly in tears! What happened?
Thanks for the video. I recently changed my mouthpiece from a D'Addario Select Jazz size 6 to a Vandoren Jumbo Java A45 (which is equivalent to a size 8). I never got any squeaks before and I'm not a beginner. However, with the larger bore opening with the Jumbo Java, I'm suddenly more prone to squeaks and have to play in a rather contained way. I can't play as freely as on my old mouthpiece. While I could switch back, I got the Jumbo Java because it's meant to play more like a metal mouthpiece and has a harder edge, louder sound and more aggressive tone which I wanted. But since I can't play aggressively with the mouthpiece but almost have to play softer to avoid a squeak, it somewhat defeats the purpose.
Any additional advice for controlling the squeaks on a large bore opening? I already do all the things you mention, but suddenly have this squeaking problem that I never had before, which can be annoying.
O bugger it.....just kidding...thanks for you spot on instruction.😉
Ha ha! No worries buddy. Thanks for watching the channel! Cx
You should act confident because you have the knowledge and the talent and the ability and you can play. Act confident you'll begin to feel confident and be less awkward. You're welcome.
Coleman Adamson I think that's a compliment... I think 🤔😆
Every time I play A and up on my tenor sax I can never get it out
Hmm...has anyone else played your horn? Do you know that it's definitely not a fault with the sax? Have you also checked out my other videos on notes splitting?; czcams.com/video/qPKDRee2Ne4/video.html
czcams.com/video/hunaVH4UNlE/video.html
Chez Taylor. Sax Thanks alot I followed the instructions and now I can play 10x's better.
Hi Chez- slightly advanced beginner. I was playing pretty good for a beginner. There seemed to be a lot of air coming thru the horn (alto). I had it reconditioned. He replaced some of the pads, but not all. When I tried to play the horn it was quite difficult. It seemed to need more air to create sound and I squeek anytime I play a high or low G. it is also difficult to play the lower notes. They now play as an upper register. I have to really manipulate my mouth a lot to get into the lower register and this does not always get me there. Then many more squeeks and more tension. I am beginning to feel about my horn the way people with computer frustration. Can you give me some ideas what is going on?
That's a great idea for a trumpet....:-)
my dad made it. He's a legend right?!
"AH AH AH" that's one way to start a video XD
I just got a curved soprano sax and its so hard to get the low notes either squeaks or gives a higher octave without me pressing the octave key but when I play with the octave key I have no such issue.
I think it's my reed that needs changing but a friend said it might be the neck of the sax that I should visit a repair shop. Please help what should I do
I am so in love xxxxx
Subbed ;-)
Hi!.. New to sax, Alto need to get repair, dropped it. Now I have my Tenor, not use to it, but played for an hour few days ago, it felt okay, actually nice. Back to it, squeaking ... D, E F.. and it's really abnormally ... I feel I am missing something, a pad that doesnt close or open properly.. I am not a great saxophonist but I know when someting is really wrong. I had sticky pads before, whicheI cleaned with gaz and store receipts.. Never I had sqeaks, It was just wrong... Any idea.. I changed reed, moved mouth piece, look at every pads and none seems to be sticky...
Merci and advance :)
"Get the hump" LOL
I need more help please! It is still squeaking
Wish I had seen this video when I was a beginner 😂😂😂👌
Lots of useful stuff out there for more advanced players. Hope youve managed to find some fun tips and tunes on my channel honey. Cx
What is this lamp everyone speaks of?
Focus the camera pls ..zoom in into instruments it will help us see what you want to show on that reed placement
I'd love to go into more details in these videos. Sadly they are incredibly time consuming as it is and my time is so limited as I'm constantly performing, practicing or recording these days! Thanks for the comment though, I'll take this on board where possible. Cx
I’m a beginning soprano sax player and I had a few more questions is there anyway to have a FaceTime lesson with you?
Sorry for the slow response Jenny. Let's def get a lesson in the diary! Want to drop me an email and we can schedule one in? I'm on sax@cheztaylor.london
Hey! Ive played say for a while and I'm first chair but sometimes when i play it extremely hard to get notes out when playing at low dynamics partly because maybe im nervous about using too much air and overwhelming the texture of the music. Also im going to be auditioning soon any tips on that? Thanks for the help :)
Liked and subed
Great questions hun. Re: dynamics it's all about support. It's kind of counter-intuitive, but when you play quieter you need to engage the diaphragm even more. If you can learn to play in subtone, czcams.com/video/e5YPda8GVUI/video.html this helps control and warm up the lower register. Re: auditions - have you managed to watch my video on dealing with nerves/stage fright? czcams.com/video/cVCVuJbT4Jg/video.html
Chez Taylor - Saxophone Thank you very much for the lightning response, will do!
When I know I am ready to play with other musicians?
As soon as you feel confident! Sooner the better really. I definitely developed my sight reading skills rapidly by being thrown into the deep end with various bands when I was a beginner. Good luck! Warmest, chez
Hi Chez....how to fix the stuffy middle d
Palm D key
Hello Chez! Thanks for your vids! I have terrible squeaking problems atm. I've played alto for a few years, and finally go the tenor I always wanted! New yamaha sax, so should be tight and all. But it squeaks in a way that my alto never did or does! Definitely to do with the biting, since the tenor require a looser jaw to begin with. but I just don't understand how to change it! How to think and what to try! And the tone often starts with the tiniest cut or squeak when I change tone legato, especially a slightly larger interval like fourth or fifth up OR down. And this is a second octave problem only. Any advice how to work with this?
Thanks!
Malin Ullberg hmm....tricky to comment without having heard you play honey. Have you considered a Skype lesson? I know they're costly, but as a one off it could be really useful if we can manage to crack the issue once & for all together... Cx
It could be your embouchure, as someone who plays alto primarily I can say that there is a huge difference in that department, alto is slightly raised and tenor is kinda tilted downwards in a way (it really depends how you hold it) it could also be that you need to push more air
If there’s a more attractive woman on this planet, I’ve yet to see her! Thinking of taking up sax again after a 40 year hiatus, just so I have an excuse to watch your vids! 😂😍
I think not....the hottest babe on the planet and such talent :).....
lan Moore. Yes she is very attractive which makes her videos even more interesting to watch.
This video is flawed, what is the point of presenting detailed information if you are too far from the camera for the viewer to see?
I found the biggest frustration was the entirety of this video. Get yourself a camera with a zoom or do what other teachers do and move closer we don't tune in to watch you😰
So !!!! basically its everything then lol
Ha ha! Best to cover all eventualities ;-)
Good answer ;0)
just checked you out,,and W WOW!! you have travelled.. :)
darren hill indeed I am a busy bee! One of my New Years resolutions is to stay home more this year 🙂🙃
Hope you had a great Xmas. Cx
the opposite for me,,I need to get out more.. and yes ! christmas was OK,if not for receiving the wrong piano that I bought for my daughter.(mini grand) our piano was delivered to Glasgow,and theirs to us lol laughing now but I wasn't too happy atall just 3 days before.
Love your tutorials but please move closer.
Is this so you can see the fingers better? I was thinking of putting a second camera on my hands for some songs, would you find this helpful? Cx
Chez Taylor - Saxophone yes! That would help a lot!
आम्ही नामााचे धारक
I don't understand I'm afraid. Do you speak any english? Cx
I want to marry you. Pls. Share more stuff like this. Subscribed to your channel already. :)
Ha ha! Thanks beautiful. I tried marriage once - he ran off with some fluesy within the first year. Turns out, marriage ain't for the faint hearted ;-) More videos coming your way soon my lovely and thanks for supporting my channel. Cx
Chez Taylor - Saxophone 😂
great lamp! Shame about the video. You're speaking so fast and so low I can't understand a word.
+Stephen Power I too adore that lamp! My father made it for me as a christmas present. Clever eh?! Sorry you found the video tricky to follow and thanks for your comment. Main points to take on board;
- moisten reed
- reed perfectly aligned
- ligature centralised & not too tight or loose
- Don't squeeze with embouchure
- Throat tension
- lack of Diaphragm support
- sealing fully with fingers
- is it's a new problem, there may be a leak. Worth getting your sax serviced annually
Slow the video down. Easy peasy. Normally I have to speed videos up because they are so slow I fall asleep. Chez is just fine.....and just fine.
Some slow witted listeners should try the tuba.
Not a problem for me but turn on subtitles if you need to. Too valuable to miss out on
Put some headphones on that's what I do and I can understand her very well. And she also looks very nice too.
Subject matter is important; but incessant natter isn't. Slow down, stop posing, fiddling with your hair and talking about cats and instruct .
Firebrand55 sorry you didn’t enjoy this free & friendly advice. My informal, conversational approach to these videos may not be for you I’m afraid - many of my lessons adopt this style. I hope you find a channel which is better to your taste & you continue to progress on the instrument.
I like that very polite reply!...trouble is I've just bought an alto and I'm having problems getting notes out of it, so I'm a bit grumpy. My apologies to you and I'll pay more attention to your instructive vids.