So far, there were a few 'steps' I had to go through to properly understand and play the saxophone reasonable well.
2) Learn to make a proper embouchure, then practice proper blowing to produce a sound
3) Learn to read music notes, then know how to match the fingering to the notes
4) Learn to play a piece with tone/feel/mood/soul
As for the reed I'm using, it's a Rico Alto Saxophone #2.0. Soft reed, easy for beginners.
Depending on the practice frequency, when the tone/pitch goes way off then it's time to change them. Have not been able to find plastic reeds around KL area though. Would be interesting to test them out.
Love your very informative blog! I juz started on the alto sax about 2 months ago, but I still can't seem to get that 'sweet spot' for sax embouchure!
ReplyDeleteWas wondering how long it took you to get the best embouchure? What works for you? I know there're lots of embouchure techniques out there and I'm currently trying the embouchure where the lip doesn't cover the bottom lip. Feels better than the common bottom lip cushion between the lower teeth and reed, because I tend to bite through my lip when I use that technique.
Thanks for the support. Hope I can help here.
ReplyDeleteIt did take me a while to get a right embouchure setting. Having a tutor helps in getting a proper and right closing. Its important to have the entire surrounding be sealed, with or without teeth on lips. Its just a matter of time until your lips are strengthened, and you'll then need to work on your jaws and cheek muscles.
I have my lower teeth below my lower lip. Initially it does hurt. After a few months, there's less of it because your lip muscles are strong enough to grip your reed without the need for bottom teeth support.
Do what works for you. Remember, everything takes time to work on. Consistently.
Also, try a thinner reed. Say #1 1/2 or #2. The Vandoren you have is a hard one, #2 1/2. Find a Rico #1 1/2 or #2, NORMAL type. Not the Royal, Reserve or Select range.
ReplyDeleteVandoren are better once you've worked on your embouchure and mouth muscles. Rico are easiest to get a tune out but not too good once you're more established.