Jeff Schneider: Great altissimo tip acquisition method approach. Even though I adore and admire altissimo gymnastics, and am pretty decent at their grasp, for/to THE KNOCK-YOU-OUT CRITIC: Altissimo [over-use] not necessarily the greatest saxophonist make. Angelo Dundee was the greatest trainer, coach and boxing instructor despite not being able to defeat any one of his trainees; that was NOT his role or objective. He was one of the greatest at what he had assigned himself to do - and so are YOU. Great advice and encouragement, Jeff!
I'm really happy you mentioned the fact that fingerings aren't a big part of the note. I've practiced altissimo a little, well too much, and I get asked the question "what's the fingerings for altissimo?" and then I go on to a rant about how they don't matter. Love the videos, Jeff.
i never get more than 2 octaves with the overtones series... it's absolutely imposible from that point on. And, i just can't get the palm key overblown altissimos (B C C#)... i've been stuck with this for a long time now.
+Jeff great advice on the overtones, I also do lot's of longtones. Your so right about the tone of the Altissimo notes, I also look at the intonation of each fingering. I don't have a real need to play Altissimo but I have been able to get G, G#,A,B, Bb, C, C#. The F# is proving to be a hard egg to crack.
Jeff, I have a question regarding overtones. Fingering low Bb, I can play the first two overtones from the fundamental, but when I try to sound high Bb, it becomes a struggle to stop the pitch from going back down to F. My question is how can I play the third overtone (two octaves from the low fingering) cleanly and unlock the overtones above it?
I’m having some trouble with altissimo (particularly G), where the notes come out way too many octaves up. Do you have any advice after practicing overtones?
You should put up some recordings of you playing a gig or something! You sound amazing in your intros, but at the moment I think that's the only time we get to hear you play, and it would be nice to know more about who we're learning from, musically.
In college I learned a great tip... simply sing the altissimo note you want to play, keep your throat the same, and play the note /overtone into your horn. Really I find to get the nicest sound, you need your throat to be on the same note singing, that you are playing. If you ever watch Sanborn close in live videos... watch his throat as he plays. It is unreal.
Great point about not using too much pressure. I know I'm guilty of squealing out a few high notes without really practicing them enough, and they just sound gross. :-D I'm going to work on the overtones, and see how that helps. Thanks!
I hear this advice often, about practicing overtones, but what is actually happening? Is it the speed of the air that ultimately helps with the altissimo? What are you doing physically as you ascend through the overtone series? What is happening with your embouchure muscles, tongue position, etc.? If I am able to play through a series of overtones, do I assume that I'm doing it correctly? I just discovered your postings this week and I really like what you are doing here. Thanks for all the advice!
It´s the video about altissimo that I liked more, and I´ve been watching a lot. May be I would added some info about the physical setup, for e.g. about the tip opening or the reeds hardness. However, congratulations!
In my experience, the mouthpiece is an important factor in producing clean and reliable altissimo. My favourite mouthpiece is an Otto Llink Tone Edge but altissimo isn't its strong point. If I switch to a high baffle mouthpiece, altissimo sings really easily. Because, like Jeff altissimo is not something I use often (above altissimo A anyway) I stick with the Link because I get the sound that I prefer. However, my point is that after much (I mean weeks not hours) practice if you find altissimo is still inconsistent and it's important to you, it may be worth experimenting with different mouthpiece/ reed combinations. I'd be interested in your thought on this Jeff : )
Jeff, thanks for your lessons and inspirational videos. This has helped me alot. I've just learned the overtones and have a pretty good control over them. I still don't understand what overtones has to do with altissimo. Are you able to the altissimo G for example by keeping the fingering of G2 and then do the overtone thing? Thank you
Hi Jeff.!! Yours sincerely, Beto Medina from Peru. !! I would like to ask you how I can make so that my sound does not sound so legatto and that I can dream of separate and articulated notes like the burrows. Which is the correct way to be able to separate the notes and that sound of traditional way as the tocas. ?? Thank you very much in advance for the answer.!! regards.!!
Jeff, what fingering do you usually use for an altissimo G? I use a B, bis, G#, Bb side key, and high F# key combination that is easy enough to finger, but doesn't tend to speak very well.
Do you play other sax's such as Tenor or C melody? If not, what do you do for songs that go below the Alto range? (or are just famous for being played on a different horn.)
Hmm i dont get it too much? I just heard of altissimo, so is it playing a fingering without the octave key or with? And then just going higher pitches?
Don't choke the reed with your bottom lip. Also, try playing the desired pitch with the actual fingering, and then quickly switch to the overtone fingering mid-note.
Altissimo range depends on what mouthpiece I have? (Sorry for my bad english) I bought a Jupiter AS 700q Sax. It came with a mouthpiece, can I reach altissimo range with that mouthpiece?, I mean, all range?
Thanks! I will try with my new Dukoff D8 Super Power Chamber Mouthpiece... If I can get the sound first... I jumb from 0.065 to 0.085 :S hahaha Greetings! Thanks a lot!
Definitely my favourite comment: "I know enough to be dangerous." Question: I can only get about three overtones on my bottom Bb. How do I manage to extend the range, I cannot seem to crack it
How do you get better at the overtone playing? I can play some altissimo but not very consistently and can't really do the overtone series. Can get the octave and 5th sometimes the next octave.
Throat position is very important. For overtones and altissimo, constant and consistent airflow is essential, and this can only be accomplished by opening your throat, the same is if you were to sing your lowest note possible
IAmMrBen im also just beginning to learn my altissimo (I still can't hit a g tho) what's helps for me is biting more of the mouthpiece and blowing with my mouth and throat as if I were saying the letter "q"
I have really good altissimo. (Up to g above the first altissimo g) but I can't really play overtones that well. I can get the first octave sometimes and the fifth all the time but then I skip all the way to the third above the 3rd octave. Why is this?
No octave key! I don't know 100% for sure what he did, but I highly doubt he used it. The point in Practicing overtones is to get your mouth used to getting different sounds with the exact same fingering :)
"I don't do a lot of altissimo, but I know enough to be dangerous" ... the modesty
Lol I loved when he said that lol 👍🏽
+Charlie Pitcher hahah It sound kinda douchy when I listen back now. More play, less talk next time :)
***** Didn't mean to mock you, keep it coming man!
Jeff Schneider:
Great altissimo tip acquisition method approach.
Even though I adore and admire altissimo gymnastics, and am pretty decent at their grasp, for/to THE KNOCK-YOU-OUT CRITIC: Altissimo [over-use] not necessarily the greatest saxophonist make.
Angelo Dundee was the greatest trainer, coach and boxing instructor despite not being able to defeat any one of his trainees; that was NOT his role or objective.
He was one of the greatest at what he had assigned himself to do - and so are YOU.
Great advice and encouragement, Jeff!
i like that you introduce you video with a nice riff
I'm really happy you mentioned the fact that fingerings aren't a big part of the note. I've practiced altissimo a little, well too much, and I get asked the question "what's the fingerings for altissimo?" and then I go on to a rant about how they don't matter.
Love the videos, Jeff.
+schneidercorn I hear ya! Thanks for watching.
your knowledge of music is amazing
+nr3rful Thanks! I've been at it a long time.
i never get more than 2 octaves with the overtones series... it's absolutely imposible from that point on.
And, i just can't get the palm key overblown altissimos (B C C#)...
i've been stuck with this for a long time now.
+Jeff great advice on the overtones, I also do lot's of longtones. Your so right about the tone of the Altissimo notes, I also look at the intonation of each fingering. I don't have a real need to play Altissimo but I have been able to get G, G#,A,B, Bb, C, C#. The F# is proving to be a hard egg to crack.
“Upwards and onwards into the stratosphere" great video
Jeff, I have a question regarding overtones. Fingering low Bb, I can play the first two overtones from the fundamental, but when I try to sound high Bb, it becomes a struggle to stop the pitch from going back down to F. My question is how can I play the third overtone (two octaves from the low fingering) cleanly and unlock the overtones above it?
I’m having some trouble with altissimo (particularly G), where the notes come out way too many octaves up. Do you have any advice after practicing overtones?
Silver Sax
Here this is what I used and I thought it worked perfectly, so if it helps: th-cam.com/video/H7MkMvfJfnc/w-d-xo.html
That's really impressive. I struggled with accidental overtones when I started learning May, 2016. I'll have to give this a go. Thx!
You should put up some recordings of you playing a gig or something! You sound amazing in your intros, but at the moment I think that's the only time we get to hear you play, and it would be nice to know more about who we're learning from, musically.
I will post more videos of me playing going forward. You can hear some older clips on my playlist "Playing Jazz"
In college I learned a great tip... simply sing the altissimo note you want to play, keep your throat the same, and play the note /overtone into your horn. Really I find to get the nicest sound, you need your throat to be on the same note singing, that you are playing. If you ever watch Sanborn close in live videos... watch his throat as he plays. It is unreal.
Hey Jeff could you do a video on tonguing? different tonguing techniques for different rhythmic feels etc
Yes! Stay tuned. Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks a lot Jeff. I want to ask if the type of reed you use can affect the overtones or the altissimo pitches. Thank you
Awesome! Thanks for the video and fantastic advice!
My pleasure, Farrin!
Great point about not using too much pressure. I know I'm guilty of squealing out a few high notes without really practicing them enough, and they just sound gross. :-D I'm going to work on the overtones, and see how that helps. Thanks!
I like the design of your ligature, what is that ligature?
I hear this advice often, about practicing overtones, but what is actually happening? Is it the speed of the air that ultimately helps with the altissimo? What are you doing physically as you ascend through the overtone series? What is happening with your embouchure muscles, tongue position, etc.? If I am able to play through a series of overtones, do I assume that I'm doing it correctly? I just discovered your postings this week and I really like what you are doing here. Thanks for all the advice!
Throat and tongue position. Stomach to create air pressure... Variations with these
That moment when i always repeat what you play in the beginning of the video! :D
Keap it up Jeff, you are doing an awesome job!
Thanks for the support, Julian!
Does reed strength play a role in determining whether you can reach altissimo notes?
It´s the video about altissimo that I liked more, and I´ve been watching a lot. May be I would added some info about the physical setup, for e.g. about the tip opening or the reeds hardness. However, congratulations!
In my experience, the mouthpiece is an important factor in producing clean and reliable altissimo. My favourite mouthpiece is an Otto Llink Tone Edge but altissimo isn't its strong point. If I switch to a high baffle mouthpiece, altissimo sings really easily. Because, like Jeff altissimo is not something I use often (above altissimo A anyway) I stick with the Link because I get the sound that I prefer. However, my point is that after much (I mean weeks not hours) practice if you find altissimo is still inconsistent and it's important to you, it may be worth experimenting with different mouthpiece/ reed combinations. I'd be interested in your thought on this Jeff : )
Jeff, thanks for your lessons and inspirational videos. This has helped me alot.
I've just learned the overtones and have a pretty good control over them. I still don't understand what overtones has to do with altissimo. Are you able to the altissimo G for example by keeping the fingering of G2 and then do the overtone thing? Thank you
Hi Jeff.!! Yours sincerely, Beto Medina from Peru. !! I would like to ask you how I can make so that my sound does not sound so legatto and that I can dream of separate and articulated notes like the burrows. Which is the correct way to be able to separate the notes and that sound of traditional way as the tocas. ?? Thank you very much in advance for the answer.!! regards.!!
Great description!
Thanks, Garrett!
What reed should I use to reach altissimo notes ?
Jeff, what fingering do you usually use for an altissimo G? I use a B, bis, G#, Bb side key, and high F# key combination that is easy enough to finger, but doesn't tend to speak very well.
I use B and G on the left and F and D on the right. Check out google for other options. There are many!
Try left hand 1 3, right hand 1 3 side Bb
Do you play other sax's such as Tenor or C melody? If not, what do you do for songs that go below the Alto range? (or are just famous for being played on a different horn.)
+Chris Nowak I play tenor and soprano, as well. But if I'm on alto, I'll just play the tune up the octave! No biggie.
Thanks Jeff, Please, is there any video on Altissimo for Soprano? Iv searched everywhere! Can you please help?
Hmm i dont get it too much? I just heard of altissimo, so is it playing a fingering without the octave key or with? And then just going higher pitches?
I can get up to a high F for my B flat overtones. Any tips for getting higher?
Don't choke the reed with your bottom lip. Also, try playing the desired pitch with the actual fingering, and then quickly switch to the overtone fingering mid-note.
Altissimo range depends on what mouthpiece I have? (Sorry for my bad english)
I bought a Jupiter AS 700q Sax. It came with a mouthpiece, can I reach altissimo range with that mouthpiece?, I mean, all range?
Andres Felipe Lillo Rojas
I believe a mouthpiece doesn't matter but a mouthpiece with a baffle is bound to be more helpful
Thanks! I will try with my new Dukoff D8 Super Power Chamber Mouthpiece... If I can get the sound first... I jumb from 0.065 to 0.085 :S hahaha Greetings! Thanks a lot!
Thank you so much dude I've been trying to gain access to those pesky altissimo notes
should I be able to play overtones on D fingering(saxophone)?
Yes, technically you can play overtones on any note!
+Jeff Schneider ...rip
try watching this video in slow motion, its kindof funny
Kwameth popping open the side Bb key can help for the D-A overtone
Definitely my favourite comment: "I know enough to be dangerous." Question: I can only get about three overtones on my bottom Bb. How do I manage to extend the range, I cannot seem to crack it
How do you get better at the overtone playing? I can play some altissimo but not very consistently and can't really do the overtone series. Can get the octave and 5th sometimes the next octave.
Hey Jarod, lots of trial and error. Have patience, experiment, and it will come!
Throat position is very important. For overtones and altissimo, constant and consistent airflow is essential, and this can only be accomplished by opening your throat, the same is if you were to sing your lowest note possible
An open throat position will also go a long way towards giving you a full, rich sound
How do you call the technique?
GREAT TEACHING!
Thanks! I appreciate it.
I have a hard time getting over the 5th on the overtones any advice to break out over the first f
IAmMrBen im also just beginning to learn my altissimo (I still can't hit a g tho)
what's helps for me is biting more of the mouthpiece and blowing with my mouth and throat as if I were saying the letter "q"
Emerson Chao thanks I will try that.
I have really good altissimo. (Up to g above the first altissimo g) but I can't really play overtones that well. I can get the first octave sometimes and the fifth all the time but then I skip all the way to the third above the 3rd octave. Why is this?
what was that music at the end?
+PaddieFunk Just a little diddy I wrote!
did you using your octave pin when you do overtones in your low Bb?
No octave key! I don't know 100% for sure what he did, but I highly doubt he used it. The point in Practicing overtones is to get your mouth used to getting different sounds with the exact same fingering :)
No octave key, Ardi. Let me know how it goes!
do i hear al-tee-ssimo...?
hahah
Yeah as an Italian it's funny to hear his accent
I keep getting low-pitched, dying duck noises... Any help?
good!
+punching walls Thanks!
talk about good reeds to buy.
Tuning, any time you're ready...
That's my problem, I pinch waaaay too much
FUCK ME I NEED TO PLAY F# AND G TOMMOROW FOR SCALE BFLAT MAJOR FOR MY SCALE TEST IN 2 OCTAVES
Altissimo with a same key? Never heard of that..
al tee see mo
al tiss eh mo
5 people obviously can't play altissimo.
It's al-tis-i-mo not al-tees-i-mo