Greg I've been being taught saxophone for 13 years, throughout school and college, and no one has managed to teach me the great basic essentials like you have. Thanks.
Hi Velotron, Glad you enjoyed the video. I use the bis key about 90% of the time. To me, it's the best thing about the saxophone key system, versus a clarinet. What a great key! If you have my Hip Licks book, play lick #26 using only the bis key. I actually call that lick the "bis key lick." Greg
On another note, I bought the hip licks volume 1 for iPad. I'm new to Jazz improvisation and it is so helpful. If I can get to be 5% of your ability I will be so pleased. Keep the TH-cam videos coming they're so helpful. D
Thanks for the tip. I tried holding a pen in my right hand and gave me an even better feel of the horn. I play Yamaha saxes that already feel great. The way the keys are aligned is so great it took me no time at all break all of the bad habits I had. The pen trick took the feel of the horn to a different level. Thanks again.
Can't wait for more.I picked up the horn exactly a year ago this week.Your clips were some of the first i followed as soon as I got the basics down.Now I'm copping Bird,Coltrane,Lester,Konitz....and when I'm stuck,I go back to your clips.Ill be waiting with open arms☺️
bis key! My favorite key on the horn. I use it about 90% of the time. You could almost remove the side Bb from the horn, and I wouldn't miss it much. My educational web site is being icompletely redesigned, and I will have exclusive video lessons on the new site for subscribers. I just filmed a full 10 minute video on the use of the bis key, with lots of great exercises for using the key. The new site will launch by the end of April 2013. Check it out when you have a chance. Thanks! Greg
Great tutorial Greg! I like your point about finger pressure. I find that when you press harder on the pearls you actually tense up your throat. A good test I use for students is to get them to place their thumb and 1st finger together gently, sing a note, then press harder. You can hear the change in their voice, therefore a change in tone on their horn. Looking forward to more videos!
Great video, and thanks for throwing down the bis key love. I had some lessons this year which suggested using side Bb more often, but I still love the bis.
Thanks Greg. Great tips, made me rethink 30 years old fingering! The left hand pencil trick does not work if you have raised palm keys (the Surgu raisers) Keep it up!
thx man....this vid and the one with the "Bis" key did a major shift to my technique. Orderd hip licks 2 days ago, hope to see more vids about techniques.
Alex, What is your question? I had no response planned to the comnent "Omg lol," but I'm happy to answer a specific question pertaining to this educational video. Best Wishes, Greg Fishman
Will, it's the same lick for alto. You'll just sound a fourth above the tenor. With the Hip Licks books (and all of my books), the rhythm section transposes their part, so all saxes read the same printed part. This ensures that every lick and etude lays perfectly on the horn. Just order Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1 or get the iPad alto version of the book. It's lick #61 from the "Hip ii mi7b5 / V7b9 / i mi licks page." Here's a link to the Hip Licks app: Alto version: itunes.apple.com/us/app/hip-licks-for-alto-saxophone/id804076436?mt=8
Wow ! The sax is not a piano ! Loved it. Guess what ? I am ordering my copy tonight " hip licks" I just started working on Jazz phrasing vol2. Awesome book.they are all awesome study materials.keep up the good work my friend Thanks again Jide
Emmanuel Akintayo These concepts can ALSO be applied to the piano; instead of punching the keys to get more volume, the pianist can simply apply more arm weight through the fingers, resulting in less finger stress and movement.
Thanks for the kind words, James. Please check out my latest educational project...a video lesson course with over 165 lessons plus detailed practice notes: gregfishmanjazzstudios.com/membership-welcome/
Greg - just happened to find this video (you’ve got a treasure trove out there!) and it’s fantastic - paired with the e-book version of hip licks, which must have come well after you recorded this ? Anyway, “working” while I’ve got the chance, tough life between travels! And can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given to the community... best, Mark Olson
Hey Greg, I've been using your hip licks book for a while. I noticed you have an iPad app you should consider making the app available for iPhone as well, I have my phone on me much more often than my iPad. Continue the great work, all the best!
Hi Justin, glad you're enjoying Hip Licks. The problem with the iPhone is that the screen is just too small to read the full pages of licks. I thought about trying to make it scroll, but in tests, it was simply too distracting to have the music constantly scrolling. I decided to just go with the iPad format, which works well, rather than compromising the reading experience by trying to fit those pages in such a small screen. I'll keep experimenting with more ideas to get the app on the iPhone. For now, though the iPad version and the print edition are the only formats for the book. Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Edward, Glad you enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you'd like to try a Skype lesson sometime. If you enjoyed this video, you'll love the lessons. Best, Greg
Hi Greg, I am a beginner saxophone player. I'm using the alto saxophone. First i will like to take saxophone lessons from you (but i'm in Nigeria) and second i will like to buy your Hip Licks but i'm using a samsung galaxy tab.
Hi First thanks for all videos. They are really great. I'v' got one question: i tried to move my fingers as you say, and i feel it's a very serious way for imporving speed and precision. But i also feel it's changing something in the sound itself: the fact that the finger is accompaigning the key when you open the key seems to give some control on the sound because it make the move being different than if just letting the key open without the finger touching it...it's softer, and transtition from one note to the other seems better...I'm not sure of this, it's an impression...Do you feel this also?
You're exaftly right! Playing this way gives you more control over the sound. It also makes everything sound smoother from note to note. It takes a lot of patience and practice to play this way, but it's worth the effort. Have fun with it.
Contrary to your remarks, all of your fingering technique points apply equally to stringed instruments, such as, guitar, bass, violin, mandolin, etc.. In fact, even the volume point applies, since the stringed instrument is, for the most part, fingered with one hand and the tone is initiated (plucked or bowed) with the other.
Great. Stay with it. Practice slowly. Make sure there's no tension in your hands. Very relaxed. Please let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. gregfishmanjazzstudios@gmail.com
Greg! i have a question!. When you use the upper register (D to F), the fingers tend to get out of touch with the keys....because youre raising the hand to get to the F. could you explain what is the best -technically correct- way to play these notes?. Thanks!
Hi Rodrigo, Practice holding your high D palm key OPEN while still feeling the pearl of the B key with your index finger. It will feel strange at first, but after some time, you'll get used to the feeling. Once you're comfortable with that, start focusing on keeping your A key down, as well. Finally, see if you can keep all three fingers down -- do the fingering for a G while adding the high D palm key. Next, do the same exercise, but also add the high Eb key along with the D palm key. Finally, add the third palm key, the High F (add side E with the right hand, as well). Some people definitely need palm key risers to make this work. If you have a lot of space between your hand and the palm keys, order a set of palm key risers. Runyon makes them. They've very inexpensive. I use a riser on my high D key on tenor. My alto doesn't need it. Every horn is different. Good luck! Let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. I can help you with all of this. Greg Fishman
great answer I really learned a lot on this lesson I have your book and this is the first time I used it I thought it was too advanced but this was an awesome practice in technique
If you enjoy my teaching concepts, please check out this short video in which I describe the concept behind my latest book, The Lobster Theory by Greg Fishman
+Sigma 4 Hi Sigma, that was licks 61 and 62 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone. The book is available on amazon and also on my site: www.gregfishmanjazzstudios.com
Hi Greg, your lessons have really inspired me to record my own video lessons! I have just started recording saxophone video lessons on my page, if you have a spare moment would you mind checking them out and giving me some feedback?
oladugba michael Hello Michael, I'd be happy to teach you, but I don't play soprano. I would play tenor during the lessons. You can send an email to greg@gregfishmanjazzstudios.com and we can schedule your lesson. Looking forward to working with you. Best, Greg.
I can't believe so many players bad-mouth the bis key. I try never to use anything else, unless necessary (which is VERY rare). I can't imagine how the heck everyone would play F#Maj triads without it, at anything faster than a glacial pace.
I'm with you. The bis key is one of the greatest innovations of Adolph Saxe. I did an entire video tutorial on the way that I like to use the bis key: Saxophonist Greg Fishman shares his system for the bis key I think that some people try and slide to/from the bis key, instead of rolling or pivoting to it, and that's why they think that it's a bad choice. I think of the bis key as my "default" Bb and the side Bb as an alternative when needed. Glad you're enjoying my vids. Greg
Greg I've been being taught saxophone for 13 years, throughout school and college, and no one has managed to teach me the great basic essentials like you have. Thanks.
Glad that the tips helped! A lot of these things are simply about getting a "feel" for the horn, so that you know when you're lifting off of the keys.
Hi Velotron,
Glad you enjoyed the video. I use the bis key about 90% of the time. To me, it's the best thing about the saxophone key system, versus a clarinet. What a great key! If you have my Hip Licks book, play lick #26 using only the bis key. I actually call that lick the "bis key lick."
Greg
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you're enjoying the books. Please stay in touch.
Best,
Greg
Thanks, Jide. Glad you're enjoying my books. Many more in the works!
Love you sharing the piano story...makes sense to me and made me smile..God bless you Greg Fishman and thanks
Steve Pethel
Hi Musicallizard86!
Glad that you're enjoying the books!
All the best,
Greg
On another note, I bought the hip licks volume 1 for iPad. I'm new to Jazz improvisation and it is so helpful. If I can get to be 5% of your ability I will be so pleased. Keep the TH-cam videos coming they're so helpful. D
Thanks for the tip. I tried holding a pen in my right hand and gave me an even better feel of the horn. I play Yamaha saxes that already feel great. The way the keys are aligned is so great it took me no time at all break all of the bad habits I had. The pen trick took the feel of the horn to a different level. Thanks again.
Hi Mr. Fishman, I really enjoy all of your books and you have been a big inspiration, as well as a great person. Thank you!
Can't wait for more.I picked up the horn exactly a year ago this week.Your clips were some of the first i followed as soon as I got the basics down.Now I'm copping Bird,Coltrane,Lester,Konitz....and when I'm stuck,I go back to your clips.Ill be waiting with open arms☺️
bis key! My favorite key on the horn. I use it about 90% of the time. You could almost remove the side Bb from the horn, and I wouldn't miss it much.
My educational web site is being icompletely redesigned, and I will have exclusive video lessons on the new site for subscribers. I just filmed a full 10 minute video on the use of the bis key, with lots of great exercises for using the key. The new site will launch by the end of April 2013. Check it out when you have a chance. Thanks! Greg
Great tutorial Greg! I like your point about finger pressure. I find that when you press harder on the pearls you actually tense up your throat. A good test I use for students is to get them to place their thumb and 1st finger together gently, sing a note, then press harder. You can hear the change in their voice, therefore a change in tone on their horn.
Looking forward to more videos!
Great tips. Thx
Great video, and thanks for throwing down the bis key love. I had some lessons this year which suggested using side Bb more often, but I still love the bis.
hey man I enjoy ur book jazz etudes, the licks are so smooth and effortless thanks a lot
Thanks Greg.
Great tips, made me rethink 30 years old fingering!
The left hand pencil trick does not work if you have raised palm keys (the Surgu raisers)
Keep it up!
Glad you're enjoying my books. Many more in the works! Thanks!
Very nice video. Thanks man!
thx man....this vid and the one with the "Bis" key did a major shift to my technique. Orderd hip licks 2 days ago, hope to see more vids about techniques.
Thanks, Johan. Glad you're enjoying the videos. Please stay in touch.
Very,Very helpful to my practice routine .im loving these videos
Hi Travis,
Glad that you're enjoying the videos. More in the works...
Alex,
What is your question? I had no response planned to the comnent "Omg lol," but I'm happy to answer a specific question pertaining to this educational video.
Best Wishes,
Greg Fishman
Hi Greg, excellent explanation, thanks for the video.
Very good information Greg.
I will work on this for sure.
great! just watched my first of your videos and became a fan. thanks a lot and keep on the great work!
Greg is the best!
Will, it's the same lick for alto. You'll just sound a fourth above the tenor. With the Hip Licks books (and all of my books), the rhythm section transposes their part, so all saxes read the same printed part. This ensures that every lick and etude lays perfectly on the horn. Just order Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1 or get the iPad alto version of the book. It's lick #61 from the "Hip ii mi7b5 / V7b9 / i mi licks page." Here's a link to the Hip Licks app:
Alto version: itunes.apple.com/us/app/hip-licks-for-alto-saxophone/id804076436?mt=8
Thanks, Dane!
Wow ! The sax is not a piano ! Loved it. Guess what ? I am ordering my copy tonight " hip licks"
I just started working on Jazz phrasing vol2. Awesome book.they are all awesome study materials.keep up the good work my friend Thanks again
Jide
Emmanuel Akintayo
These concepts can ALSO be applied to the piano; instead of punching the keys to get more volume, the pianist can simply apply more arm weight through the fingers, resulting in less finger stress and movement.
best educator
Thanks for the kind words, James. Please check out my latest educational project...a video lesson course with over 165 lessons plus detailed practice notes: gregfishmanjazzstudios.com/membership-welcome/
Velcro and pencils - you're a wild man!
Greg - just happened to find this video (you’ve got a treasure trove out there!) and it’s fantastic - paired with the e-book version of hip licks, which must have come well after you recorded this ? Anyway, “working” while I’ve got the chance, tough life between travels! And can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given to the community... best, Mark Olson
Thanks, Mark! Glad that you're enjoying my books and videos. I was just working on new video lessons for the virtual studio site. All the best to you.
Hey Greg, I've been using your hip licks book for a while. I noticed you have an iPad app you should consider making the app available for iPhone as well, I have my phone on me much more often than my iPad. Continue the great work, all the best!
Hi Justin, glad you're enjoying Hip Licks. The problem with the iPhone is that the screen is just too small to read the full pages of licks. I thought about trying to make it scroll, but in tests, it was simply too distracting to have the music constantly scrolling. I decided to just go with the iPad format, which works well, rather than compromising the reading experience by trying to fit those pages in such a small screen. I'll keep experimenting with more ideas to get the app on the iPhone. For now, though the iPad version and the print edition are the only formats for the book. Thanks for your feedback.
My saxophone is an 80,xxx series Selmer MK VI.
Hi Edward,
Glad you enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you'd like to try a Skype lesson sometime. If you enjoyed this video, you'll love the lessons.
Best,
Greg
hmmm another great practice video
Momoh David Koroma Glad that you enjoyed the video.
Hi Greg, I am a beginner saxophone player. I'm using the alto saxophone. First i will like to take saxophone lessons from you (but i'm in Nigeria) and second i will like to buy your Hip Licks but i'm using a samsung galaxy tab.
Hello Greg, i ove your video, but can you tell me what is your saxophone please.
Sorry for english, i'm french !
Bye
Hi
First thanks for all videos. They are really great. I'v' got one question: i tried to move my fingers as you say, and i feel it's a very serious way for imporving speed and precision. But i also feel it's changing something in the sound itself: the fact that the finger is accompaigning the key when you open the key seems to give some control on the sound because it make the move being different than if just letting the key open without the finger touching it...it's softer, and transtition from one note to the other seems better...I'm not sure of this, it's an impression...Do you feel this also?
You're exaftly right! Playing this way gives you more control over the sound. It also makes everything sound smoother from note to note. It takes a lot of patience and practice to play this way, but it's worth the effort. Have fun with it.
Contrary to your remarks, all of your fingering technique points apply equally to stringed instruments, such as, guitar, bass, violin, mandolin, etc.. In fact, even the volume point applies, since the stringed instrument is, for the most part, fingered with one hand and the tone is initiated (plucked or bowed) with the other.
I remember seeing a video of Steve Coleman playing with a reed in his finger like you're doing with your pencil...
Wonderful Greg. Am picking up this technique, but still the Pinky i have to control.
Great. Stay with it. Practice slowly. Make sure there's no tension in your hands. Very relaxed. Please let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. gregfishmanjazzstudios@gmail.com
Hi Greg, I have sent you mail from my e mail id saxworld2018@gmail.com.
is the second phrase leading to Abm?
concert
Greg! i have a question!.
When you use the upper register (D to F), the fingers tend to get out of touch with the keys....because youre raising the hand to get to the F. could you explain what is the best -technically correct- way to play these notes?.
Thanks!
Hi Rodrigo,
Practice holding your high D palm key OPEN while still feeling the pearl of the B key with your index finger. It will feel strange at first, but after some time, you'll get used to the feeling. Once you're comfortable with that, start focusing on keeping your A key down, as well. Finally, see if you can keep all three fingers down -- do the fingering for a G while adding the high D palm key. Next, do the same exercise, but also add the high Eb key along with the D palm key. Finally, add the third palm key, the High F (add side E with the right hand, as well).
Some people definitely need palm key risers to make this work. If you have a lot of space between your hand and the palm keys, order a set of palm key risers. Runyon makes them. They've very inexpensive. I use a riser on my high D key on tenor. My alto doesn't need it. Every horn is different. Good luck! Let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. I can help you with all of this.
Greg Fishman
great answer I really learned a lot on this lesson I have your book and this is the first time I used it I thought it was too advanced but this was an awesome practice in technique
If you enjoy my teaching concepts, please check out this short video in which I describe the concept behind my latest book,
The Lobster Theory by Greg Fishman
What's the lick for alto?
What is that lick.?
A short pattern/phrase in music
+Sigma 4 Hi Sigma, that was licks 61 and 62 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone. The book is available on amazon and also on my site: www.gregfishmanjazzstudios.com
Ok, thanks...I have two of your books here.
May I ask you what type of sax sling are you using please?
Doug, That's a D'Jacques saxophone strap. Though, I modified it by replacing the round disc with a key chain hook.
+Greg Fishman Thanks Greg.
Hi Greg, your lessons have really inspired me to record my own video lessons! I have just started recording saxophone video lessons on my page, if you have a spare moment would you mind checking them out and giving me some feedback?
can i take soprano sax lessons with you
oladugba michael Hello Michael, I'd be happy to teach you, but I don't play soprano. I would play tenor during the lessons. You can send an email to greg@gregfishmanjazzstudios.com and we can schedule your lesson. Looking forward to working with you. Best, Greg.
I can't believe so many players bad-mouth the bis key. I try never to use anything else, unless necessary (which is VERY rare). I can't imagine how the heck everyone would play F#Maj triads without it, at anything faster than a glacial pace.
I'm with you. The bis key is one of the greatest innovations of Adolph Saxe. I did an entire video tutorial on the way that I like to use the bis key: Saxophonist Greg Fishman shares his system for the bis key
I think that some people try and slide to/from the bis key, instead of rolling or pivoting to it, and that's why they think that it's a bad choice. I think of the bis key as my "default" Bb and the side Bb as an alternative when needed. Glad you're enjoying my vids.
Greg
Going to try the pencil thing in class... Hopefully no one notices
🎼🎷👏👏👏👏👏
I noticed that your fingers are straight. I've been taught that the fingers should be arched so that the fingertip pushes down on the key.
Another good Video....now off to practise with 3 pencils sticking out of each hand (just joking)
saxophone it doesn't!!!!! ahahah
Thanks, Jide. Glad you're enjoying my books. Many more in the works!