Finally after a year of struggling I understood. The think that made the difference for me was: be ready to blow, starting with the tongue on the reed and very slowly taking it off (like in a staccato). Hope it helps someone :)
If you liked this lesson, you can check out our website where there are free transcriptions and the option to get more in depth saxophone lessons (and eartraining as well) in our membership community! 😎 These lesson feature my actual full head... 😅 Check it out here: www.sharpelevenmusic.com
Thanks for making this. I tried a bunch of written fingerings to get this note and they all just refused to work, but the second option here rang no problem with my horn.
😂 haha. Is it only the G or altissimo's in general? I would suggest not to start with the G if you're starting out with altissimo's, the A is way more feasible.
Sharp Eleven Music to be Honest I’ve been working on other stuff so I haven’t been playing any altissimo notes. I’m currently working on a song that needs that G so I said heck just learn it. I’m used to playing overtones so once you showed me the fingerings I just played them without much hassle. You are right about that first fingering having the split tone in addition to a push back feel to it. Thanks again bro.
Great video thanks! The same thing would be very useful for all the notes higher up too! For example I just discovered through a bit of experimentation a much smoother A fingering than the one I was taught first (for a long tone at the end of a classical piece) and thought "I'm going to stick to this one from now on" but you're obviously right : different fingerings for different purposes is a much more intelligent way to think about this. A video on the A would have saved me (and my neighbors) a lot of trouble ;)
Hi Samuel, for the A I have actually mainly one option, which is also a very common one. The 2,3 (left) 1,2,3 (right). This one I don't have to use other options because it has all the characteristics I like, 1. it's an easy/straight forward fingering 2. It can sound open and bright 3. I can by overblowing also get a split tone on this fingering. So I guess I would have less to say about that, not sure if that is helpful. The intonation part can easily be adjusted with the right hand where you could practically losen up every finger or combination and decide what works best for the specific intonation on your particular horn + which one is the most stable. A tip for an altissimo C, I found fingering (feels like I invented it, but most probably not of course. Just ran across it with trying) is 1 (left), 1,2 (right) + octave key. This one has a very stable feeling. Might sound bit thinner than overblowing side C, but has a kind of compact projection that I like.
I didn't knew the "smooth G" ... It works great for my set up 🎷🎶🎵 I can also get a nice and clean G sharp by changin from B flat side key to the C side key. Thank you so much 🙋♂
Thanks Mark! Your fingering you suggested is pretty much the same as the 3rd one, I have that left C finger up for intonation, but that has more to do with which saxophone you play and the intonation it comes with. I've played a Mark VI before where I used this one as well
@@SharpElevenMusic Let me ask you something please, there are a million videos demonstrating hard sax techniques, do you think that beginners are getting what they need?
Interesting Jim, everbody has of course different response and also the saxophone itself matters, so it's still a bit a journey that everybody needs to take on his own. The fingering you describe is actually my G# altissimo, but maybe your saxophone responds way lower in intonation there
I couldn't get the G sharp with anything taught on videos or on the charts. but I managed to get it with pressing 2 keys, the very top one and the lower side key. that is the only thing that works for me for G sharp on my Alto sax. how is that possible? Actually I can descent chromatically from G sharp by keeping the top key and adding the bis key then the A then G and releasing the the side key or pressing it depending on the note. Am i learning the wrong way or what, but seriously I can get those notes otherwise.
Hi Ariyo, if you want to have the best chance of a altissimo popping out, use surely your tongue. Good question by the way! That being said, with the 3rd option for fingering, this is all played slurred
What is you opinion on the Rascher fingerings? (Octave Key - C fingering [middle finger] on left: E fingering [pointer & middle fingers] with Eb pinky key on right) Can't wait to try yours, especially your third variation.
Hi Bob, I tried some of Raschers fingerings, but to be honest, besides his great exercises and insights, I don't use so many of them (none, I think). The one you suggested works pretty well, but on my saxophone the intonation is a bit high. By the way for this last fingering, I forgot to mention you also can try its without that right hand index finger (F), it wi:l have a slight different intonation and might make it a tiny more unstable, but for some that intonation works better (and it might be even more practical in a chromatic pattern, it falls a bit more easy).
This way of naming the keys is just confusing to me. Probably cause I am used to the french system, for example why say front f when you can just say X. or side this side that when you can say TA TC c1 c2 etc. much more efficient. even for the main keys, 123 and then again 123? Why not 1-6 ?
Hi Dimos, I started out exactly with that naming system (the french one) when I studied classical saxophone. Then I switched to jazz and most people couldn't follow that so I tried to adapt to how they were referencing (1,2,3 left or right hand, front F etc ), I also teach Americans through Skype and that the only way to conversate about fingerings, at least with those I know (but also on online forums it seems). It's kinda hard to find what is clear for all, hope you understand. There seems to be an essential difference between classical and jazz here. But I agree that if we were to decide on one system for all saxophonists globally, the french system would be the clearest option.
@@SharpElevenMusic yes thanks for the response, I get what you mean. Some of my students also respond faster to this system. But if we dont advocate for what is better then who will. Let them struggle haha
Finally after a year of struggling I understood. The think that made the difference for me was: be ready to blow, starting with the tongue on the reed and very slowly taking it off (like in a staccato). Hope it helps someone :)
If you liked this lesson, you can check out our website where there are free transcriptions and the option to get more in depth saxophone lessons (and eartraining as well) in our membership community! 😎 These lesson feature my actual full head... 😅
Check it out here: www.sharpelevenmusic.com
Kenny G is hated upon, but he's still a good sax player - the only sax player in recent years who had a No.1 hit.
Like Anchorman 2 destroyed vocal flute.
True that. And to be clear, this no hating on Kenny G, just thought he is a bit funny in general when he talks
@@SharpElevenMusic Lol - Kenny G has earned more from royalies than us.
No, I can tell that it's all banter - I'm |British, banter is king.
I’ve been trying to hit this note for 7 years and had all but given up but I found this video and I finally did it!
Wow great to hear Ben, congratz!
Thanks for making this. I tried a bunch of written fingerings to get this note and they all just refused to work, but the second option here rang no problem with my horn.
Great man! It's pretty much something you have to try out and is very affected by which Horn/mouthpiece (and combination) you play.
OK, now I know THREE ways of how I can't get the G out LOL Will keep trying, thank you though.
😂 haha. Is it only the G or altissimo's in general? I would suggest not to start with the G if you're starting out with altissimo's, the A is way more feasible.
Thank you so much for this sir. this is so well executed. I was able to hit those G's with the fingerings you showed.
Great to hear Kadrian! Did it only add some extra options, or was this the first time you could get the G's in the altissimo if I may ask?
Sharp Eleven Music to be Honest I’ve been working on other stuff so I haven’t been playing any altissimo notes. I’m currently working on a song that needs that G so I said heck just learn it. I’m used to playing overtones so once you showed me the fingerings I just played them without much hassle. You are right about that first fingering having the split tone in addition to a push back feel to it. Thanks again bro.
Cool man, keep going for it!
Great video thanks! The same thing would be very useful for all the notes higher up too! For example I just discovered through a bit of experimentation a much smoother A fingering than the one I was taught first (for a long tone at the end of a classical piece) and thought "I'm going to stick to this one from now on" but you're obviously right : different fingerings for different purposes is a much more intelligent way to think about this. A video on the A would have saved me (and my neighbors) a lot of trouble ;)
Hi Samuel, for the A I have actually mainly one option, which is also a very common one. The 2,3 (left) 1,2,3 (right). This one I don't have to use other options because it has all the characteristics I like, 1. it's an easy/straight forward fingering 2. It can sound open and bright 3. I can by overblowing also get a split tone on this fingering.
So I guess I would have less to say about that, not sure if that is helpful. The intonation part can easily be adjusted with the right hand where you could practically losen up every finger or combination and decide what works best for the specific intonation on your particular horn + which one is the most stable.
A tip for an altissimo C, I found fingering (feels like I invented it, but most probably not of course. Just ran across it with trying) is 1 (left), 1,2 (right) + octave key. This one has a very stable feeling. Might sound bit thinner than overblowing side C, but has a kind of compact projection that I like.
@@SharpElevenMusic Thanks a lot for the tips !!
1:03
3:06
6:07
I didn't knew the "smooth G" ... It works great for my set up 🎷🎶🎵 I can also get a nice and clean G sharp by changin from B flat side key to the C side key. Thank you so much 🙋♂
Nice - I'm suggesting this video to my students.
Thanks Mark! Your fingering you suggested is pretty much the same as the 3rd one, I have that left C finger up for intonation, but that has more to do with which saxophone you play and the intonation it comes with. I've played a Mark VI before where I used this one as well
@@SharpElevenMusic Spot on, this is a great vid for understanding and getting altisimo G, as I say this is one that I'll pass on to my students.
Super, thanks Mark, appreciate it! 🙏
@@SharpElevenMusic Let me ask you something please, there are a million videos demonstrating hard sax techniques, do you think that beginners are getting what they need?
Brilliant video, many thanks
Awesome! So helpful and got it the first time! 🎷👍😎🎷
Cool to hear Marc! Great :D
What I learned was
1
3
1
3
Low C and low Ab key. And then you could take away the low C key, change your embouchure and hit a C
Great! I got them all easily!
Great to hear Julie 😁! How many of them were new to you?
My go to G fingering is Fork F, F key and side Bb, with octave key.
Only one I could get was the last one but I’m happy with that!
Great to hear Katelyn, congratz!
Great easy to follow video 👍…
I knew you would help me!
Glad I could 😁
The Kenny G joke got me laughing!
Great sound and great mouthpiece
Omg Found my own way thanks to You xD
Great to hear! nice
GOT IT! You rock man!
Thanks! Glad you dig it man 😁🎷
I use 1 and 3 for left hand and 1 and 3 and side B flat on the right hand. This is my altissimo G
Interesting Jim, everbody has of course different response and also the saxophone itself matters, so it's still a bit a journey that everybody needs to take on his own.
The fingering you describe is actually my G# altissimo, but maybe your saxophone responds way lower in intonation there
I couldn't get the G sharp with anything taught on videos or on the charts. but I managed to get it with pressing 2 keys, the very top one and the lower side key. that is the only thing that works for me for G sharp on my Alto sax. how is that possible?
Actually I can descent chromatically from G sharp by keeping the top key and adding the bis key then the A then G and releasing the the side key or pressing it depending on the note.
Am i learning the wrong way or what, but seriously I can get those notes otherwise.
#X1: still working on splitting the G, 1+3LH + 1+3RH; getting altissimo G thereat is cool but splitting it?
Sometimes I fluke it nicely.
Thanks, #X1
Great stuff thanks ! 🎷🚨👌🏻
you should be my teacher.
Can i just blow mouthpiece? Not use tounge ... or every note must use tounge? Thanks
Hi Ariyo, if you want to have the best chance of a altissimo popping out, use surely your tongue. Good question by the way! That being said, with the 3rd option for fingering, this is all played slurred
Personally I use biz Bb with a the bottom side key and the high f# key(and octive key) on Alto as it is very easy to get out.
Cool! It only might be hard to use in a fluent line because of the rather out of line fingering from the rest, no?
My sax octave key is shut with the 1,3 + 1,3 fingering?
Yes! Keep the octave key down with it indeed
What is you opinion on the Rascher fingerings? (Octave Key - C fingering [middle finger] on left: E fingering [pointer & middle fingers] with Eb pinky key on right) Can't wait to try yours, especially your third variation.
Hi Bob, I tried some of Raschers fingerings, but to be honest, besides his great exercises and insights, I don't use so many of them (none, I think). The one you suggested works pretty well, but on my saxophone the intonation is a bit high.
By the way for this last fingering, I forgot to mention you also can try its without that right hand index finger (F), it wi:l have a slight different intonation and might make it a tiny more unstable, but for some that intonation works better (and it might be even more practical in a chromatic pattern, it falls a bit more easy).
The EWI in the Bari sax... ahahahahah
Yeah, I always take my bari on EWI gigs.
@@SharpElevenMusic By the way, this was very helpful.
Nice to hear! Thanks 🙏
This way of naming the keys is just confusing to me. Probably cause I am used to the french system, for example why say front f when you can just say X. or side this side that when you can say TA TC c1 c2 etc. much more efficient. even for the main keys, 123 and then again 123? Why not 1-6 ?
Hi Dimos, I started out exactly with that naming system (the french one) when I studied classical saxophone. Then I switched to jazz and most people couldn't follow that so I tried to adapt to how they were referencing (1,2,3 left or right hand, front F etc ), I also teach Americans through Skype and that the only way to conversate about fingerings, at least with those I know (but also on online forums it seems).
It's kinda hard to find what is clear for all, hope you understand. There seems to be an essential difference between classical and jazz here. But I agree that if we were to decide on one system for all saxophonists globally, the french system would be the clearest option.
@@SharpElevenMusic yes thanks for the response, I get what you mean. Some of my students also respond faster to this system. But if we dont advocate for what is better then who will. Let them struggle haha