This one comment is for all of your videos… They are amazing and very inspiring to my son who now wants to play the saxophone because of you. You are such a cool teacher.🙂!!!!
Today I started using the metronome while practicing my scales, the difference is huge, tomorrow I will do it with the blue scale, but I am quite sure is a great exercise!
Nigel you are the best online sax teacher by a country mile. This video is the best you have done. I have now turned over 10 minutes per practice session to working through blues scale phrases in all 12 keys. Hard work to start with, but now really reaping rewards. My guess is that you could do the same thing with pentatonic phrases/harmonic minor phrases and so on, right? I have a request. In an early video of yours, you suggest listening to the likes of Cannonball Adderley using a slow downer to help with that. I can see the logic in it but they are still way too difficult for a player of my ability. I think you should do a video of you just playing phrases that work over simple chord sequences (eg Dmin G7 C) with the chords coming up on screen as you play the phrases. That way we could hear the phrases and learn to play by ear - what do you think? Thanks for great teaching Peter
Hey Peter. Thanks, I’m really glad the videos have helped you. Great suggestion for a lesson - I’ll have a think on that and see what I can come up with.
I know this is an older video, but I’m just stumbling upon it. First of all, SUPER HELPFUL! Thank you. Second, I am so glad you have a dog. Dog people are my favorite people!! Just wanted to let you know this is very helpful and I will be adding these kinds of exercises to my practice routine.
Thanks a lot! Your timing of making this video is perfect. I was totally getting confused with all the video and scales and I just didn't know where to start. Now I do! 😄😋
Nigel I have been doing this with the normal scales. The Blues scales make it much better. I get better flow out of the playing. Your lesson is right on. Tim
Thanks Nigel, some great tips. I do often sit down and just make up riffs to help improve my improv but never thought of trying it in different keys or use the metronome. Will adopt both those ideas in the future. Cheers. Les
Cool. Great to hear it was helpful Les. Good to hear you are already working on your improv, but doing it with the metronome is so much better for you.
I can play well like I’m in a jazz band and all county band and I play the music well but I’ve always struggled with the improv part like with the rhythm I can’t get well I go too fast even with metronome and then just getting the right notes that sound good with it so thanks for this video
Great tips Nigel, I’ll put them into practice as soon as I’ll be back home from a 2 weeks business trip without my horn. Sometimes my returns feel like they enable the silt to settle and my practice to improve, sometimes like they’re a setback. This video also gives me the tips to play away from sheet music, starting next Friday. Many thanks 👍🏼😉
Cheers Thierry, I know what you mean. Sometimes a break from your horn can help clear your mind and give you a fresh approach when you come back to it. Glad you liked the video.
I’m wanting to know when should I buy a professional saxophone. I have played piano for 12 years now and know all the music (scales, theory, patterns, etc.). I have been playing the alto saxophone (Jupiter JAS 769 with Yamaha 4C mouthpiece) for almost a year now. I feel that it doesn’t have the exact sound that I’m looking for. In some instances it sounds out of tune. Could you help me?
Hi Caden. Good question. There are lots of great pro saxes on the market. You will find your sound generally more round and intonation better on a pro horn, plus the keywork is normally more even and better made. Another option to consider is to just update your mouthpiece first.
For a dark sound I recommend a Jody Jazz HR. You would work on a C*. For a bright sound I recommend a Jody jazz Jet, a Meyer, or a vandoren v16! Good luck!
Just began learning how to play tenor sax. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a solid mouthpiece that they have had success with. Nothing too lavish. Just a really good beginner mouthpiece would help tremendously. Thanks in advance!
Well for very beginner's, a Yamaha 4C oughta do the trick. If you want something a little nicer, go for a lower end Otto Link or E. Rousseau. If you're at the point now where you really want something nice (I see your comment is pretty old), I'd personally recommend an Otto Link Vintage
Here is the issue I have. My teacher (and in fact all of the teachers I have ever discussed this matter with) say that there are two things I should do. (1) is to listen to the masters (Rollins et al) and try to pick out some phrases from their solos. This I do using a slow down app. It's fine, and I am reasonably good at quoting phrases from the great man. (2) is to plod on with scales, arpeggios, patterns, licks and so on. This too is coming on well. The problem I have is marrying the two strategies up. What I want to be able to do is to pick up the sax and create a convincing solo from a chord sequence without either simply quoting another player, or sounding like I am reading the text book. Is there any way you could create a video, say of ten minutes in length, in which you demonstrate how you could link together say four or five simple chords in a coherent and interesting way? Maybe you could play it at 45 bpm, then 80, then at full speed (125 say) so we can hear how the chords lock together. I just feel that this is the hurdle I am constantly failing to cross... Here's hoping Many thanks Peter
That's a great idea for a video Peter. I think it's important to spend a lot of time in your practice working on your creativity - exercises like just improvising over a 12 bar blues, or a ii V7 I with your metronome is a great way to do this. I spend time doing this every day and push myself to explore new melody shapes all the time. Practice like this will help unlock your creativity and if you are consistent with it, will really improve the way you improvise. Hope that helps Peter.
Hi Nigel, I would like to learn Blues on Saxophone. Is there any exclussive package for blues . Do let me know. Let me know the price I have to pay for it.
Great question. We actually have a full Blues course included with Sax School which is a great place to start. Checkout Blues Mastery for Saxophone : saxschoolonline.com/join-today
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thanks Nigel for your immediate response. Do kindly let me know when are you giving your SALE offer as I understand you give this opportunity twice a year
This is the A minor blues scale you're playing, used for the minor chord (whatever it is). So for the A major blues it would be A, B, C, Db, E, Gb, A. (I couldn't find the sharp symbol so enharmonically changed the note....!!) Is this correct??
Hey Doug, good question. Actually you can use the blues scale for major and minor chords. It has a flattened 3rd of the scale (in the key of A that is C natural instead of C#) which is what you find in a minor chord. However over a major chord, like in a standard 12 bar blues, the flattened 3rd gives that "bluesy" sound. There isn't a "major" version of the Blues scale. Hope that all makes sense.
We call them spoodles here in oz which your probably aware of. We have two Cavoodles-gorgeous Just signed up for blues course and excitingly awaiting it.
Hi Nigel, Thanks for all your videos uploaded here. Why do i get the following message when i try to connect your website? Be careful! This site may be harmful. The site you are trying to visit (www.mcgillmusic.com) may include malware, phishing attempts, or disturbing content...
This one comment is for all of your videos… They are amazing and very inspiring to my son who now wants to play the saxophone because of you. You are such a cool teacher.🙂!!!!
Today I started using the metronome while practicing my scales, the difference is huge, tomorrow I will do it with the blue scale, but I am quite sure is a great exercise!
Good to hear. Metronome practice is SO good for you!
I need to saxercise more
Yes that speaks to me thanks Nigel, as timing is my number one issue on any piece.
Glad it helped Richard.
I am a classical saxophonist teacher and try to switch to jazz, blues etc... its harder than you think. This video is very helpful , thank you
Nigel you are the best online sax teacher by a country mile. This video is the best you have done. I have now turned over 10 minutes per practice session to working through blues scale phrases in all 12 keys. Hard work to start with, but now really reaping rewards. My guess is that you could do the same thing with pentatonic phrases/harmonic minor phrases and so on, right? I have a request. In an early video of yours, you suggest listening to the likes of Cannonball Adderley using a slow downer to help with that. I can see the logic in it but they are still way too difficult for a player of my ability. I think you should do a video of you just playing phrases that work over simple chord sequences (eg Dmin G7 C) with the chords coming up on screen as you play the phrases. That way we could hear the phrases and learn to play by ear - what do you think? Thanks for great teaching
Peter
Hey Peter. Thanks, I’m really glad the videos have helped you. Great suggestion for a lesson - I’ll have a think on that and see what I can come up with.
I know this is an older video, but I’m just stumbling upon it. First of all, SUPER HELPFUL! Thank you. Second, I am so glad you have a dog. Dog people are my favorite people!! Just wanted to let you know this is very helpful and I will be adding these kinds of exercises to my practice routine.
Thanks a lot! Your timing of making this video is perfect. I was totally getting confused with all the video and scales and I just didn't know where to start. Now I do! 😄😋
+Tiemen Moeyersons Awesome!
Thank you very helpful
Nigel I have been doing this with the normal scales. The Blues scales make it much better. I get better flow out of the playing. Your lesson is right on. Tim
+Tim Tuthill Cool Tim, glad it helped you!
I have been waiting for this video! I’m not terrible at improv, but I have a lot to improve on. Thank you so much!
Awesome Jonas. Glad it was helpful.
Glad to hear it helped you Jonas!
Thanks Nigel, some great tips. I do often sit down and just make up riffs to help improve my improv but never thought of trying it in different keys or use the metronome. Will adopt both those ideas in the future. Cheers. Les
Cool. Great to hear it was helpful Les. Good to hear you are already working on your improv, but doing it with the metronome is so much better for you.
I can play well like I’m in a jazz band and all county band and I play the music well but I’ve always struggled with the improv part like with the rhythm I can’t get well I go too fast even with metronome and then just getting the right notes that sound good with it so thanks for this video
Thank you for your great videos! They educate, encourage, and inspire me.
Thanks Jason, that’s great to hear!
Thank you for this tutorial. I will use some of these tips.
+Joseph DeRosa Brilliant. Hope it helps.
Just followed you on IG
I love your energy and experience. Great teacher. =D
Awesome, thanks DC!
Thank you so much, this helped a ton
+James Jensen Great! Glad it was helpful.
this helped a bariton*
Gonna try it tonight 🤓
Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!! It really helped a lot with my improvising
Awesome!
Awesome
Its has really helped me...thank you
Brilliant to hear that Alvin!
awesome video!!! and thats a little cute dog man!!!
+Uly Sax Cheers!
Great tips Nigel, I’ll put them into practice as soon as I’ll be back home from a 2 weeks business trip without my horn. Sometimes my returns feel like they enable the silt to settle and my practice to improve, sometimes like they’re a setback. This video also gives me the tips to play away from sheet music, starting next Friday. Many thanks 👍🏼😉
Cheers Thierry, I know what you mean. Sometimes a break from your horn can help clear your mind and give you a fresh approach when you come back to it. Glad you liked the video.
Very good tips. I will share with students
+Tony Garcia Thanks Tony, glad you found it helpful.
Pls help me out,i really want to improve on sax performance
Hi! What musicians you recomend to lessend the Blues?
You are easily the best sax tutor on the internet. Love your videos and you come across as a cool guy.
Wow, thanks Jamie!
Maybe it's because he's an Aussie!
your good
Cheers Jason!
Jason
very good this video.
Thanks!
I’m wanting to know when should I buy a professional saxophone. I have played piano for 12 years now and know all the music (scales, theory, patterns, etc.). I have been playing the alto saxophone (Jupiter JAS 769 with Yamaha 4C mouthpiece) for almost a year now. I feel that it doesn’t have the exact sound that I’m looking for. In some instances it sounds out of tune. Could you help me?
Hi Caden. Good question. There are lots of great pro saxes on the market. You will find your sound generally more round and intonation better on a pro horn, plus the keywork is normally more even and better made. Another option to consider is to just update your mouthpiece first.
McGill Music Sax School ok, I’m using a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. What do you recommend that I upgrade to?
For a dark sound I recommend a Jody Jazz HR. You would work on a C*. For a bright sound I recommend a Jody jazz Jet, a Meyer, or a vandoren v16! Good luck!
Just began learning how to play tenor sax. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a solid mouthpiece that they have had success with. Nothing too lavish. Just a really good beginner mouthpiece would help tremendously. Thanks in advance!
+Gilbert Torres Good suggestions Gilbert.
Thanks again, gentlemen!
Well for very beginner's, a Yamaha 4C oughta do the trick. If you want something a little nicer, go for a lower end Otto Link or E. Rousseau. If you're at the point now where you really want something nice (I see your comment is pretty old), I'd personally recommend an Otto Link Vintage
so handsome teacher ^3^
I'm going for an improv solo in my upcoming concert. This video is a lifesaver
Great to hear that!
2:10 when you reached the top of the scale...was this excessive vibrato?
Yes. You kinda get a feel for it when playing more jazz and trying to throw vibrato on quicker notes
@@aegerman6317 Is this technique called something? Because there's hardly a video on this
What is a good mouth piece to use for tenor, I currently have just a random metal one for jazz, but looking for a good one for concert settings
JustarandomSaxophoneplayer Otto link super tone master
Great stuff . Been searching for pointers like ths
Cheers Ronald. Glad it was helpful.
You look my soccer coach! 😂
Here is the issue I have.
My teacher (and in fact all of the teachers I have ever discussed this matter with) say that there are two things I should do. (1) is to listen to the masters (Rollins et al) and try to pick out some phrases from their solos. This I do using a slow down app. It's fine, and I am reasonably good at quoting phrases from the great man. (2) is to plod on with scales, arpeggios, patterns, licks and so on. This too is coming on well. The problem I have is marrying the two strategies up. What I want to be able to do is to pick up the sax and create a convincing solo from a chord sequence without either simply quoting another player, or sounding like I am reading the text book. Is there any way you could create a video, say of ten minutes in length, in which you demonstrate how you could link together say four or five simple chords in a coherent and interesting way? Maybe you could play it at 45 bpm, then 80, then at full speed (125 say) so we can hear how the chords lock together. I just feel that this is the hurdle I am constantly failing to cross...
Here's hoping
Many thanks
Peter
That's a great idea for a video Peter. I think it's important to spend a lot of time in your practice working on your creativity - exercises like just improvising over a 12 bar blues, or a ii V7 I with your metronome is a great way to do this. I spend time doing this every day and push myself to explore new melody shapes all the time. Practice like this will help unlock your creativity and if you are consistent with it, will really improve the way you improvise. Hope that helps Peter.
How can i puchase that shirt
soul sax. jr walker
Hi Nigel, I would like to learn Blues on Saxophone. Is there any exclussive package for blues . Do let me know. Let me know the price I have to pay for it.
Great question. We actually have a full Blues course included with Sax School which is a great place to start. Checkout Blues Mastery for Saxophone : saxschoolonline.com/join-today
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thanks Nigel for your immediate response. Do kindly let me know when are you giving your SALE offer as I understand you give this opportunity twice a year
reeds - bari 2/5?
This is the A minor blues scale you're playing, used for the minor chord (whatever it is). So for the A major blues it would be A, B, C, Db, E, Gb, A. (I couldn't find the sharp symbol so enharmonically changed the note....!!) Is this correct??
Hey Doug, good question. Actually you can use the blues scale for major and minor chords. It has a flattened 3rd of the scale (in the key of A that is C natural instead of C#) which is what you find in a minor chord. However over a major chord, like in a standard 12 bar blues, the flattened 3rd gives that "bluesy" sound. There isn't a "major" version of the Blues scale. Hope that all makes sense.
no it would be A B Db E Gb A
Woof woof
I play 1 year and 90 procent improvesian
I was told Stan Getz played a blues moving through all 12 keys. Anyone know the title so I can TH-cam or Spotify it.
try Crazy Chords
Are you playing with just the blues scale and not using chord progressions?
your transposing-a-riff section has the wrong labels onscreen at 5:50,
should go up in semitones: A, Bb, B, C
Oops, you caught me out there Andrew. Thanks for letting me know about the typo. Hope the video was helpful.
beautiful dog
She is lovely, but howls when I practice my sax! Need to work on that.
Scale from 2:10 work on alt sax also? Thanks a lot ! :)
Hi, sure everything will work on alto or tenor.
How do I practice the metronome?
Hi John. I have some metronome tips here: th-cam.com/video/NJd9xC-PaN8/w-d-xo.html
Is a Conn 20m from mexico still good?
They also call it MEXICONN?
whats the saxophone your on?
+xEmerald Hi, I’m playing on a Dave Guardala black nickel tenor. I’ve had it for about 25 years.
McGill Music Sax School is this saxophone meant for any specific genres? does it have a warm tone or is it bright?
It's a great all-rounder. I've used it for jazz and pop gigs, recording sessions.It does have a good powerful tone if you push it.
How do you play the keys?
Is that puppy a Cavoodle?
Sadie is a Cockapoo - great fun!
We call them spoodles here in oz which your probably aware of.
We have two Cavoodles-gorgeous
Just signed up for blues course and excitingly awaiting it.
We have a cavapoo puppy tok
So funny we just obtained a Cavapoo just like watching the video same color same breed
Hi Nigel, Thanks for all your videos uploaded here. Why do i get the following message when i try to connect your website?
Be careful! This site may be harmful.
The site you are trying to visit (www.mcgillmusic.com) may include malware, phishing attempts, or disturbing content...
Sorry Dani - having some web issues today but should be up and running very soon. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Dani, our site is back up and running now.