Page 38 - Embou-Sure Book Series

Saxophone Tone Production Problems/Remedies
SOUND EX.#
SOUND PRODUCED
CAUSES OF PROBLEM
REMEDIES
2
Choked sound
Too much pressure from lower lip.
Say “A” and “Q” lip firm to teeth, pressure from jaw structure.
Too little mouthpiece in mouth.
Think of a “dot” 1/2 inch from tip of reed in mouth.
Lay of mouthpiece too close.
Try mouthpieces that blow easily from student’s mouth structure.
Reed too thin. Closes.
Get reed with more heart.
3
Wobbly sound
Upper lip instead of teeth touching mouthpiece.
Always anchor teeth to mouthpiece first.
4
Rough squawk
Too much mouthpiece.
Less mouthpiece in mouth.
Reed too stiff.
Make sides & heart of reed lighter.
5
Blows hard/leak
Poor pads and/or keys.
Check octave keys, look for bent keys, bad pads.
6
Weak and nasal
Air stream is too slow.
Student must feel faster air with resistance from mouthpiece.
7
Poor intonation
Tenseness of throat.
Sing and match tones using “ah.”
Inconsistency of adjustments in pads.
Check thickness of opening when pads are open on various notes.
Embou-Sure – 42