I'm trying to play the sax, but its really hard and frustrating! (I want to play it because David Bowie does!) Any tips on playing it? Don't say 'practice', cos I already know that!
2007-05-20 08:50:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Jazz
if your just playing it 2 b like david bowie, then r u really enjoying it? if not try something else. i play sax and i think its great, but if i didnt enjoy it, id switch it for a fifferent instrument. now, if u do enjoy it, keep at it and make sure u press the register key (the 1 on the back) for the high D note & up.Also, dont clamp down on the mouthpiece, just rest your teeth on it. dont let your teeth touch the reed, itll squeak, pull your bottom lip over ur bottom teeth so u dont touch the reed. make sure ur reed is wet before playin, and thats pretty much all i can think of...............OH YEAH, sit (or stand) up straight when playing, and ALWAYS use the neck strap!!
2007-05-20 15:38:46 · answer #1 · answered by Bethany 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go get a private lesson teacher, now. You probably find it hard and frustrating because you have no idea what you are doing, and find that the instructional book (most likely standards of excellence or Essential Elements) don't really explain well how to actually play. This is why anyone who starts a musical instrument should get lessons, to learn it properly. Also, you will teach yourself very bad habits and if you actually want to be better than a middle school level saxophonist, you'll have to have someone that knows how to play it correctly break down every bad habit (pretty much to the point of starting all over new) and start all good habits.
2007-05-20 19:25:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Listen to good sax players and try to play a song you like on MP3 of cd. A good start is listen to Grover Washington, Ronnie Laws. Pick a song and keep trying to play eventually you'll get good by just learning 1 song.
2007-05-20 15:55:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you put more details as to what your problem with your sax is, I'd be more than happy to help. But right now, I have no idea what to tell you. If you post more information, I'll probably see and be able to answer your question better, and I almost always check back to see if someone has put more information.
2007-05-20 15:54:16 · answer #4 · answered by Puddles 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You could also check with your local library to see if they have any videos or DVDs about learning to play the sax. As for listening to some good saxaphone players three that I absolutely like are Mindi Abair, Paul Taylor, and Jeff Kashiwa.
Jeff Kashiwa's website is: http://www.jeffkashiwa.com
Paul Taylor's http://www.paultaylor.com
Mindi Abair's http://www.mindiabair.com
2007-05-21 06:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by sokokl 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Maybe work on scales because all of the best instrumentalists know how to play their scales in the circle of fifths. Rhythm practicing is good for you and playing the scales in whole notes lets you practice having a good sound.
Good luck.
2007-05-21 22:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by FallingOutWithFallOutBoy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hmmm...so i can't say practice...i would say stick with it. If you are teaching your self how to play then you may be starting with too hard of music. when you are practicing play things slow until you get them and then gradually speed up
2007-05-23 22:33:01 · answer #7 · answered by carolyn 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go for classes.
2007-05-21 00:21:27 · answer #8 · answered by freezing lady 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋