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Home Alt Forums Altissimo Course Can't get G

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  • #72466
    mambo_machine
    Participant

      Hi there – I’ve been doing the Altissimo coure for about a month now, and just getting through the overtone part (Having a bitch of a time getting the third overtone) but that is not the reason for my post. Regarding the fingering for high notes I have a question for you all who have managed to get these illusive sounds. Is it possible that some saxes just can’t physically play those high notes? I have a friend of mine in a band club who told me that his Conn cannot get one particular note but all the rest are easy for him. He tried it on my Mark VI and had no issues with his mouth piece. What do you guys think?

      #72505
      john
      Keymaster

        Weirdly enough, that G is probably the most difficult. it was for me. thing is, when you do get it the rest becomes easier. I know this isn’t the best news since you’re still at the struggling to get it stage but you have to keep working and experimenting with it.

        as for some horns being tougher than others, impossible to say unless someone literally tries em all! what I can tell you is I’ve played many horns over the years and am always able to hit any note. some horns will behave slightly different but it’s a scientific thing; those altissimo notes are based on the natural harmonic series of the instrument so technically they should all work out around the same.

        There is also some validity about certain reeds and mp’s making a difference. For example, a slightly stronger reed than you’re used to may help and so might a more open mp.

        Spend some more time on the part where there is experimentation with your embouchure, breathing, throat and oral cavity. slight changes in one or more of these can make the difference.

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