Holding thee alto sax.

[john]

Hi there Kent and welcome to the site and forum!

Different players will hold their instruments, regardless of which type, in slightly different ways.

If you look at a person playing an alto sax, possibly a classical musician sitting on a chair, the sax will be held at slight angle and off to the side of the body.

A sax player standing up will usually hold the sax closer to the middle of the body, and resting, or almost resting on the stomach area. You might alter this occasionally by stretching your arms out or up when you get a little carried away with a solo (I know this happens to me a lot!)

Basically these slightly different positions won't effect your sound as long as you are aware and keep a firm and solid embouchure the whole time. As a basic rule though, keep it straight in front of you and let it gently rest on your body.

I hope thi helps and makes sense!

Johnny

[Kent Murdick]

Yes, it makes sense. I can hold the sax out and get that perpendicular look, but it sounds absolutely the same as when I don't. BTW, here I am playing. I started 4 and a half years ago and pratice 1 to 2 hours a day. I'm a serious amatuer.

[john]

Kent, very nice sound you got going there, good for you.
I would work some on the intonation, especially up higher.
Try and tune up a little closer to the tracks you're playing with first though.

There are some things you can do for this. There are 2 already here that will help:
In the "Tone Development" section there is the Ahh-Ohh exercise and the Long Tone.

The other thing that will strengthen your intonation is more air support from down low. I think that lesson is in the same section.

One thing at a time and it will come!

Rock on
Johnny

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