The highest note in the normal saxophone range can be challenging, especially for newer players. But, mastering this note will unlock your tone over your entire range.
In this article, you’ll learn how to play high F and more importantly, how to avoid the common mistakes that block many players from ever getting a lovely full tone on this part of the saxophone range.
Here’s what you will learn:
- How to play high F on your sax
- Why do most people get this note wrong
- How to build confidence and a “rock solid” tone on your high F.
Ready to get started?
How to play High F on Saxophone
Before digging into the finger patterns, you’ll need to play high F confidently (and with a great tone) on your saxophone, first, it’s essential to know why most players get this note wrong.
What most sax players get wrong about High F
It’s common for sax players to get a very thin tone on the higher notes in the saxophone range. Or worse still, for the notes like High F to not come out at all! High F is often the worst for this, as it is one of the harder notes for newer learners to play.
However, all of the high-note problems are generally caused by too much pressure in your embouchure. Although it’s tempting to bite harder on your mouthpiece as you go higher on the saxophone, the best tone will be produced by making a good seal on the mouthpiece and remaining as relaxed as possible.
How to get a good sound on high F
A great way to keep your embouchure relaxed on high F and other notes in the top range of the saxophone is to use the reminder:
VOO. The “V” reminds us to make a small cushion with our bottom lip for the saxophone reed to rest on.
- The “OO” reminds us to have a round shape with our mouth that forms a good seal around the mouthpiece. This isn’t an “up and down” lateral pressure, but instead a gentle round shape, a bit like a drawstring bag.
Why high F is an important note on saxophone
There are so many benefits to becoming confident on the high notes on your sax. Firstly, once you can achieve a full, round tone on high F, you’ll find your tone over your entire saxophone range will improve. It’s a win-win!
Also, the relaxed, round embouchure you use for a lovely full tone on high F is perfect for unlocking the altissimo or 4th octave on saxophone. The first note here is altissimo G, which is an easy step from a confident forked F fingering you’ll learn below.
How to play high F on saxophone
All saxophones can use the same finger patterns to play High F ( alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone sax). However, there are two main ways you get this note:
- SIDE FINGERING: With your right hand, press your octave key with your left thumb, and add all three palm keys with your left hand. With your right hand, press the topmost side key with your index finger. This side-fingering is the easiest way to play high F and is generally the most stable.
- FRONT HIGH F FINGERING: This is also often called the Forked High F because of your hand shape. With your right-hand thumb, press the octave key plus 2nd finger on the C key and the index finger on the tear-drop-shaped high f key, which is the uppermost key on the front of your sax.
Note: Newer players will find working up the palm keys to side High F is the best strategy for a consistent full tone. If you are finding it hard to get a nice clear sound, first spend some time in each practice session playing longer notes at a medium volume, starting from high C.
Once you can get a lovely full (and in-tune) tone on this note, move to the first palm key – high D, aiming to keep the same lovely sound quality. Over time continue with this process until you build your confidence all the way to a high F.
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to start practicing. Remember, practice makes perfect – so keep at it until you hit that perfect high F. Happy playing.
Key Takeaway
Building a full, rich tone on high F can transform your tone over your entire saxophone range and unlock advanced skills like the altissimo! However, be careful not to fall into the trap most sax players do of biting, using too much mouthpiece, or excessive embouchure pressure.
With consistent practice though, you can develop a beautiful tone on this highest note of the standard saxophone range, using either the easier side fingering or the more advanced forked finger pattern.
How to practice High F on your saxophone
Now you know the basics, here are some practice tactics you can use every day to build your tone and confidence with this note.
Long tones
You’ll hear loads of teachers suggest long tones -yes they can be boring, but done properly they are also SO good for you.
To get the biggest benefit in the upper notes on your sax, start on a comfortable note like high C. Use your tuner to check your intonation and get the best tone you can, while holding the note for 8 to 16 counts at a slow tempo. We like to set our metronome to 45 beats per minute.
When you are confident with your tone on C, move up to D, then E, and eventually high F. Always keep your embouchure relaxed and check your tuning as you go.
Note leaps
Using your tuner to check you are on track, move slowly from a comfortable note like high C in steps up your range.
So first, move high C – palm key D – high C. Aim to keep each note in tune and with a full tone by keeping your embouchure round.
Next move from high C – palm key E – high C. Then high C – palm key F – high C.
You can also do this exercise using the forked high F fingering.
Dynamic long tones
A fantastic but challenging exercise on the high notes is to play your long tone using dynamics.
Keeping your metronome slow and checking with your tuner, try starting from your lowest volume on high C, and gradually increase to your loudest volume over 8 counts.
Then without stopping, continue blowing for another 8 counts without stopping while reducing to your lowest possible volume.
Go for extremes here for a real challenge. So, start at pp (pianissmo) and increase to ff (fortissimo)!
For more resources, Sax School Online offers video tutorials (saxophone lessons) and sheet music designed specifically for beginner learners like yourself, including an entire range of engaging and fun tone-building exercises and warmups.
Conclusion
Well done for working through this guide! It shows that you are dedicated to building the best skills you can on your saxophone.
And, by putting the skills you have learned here today into action, you’ll be building a strong foundation in your saxophone playing that will not only help you to be confident with lovely sounding high F notes, but over your entire range and beyond.
Plus, you have learned how to avoid the common mistakes most saxophone players make and this is the real secret to making lasting progress.
When you are ready, combining this with ongoing help and support from the world-class tutors at Sax School and the encouragement you’ll get from connecting with our Community of learners from all over the world, you have everything you need to achieve great things on your sax.
The real question is, are you dreaming big enough on your sax?
Come and try Sax School today and let’s find out together.