As well as improving your tone, getting to grips with overtones is also essential if you want to play altissimo on your sax. In this lesson, I’ll show you 3 fun and easy exercises to get you started on overtones on saxophone.
I get questions about overtones all the time from my Sax School students. And when I talk to big–name players for our Masterclasses – people like Leo P, Grace Kelly, Candy Dulfer, Tom Politzer, Dave Koz – they all tell me that the work on overtones – they’re that important.
So it’s a great idea to include these overtone exercises in your daily practice routine. You can play them on alto, tenor, soprano or baritone. Grab the worksheet to help you.
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What are Saxophone Overtones?
Saxophone overtones, also known as harmonics or partials, are crucial elements in saxophone playing and jazz improvisation. When a saxophonist plays a note, the instrument produces a fundamental frequency, which represents the pitch of the note being played.
However, in addition to the fundamental frequency, the saxophone also generates higher-frequency components called overtones. These overtones are produced by specific fingerings and can be enhanced and manipulated through overtone practice.
By altering their oral cavity and using the octave key, saxophonists can selectively amplify different overtones, producing a series of harmonics that share the same sound as the fundamental note but at higher pitches.
Mastering the technique of playing overtones is an essential skill for saxophonists, as it not only improves the overall sound and intonation but also opens up new possibilities for jazz improvisation and musical expression.
Free Overtones Worksheet inside Locker
Watch the video to see me demonstrate the 3 overtone exercises.
On all these exercises think about:
- The quality of the sound
- The way your throat feels
- Try using a tuner.
Tips
Improving your overtones on the saxophone can significantly enhance your playing and open up new possibilities for musical expression. Here are three valuable tips to help you develop your overtone skills:
1. Regularly practice overtones
Dedicate specific practice sessions solely to working on your overtones. Begin by producing overtones on the low Bb, as this note tends to have a strong fundamental frequency.
Practice producing the upper overtones in a systematic manner, starting with the first overtone (one octave above the fundamental) and gradually progressing to higher overtones. Focus on achieving clarity and consistency in each overtone before moving on to the next.
2. Use overtone exercises as warm-ups
Incorporate overtone exercises into your daily warm-up routine. Start by playing a low Bb and then, without changing the fingering, use your embouchure and air support to produce the first overtone (Bb an octave higher).
Continue this process to reach the upper overtones. This exercise not only strengthens your embouchure but also trains your ear to identify and control different overtones.
3. Experiment with oral cavity and embouchure
The shape of your oral cavity and the tightness of your embouchure play a crucial role in producing and controlling overtones. Experiment with altering the shape of your oral cavity by raising or lowering your tongue, and adjust the embouchure pressure to find the optimal balance for each overtone.
Practicing overtones with various tongue and embouchure positions will help you develop a deeper understanding of the overtone series and improve your ability to manipulate them while playing.
Sax School Members:
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