How long does it take to play the low notes on Alto Saxophone?

Question

I just started playing abotu a month ago

I practice a couple times a week

like 3 or 4

and i cant seem to get out low c, b, or b flat

sometimes i can get out d

but when i warm up for like 30 minutes i can get out d

i dont wanna let my instructer down because i really wanna play sax and he wants me to play berry sax in class next year

he played to sax and its fine

does it just take practice to get these notes out or what?

does the reed affect it

or does mouth position affect it

how should you properly position your mouth when you play

i just dont wanna start anybad habits

:/

haha

Thanks!

:]

Answer 1

hay dude,

i play sax too but i play tenor...my sax goes even lower than urs but

its not about the reed and it isnt really the mouthposition cuz its all in ur throat...when u play the high notes u tend to tense ur muscles around ur mouth but its the opposite when playing low...u hav to loosen ur muscles a bit but without letting ur cheeks puff. then u need to feel the low not ein ur throat. try this...when u sing a really low note...ddo u feel the back of ur throat open up? cuz u should...well when u feel that just try doing that except blowing on the sax. alll u hav to do is think low and feel loose muscles and after lots of practice u should be able to get it. within a month u shouldnt hav to be able to play the full chromatic scale of notes yet.

u should really be practicin at least 45mins-an hour EVERY night.

Answer 2

You have to support the air column from your diaphragm and open your throat, as someone else has said - yawn with your mouth shut and you'll see what I mean.  Try blowing faster rather than harder (not an easy concept but an important one!) but support is vital.  When you say "berry sax" I presume you mean BARI sax - the baritone sax; if you're going to play that then you need a lot of air.  I play alto and baritone (tenor occasionally as well!) and they are different beasts; the baritone is terrific fun but you need to have a big airflow and very good support to get a decent sound - if you can get a good sound on alto you're on the way, but you have to go further with the bari.  The suggestion to practice scales is a good one - is it any easier to get the low notes if you work down to it rather than just play the note in isolation?  So, keep blowing, don't tongue, just put more fingers down in sequence.

Answer 3

if i were you i would warm up by going up and down the notes. like the chromatic scale for a few minutes. also loosen up and open your jaw more while playing.  if that doesnt work, ask other sax players and listen to their techniques. but make sure your sax is in good condition too.