Playing low notes on an alto sax...help!

Question

So I've been playing the Eb alto sax for a little less than a month now. I think I made pretty okay progress and I can easily manage to get most of the notes out but for some reason I'm having a lot of problems hitting some lower notes (low E, low D, and middle C and lower). I don't have this problem when I am slurring from a high note to a lower note but when I am trying to play low notes with a staccato or trying to play for low quarter notes in succession, I mess up. When I started playing the sax, I used a 2 1/2 size Rico reed. What do you think I am doing wrong? I've been practicing a lot since I bought the sax (about 45 mins a day) but the low notes don't seem to be getting easier. Do you think I am using too thick of a reed? Help!

Answer 1

First of all, your reed is fine. The only time a reed can make it harder to play low notes is when it is too hard, and a 2 1/2 probably wouldn't be.

But there is a trick you can try to get out the low notes. It sounds kind of weird, but it works. Take your teeth off of the top of the mouthpiece and push up just a LITTLE with your lower lip. But only do this when playing low notes.  It makes them easier to get out and even gives them a nicer tone, but higher notes sound ugly when you do this. It sounds like something that would be impractical to use when actually playing through music, but I do it all the time and I tell all of my students to do it too.

Another thing to try is wetting what is called the butt end of your reed--the flat end opposite of the one people chip and crack all the time. This makes the reed stay wet longer and it is nearly impossible to play the lowest notes on a dry reed.

Finally, just be patient, nearly everyone has trouble with the low notes for a while--usually years.

Answer 2

It takes some getting used to when you first start out with the low notes-or any note- on the alto. Just keep practicing. Start out with long tones on your tuning note, then slowly go down a note, and keep doing that. I don't think you are using to thick of a reed, I started out on a Rico 2 1/2 too. =)

Enjoy your alto!

Answer 3

You could try a 2 but play long tones before you make that decision. I have/had the same problem you do. I just can't automatically hit the note without playing a scale. Play as long as you with the lowest note you can. Use lots of air, then go down half a step and repeat the exercise. Do this every time you warm up and eventually you'll be able to get those notes. Don't forget to drop your jaw the lower you go but not too much, use a tuner along with the long tones.

Answer 4

Well, good on you!  I've been playing for like, ever, and I still have issues with below low c.  I play the tenor, but it's mostly the same.

2 1/2 is what you should be using for about a year.  I think you need to loosen up a lot.  That's what my problem is.  Just relax the muscles you've been building with all that practicing.

I've played the alto and it is so much harder than the tenor or barry.  You need insane muscle control.  So just keep working.  It will work eventually.

OH! and 2 1/2 isn't about the thickness.  I'm pretty sure it's about the stiffness.  Which is why you need to change to a stiffer one eventually.  But I don't know anyone in the high school band that uses anything above a 3.

Sorry if this didn't make sence.  I started rambleing....

Good luck!

Answer 5

the trick to playing low is to articulate "tow", this forces the jaw into a more correct open shape to get the low register to speak well.