Problems hitting high notes on bari sax?

Question

I've just started playing the bari sax, after having solid experience with the clarinet and alto sax. I'm understanding how to hit the low notes, but I can't hit the high notes well. When I get to C (in the top ledger lines) , D, and higher, I can't hit them at all. Although, I can hit those notes if I start with a lower note and slur my way up. Why is this?

Answer 1

This could be for several reasons.  The most likely is simply that the bari sax is designed to play in the lower register.  As such, the higher register is going to be tougher to play in.

Other possibilities:

Reeds- Are you playing on a quality brand 3 1/2 reed?  If not, this will make it tougher to get higher notes.

Mouthpiece selection- Each mouthpiece has it's own tendencies/ qualities.  Some mouthpieces are not designed for high range playing

You-  You may just need more time.  While your previous knowledge will transfer, it is still a new instrument with a substantially bigger mouthpiece.

Air support- Are you using enough?

I'm thinking that some time and the right reed will help out, keep working on it!

Answer 2

You could have a leak in the bari or a to a high strenghtgth of reeds you cant handle. Sometimes the mouthpeice may cause a problem with notes to.

Answer 3

i have been playing bari sax for over 7 years now and honestly its gonna be hard hitting notes that high just starting off.

it takes time and practice and your mouth on the mouthpiece must be positioned just right. It only depends on the size of the reed you are using. if it is a high standard reed of like a 3 or higher, then it makes a better pitch, hence your able to have more control over the notes your able to hit.

but as a beginner, stick with a size 2 reed.

just like hitting lower notes, its all about air control. Bari is a little different from just playing alto and clairnet, something i play as well.

Ya know how when your hitting low or high notes on the alto, it takes a decent amount of air to get the notes out? same concept.

except you are using tons of more air, and this time breathing has to be timed. its about your diaphragm. after you play a piece of music it should feel like you just did 100 crunches. If you don't feel this, then you were not doing the right breathing control. Your rib cage should be up, good posture ( back straight, edge of your chair) and take in a deep breathe. A good way to know how it is a good deep breath is by breathing loud enough you can hear the intake of air, then play. I know this is confusing but its hard to explain it without demonstating in person. lol

the reason why your able to hit those notes if you start lower and slur up is because your already circulating air through the instrument. As you go up more air is pushed through, than if you just wanted to start on those notes. Your finger keys are mostly pushed so the air cannot escape easily, making air have to go through the instrument all the way. Because the air is already circulating, about time you get to those high notes, a big majority of the air is already pushed through, hence *ta da* you can hit the notes.

As a beginner, i would highly suggest not to try to hit those notes off the bat. It is something that can be accomplished with time. If a piece requires those notes, take it down an octive. Trying to hit those notes without the right control and practice cannot only damage the reed, but also your body. Learn breathing exercises first, then try to improve.

and if you want a real challenge with hitting those notes from going up the scale, don't slur them, tongue them instead. Then see if your still able to get a perfect pitch on the high notes. Its more trickier.

Sorry if this was confusing, but again, unless i was there in person to demonstrate breathing techniques, this is what your gonna have to listen to for now.

Good luck! =]