Is alto sax Good for jazz?
Fortunately for a beginner, the most common way to start playing the instrument is using an alto sax. That is an advantage if you’re looking to transition to jazz because you already know how the instrument works and you don’t have to work that much to improve your technique.
How do you get a good tone on alto sax?
On Saxophone Tone:
- Bottom lip position is important. Think the word “Victory”, or the letter “F” to see how much (or little) bottom lip is placed over the bottom teeth.
- “Hot air plays the Saxophone; Cool air plays the Flute.”
- Keep your throat open – same way as when you burp – and push the warm air through.
What are the best jazz reeds for alto sax?
Our #1 pick: Vandoren ZZ | All-round jazz reed with a rich, dark sound. |
---|---|
Royal by D’Addario | Extremely versatile, good value for money |
Rico Jazz Select | Great projection and flexibility, making them ideal for jazz. |
Vandoren Java | Brighter sound, particularly good for big band playing |
Is the alto saxophone hard to play?
It’s really easy and it’s incredibly hard. Once you’re getting notes out, you’ll be able to learn the fingerings pretty quickly. Mastering breath control to make the notes sound nice, controlled, and in tune will take some work. It’s a lot of fun, and I’d definitely recommend it!
What sax is best for jazz?
tenor saxophone
The tenor saxophone is the one most closely associated with jazz players, as it is a mainstay in that genre. It is tuned to Bb and has the familiar, curved body style. Since it is not as large or heavy as the baritone or bass sax, the tenor is somewhat easier for young beginners to play.
Why does my saxophone sound raspy?
Every saxophonist deals with the “spitty” sound. This sound comes from excessive moisture in the mouthpiece, and when it attaches itself to the inside of the mp or reed, it can be difficult to remove. It’s a sound that you can hear, and your audience can hear as well.
What size reed is best for alto sax?
Most beginners start by using La Voz or Rico reeds, because they are the cheapest brands. A size 2 reed is a great place to start for a beginner. Play on it for a while before switching to a 2.5, unless it feels entirely too soft, then 2.5 is okay. Size 3 is definitely too hard for a beginner though.
Are Vandoren reeds better than Rico?
Vandoren vs Rico reeds: durability In general, Vandoren reeds are more durable. While Rico reeds usually play well out of the box, they don’t last as long.
Who is the best alto sax player in jazz history?
Jackie McClean is one of the most important alto saxophone players in the history of jazz. His career spanned 5 decades of prolific recording and performing as not only a leader, but also as a sideman on some of the most iconic jazz records with many of the giants of the art form. He is considered an early pioneer of what is called hard-bop.
What is a jazz saxophone?
The Jazz Saxophone. Satyajit Roychaudhury. The saxophone is a musical instrument invented in the 1840s in Belgium by Adolphe Sax . Although it uses the single reed of the clarinet family, it has a conical tube and is made of metal.
What is alto sax?
Alto saxophone . The alto saxophone, also referred to as the alto sax, is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, and patented in 1846.