That middle D trick is really cool. Have played some saxes where it was a problem, part of why I didn't keep them. I've always wanted a reason to play that flute F# with the D pearl, but have never had one. On my old bari the E depresses with the D pearl--so it's not even mechanically possible on some horns.
I find it interesting how we're able to adjust to those kinds of things. My old bari didn't even have a front F, but it's like I never noticed... I just instinctively avoided that fingering somehow. I have one horn where the side F# key is kind of awkward so I just don't use it on that horn. I wonder if a good tech could get that adjusted better for you, but if I recall you have an odd horn - an Amati?
@@TheSaxophoneOracle Yes, I have an older (made around 1980) Amati horn, but I'm sure a technician could adjust the front F to open better. I never think of getting it adjusted when I take the horn in to be serviced, as the other needed adjustments are more important and I'm kinda used to not using the front F.
Great video thank you. This channel deserves way more subscribers. I used the side key fingering for Bb (for 30 years) and never embraced the bis key as I always found the side key very functional. Recently however I'm reading fast passages of music where the bis key is obviously the better choice however at this stage of my musical journey the change is huge especially where relearning scales is concerned. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Sorry for the late reply.... this comment slipped through the cracks. My only suggesting would be to make the decision and force yourself to use the bis anywhere and everywhere until it feels comfortable (not on a gig), but whenever you practice. Bis for the chromatic scale etc even if it might be the least desirable fingering. Also, when practicing scales in the flat keys keep your finger over it always. I suppose you could even wedge a piece of cork temporarily under the side Bb key to take away that option all together. Anyway. Thanks for your support and good luck with it!
Whatever you are doing to mic your sax works very well; I am hearing much saxophone glory.
Thank you, that is very kind!
According to the majority of opinions the side c fingering is more in tune .Front c isvery slightly flat usually. Good video.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
That middle D trick is really cool. Have played some saxes where it was a problem, part of why I didn't keep them. I've always wanted a reason to play that flute F# with the D pearl, but have never had one. On my old bari the E depresses with the D pearl--so it's not even mechanically possible on some horns.
Glad you got something from this old chestnut. And yeah, depending on the horn they aren't all possible. Thanks for commenting!
This has been super helpful. Thanks Oracle.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Thanks for a very informative video.
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.
I rarely use the front high F as the way my horn is adjusted it doesn't open enough, otherwise I use most of the suggested alternative fingerings.
I find it interesting how we're able to adjust to those kinds of things. My old bari didn't even have a front F, but it's like I never noticed... I just instinctively avoided that fingering somehow. I have one horn where the side F# key is kind of awkward so I just don't use it on that horn. I wonder if a good tech could get that adjusted better for you, but if I recall you have an odd horn - an Amati?
@@TheSaxophoneOracle Yes, I have an older (made around 1980) Amati horn, but I'm sure a technician could adjust the front F to open better. I never think of getting it adjusted when I take the horn in to be serviced, as the other needed adjustments are more important and I'm kinda used to not using the front F.
Great video thank you. This channel deserves way more subscribers. I used the side key fingering for Bb (for 30 years) and never embraced the bis key as I always found the side key very functional. Recently however I'm reading fast passages of music where the bis key is obviously the better choice however at this stage of my musical journey the change is huge especially where relearning scales is concerned. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Sorry for the late reply.... this comment slipped through the cracks. My only suggesting would be to make the decision and force yourself to use the bis anywhere and everywhere until it feels comfortable (not on a gig), but whenever you practice. Bis for the chromatic scale etc even if it might be the least desirable fingering. Also, when practicing scales in the flat keys keep your finger over it always. I suppose you could even wedge a piece of cork temporarily under the side Bb key to take away that option all together. Anyway. Thanks for your support and good luck with it!
thanks so much for your down to earth tips, so much lacking on other sites. out of curiosity , what is the saxophone you play?
.............👍
Thanks!