I like to practice the scales when learning a new song in its key signature. This trains me to hear how the song will sound if I already know how the scale will sound.
Have been playing the sax for 3 months now. Just recently started playing the scales. Although the entire concept now seems familiar to me I couldn’t find a way to remember quickly what scale has the sharps or flats easily but this explanation of the circle of 5/4ths was awesome!!!
Coming back to the tenor saxophone after more years than I care to remember I find the videos are very impressive and especially clear, so much so that they really do provide motivation to persevere - especially for an old boy like me!! I will go ahead and sign up for the full course and let's see how it goes. It's a good thing that I have a very patient wife (musician as well). Thanks Nigel.
Sure, that's a great idea Malcolm. Also have you checked out the 5 minute workouts inside the Sax School members area? I think you will like those too: Log in or join here www.mcgillmusic.com
Sir I am 52+ and living NYC USA, origin Indian. My question- I practicing your course materials and my playing is correct or wrong or improve, how can I realize? Please reply..
Hi Nigel You ask about practicing scales: they are a great basis for patterns, either rhythmic patterns or interval patterns. Playing dotted quaver semiquaver or quaver triplet crotchet rhythmic patterns test how well one knows the scale, as does playing the scale in thirds, fourths or sixths. There is limitless fun to be had in playing scales. Start every day with the mantra “ I love scales”
@@lenkearney4240 instead of playing the scale in quavers / eighth notes, play it as dotted eight note-sixteenth note pattern (rhythmic pattern) or (taking C maj as example) instead of playing the scale C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C and down, play it in thirds e.g C-E, D-F, E-G, F-A, G-B, A-C, B-D, C-A, B-G, A-F, G-E, F-D, E-C, D-B, C (the B up to C gives a sense of resolution)
Hi I am a new subscriber to your channel... Great Video... Been playing for years in a band but this is a great instructional video and reminder of how the basics are really important
Thanks so much Tarus. Great to see you on the channel. I have loads more lessons to help when you're ready inside my members area. Free trial here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I just looked at your Website. I would love to do the trial but unfortunately I cannot pay for the membership as I am a Missionary in Training in southern AZ. I volunteer 100% of my time to the Organization I am a part of. I am part of a Non-Profit Record Label here Global Change Music globalchangemusic.org/ The band I am in was invited to Whiskey A Go Go in LA as well as to Unify Fest in New Mexico here are a couple links to my Bands Videos... I play a 1950's-60's Kings Zephyr ruclips.net/video/Q_yLalbn3UE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/dxFVufjEsz8/видео.html Check it out... would love to hear your opinion
I don't have any trouble playing (and using) all 12 major & minor scales, but because I usually play by ear, I have difficulty reading music when the key signature has more than 4 sharps or flats.
Hi Rob. That’s pretty normal actually. Working on some different scale patterns in tricky keys might really help you with that, like perhaps 4 note scale patterns or “broken scales”. Arpeggios too. Let me know if that helps.
Have you ever done, or can you do a video about how to voice notes on the bari sax? I have been teaching myself over the last week and I can get out all the notes, but the middle-low end is tough, bc I want to subconsciously voice the notes like I'm on tenor (I think). I can get them out by consciously loosening my throat, but all I'm basically practicing right now are long tones, arpeggios, and the chromatic scale until I'm more comfortable.
Great question. Sounds to me like a good thing for you to focus on are long tones at the bottom of your range on bari. Keep it interesting though by using your tuner and keeping your volume really low. If you spend a couple weeks really focussing on the tone with these notes I think you'll crack this issue.Let me know how you get on.
How I practice major scales? I try to play them at least once a week from memory. I keep a sheet of paper with the scales written in it next to my practice area for reference. Also, I sometimes play them from the lower, middle and upper registers.
What's the best way for me to learn all my major and minor scales by memory? How should a musician be practicing scales? For the circle of fifths or fours do you have a pdf print out for this in which I can download for practicing my scales?
Great question Samuel. With my students I suggest working on 1 or 2 scales each practice session and try to gradually work towards playing them without the music. Remembering the sharps or flats for that scale will help. I have lessons on the Circle of Fifths inside Sax School that help with this. It’s definitely achievable if you work on it gradually and are patient.
Practicing scales. Beginner. Should I practice scales without octaves, or should I bring them in on the D? Also, Ab major. Does the octave come in on the Db/C#? Thanks.
Hi Tommy. Good to practice your scales over as much of your range as possible. So two octaves if you can manage it. Your octave key always comes on for middle D and above.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thank you Nigel. Am currently using an electronic Roland ae-05. It has two octave keys. Mainly only been using the high one for starters. See how it goes. Much appreciated, thank you for you time. 👍
Sir/madam, I am 52+ and living NYC, USA & origin Indian. My question- I practicing your course materials and my playing is correct or wrong or improve, how can I realize? Please reply..
Great question. Actually as a member you have ongoing chat support from our tutor team so you can ask questions any time and get help. Plus I run monthly live video masterclasses for our members where you can get feedback too. Lots of help for you as a member! More info here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today
how can I achieve a thrill between middle C and D or any higher note that requires you to press on the octave key + other keys, I found it impossible, the saxophone needs to take time to do it, waiting for all the finger movements needed to get hold of all the keys including the octave key. so you cannot do a 1/16 note for ex and jump to a higher not that will require the octave key. How do they do it, how do these great saxophone players make it seamless passing from any note to another and very quickly. It looks that I will never get there. please help.
I've just started out so am not an experienced voice at all, but based on the tutorials/advice I've seen/read, full range is always preferred. I guess it makes sense to get used to playing across the full register, especially when it comes to different fingering for the higher/lower notes.
Great video! Is that a Jody Jazz DV you are playing there? My favorite way to practice scales is to stick to one and play all the modes. Then move around the circle in 5ths doing the same thing.
Hey Nate, that’s a great approach and very systematic. Yep, Jody sent me a couple DV pieces to test out. I’ll be making a video on them soon (really like them by the way!)
Not only need to learn an acronym for, for example, the order of sharps added (GDAEB), but also another corresponding acronym for the order in which the sharps are added (FCGDA). Need to do the same for order of flats.
Lots of good ones that are commonly used for order sharps / flats. My favourite is: SHARPS- Father Charles Goes Down And Eats Breakfast / FLATS - Breakfast Eaten And Down Goes Charles’ Father. You got a favourite?
What about transposing from C-instrument to Eb-instrument? I use Bb-instrument. So for C Major I do D , C#, B, A, G, F#, E, D. So when piano hits C I play D.
Hi Don. You're on the right track there. I have a handy "Transposing Cheat Sheet" on my blog to help with the Piano - Alto transposition: www.mcgillmusic.com/articles/saxophone-transposing-guide/
It depends somewhat on how much they are used, how well they are treated, and, especially for cane reeds, how much you are willing to work on them. As I am new, and strengthening my embouchure, I find myself changing to a stiffer synthetic reed before they wear out.
@@ldever3 I'm beginner . I will learn on a reed number 1.5 of Yamaha yas 280 alto saxophone. But after learning I'll use reed number 2.5 . For that I'm asking about reeds. For example if I use everyday 2 or 3 hours. How long you can use the (bambo reed) and (synthetic reed) ?
@@markhormusic_ALIEN_GAME_ZONE I do not think a 1.5 will last very long before it gets too soft. But that will depend upon you and how the reed is working for you. After the 1.5 I suggest trying a 2.0, before jumping to a 2.5. Some reeds also come in 1/4 strengths such as 2.25 and 2.75. The only way to know when the reed is no longer good is by playing on it and deciding it’s not working as you wish it to. I suggest having additional reeds on hand, so you can try them. There is no fixed time period that a reed will last.
It actually gets quite difficult finding things to play in esoteric keys -- most jazz standards are in the same 3 or 4 keys. Guess you can transcribe stuff into weird keys though. Is there a danger in learning other scales as derivatives of major? For example, G7 scale (dominant/mixolydian... or whatever you call it) to me is just the C major starting on the fifth.
With my third day trying a saxophone It would be nice if I can stop squeaking. I’m trying the G scale for now. Great lesson but maybe it’s too advance for me 😔
Keep going Steven. Squeaking normally happens if you have too much mouthpiece in your mouth, so try using a little lesson and make sure your teeth aren't touching the reed. Good luck!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I did order a low price neck from Amazon and somehow I am not squeaking no more, not sure how that happened but I’ll take any improvements that comes along..Thanks
Hi EJ, if you are brand new to sax I'd suggest starting with my "Getting Started" course in Sax School (14 day trial here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today). Also I have some tips that will help in my Saxophone Tool Kit - it's free here: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses/
I like to practice the scales when learning a new song in its key signature. This trains me to hear how the song will sound if I already know how the scale will sound.
Same!
Have been playing the sax for 3 months now. Just recently started playing the scales. Although the entire concept now seems familiar to me I couldn’t find a way to remember quickly what scale has the sharps or flats easily but this explanation of the circle of 5/4ths was awesome!!!
Cool. Glad it helped you!
Coming back to the tenor saxophone after more years than I care to remember I find the videos are very impressive and especially clear, so much so that they really do provide motivation to persevere - especially for an old boy like me!! I will go ahead and sign up for the full course and let's see how it goes. It's a good thing that I have a very patient wife (musician as well). Thanks Nigel.
this video helped me with my all-state audition last year! i made it, and im hoping to do the same this year :D
Awesome. I’m so glad it helped you!
I'm going back to my sax after ten years and I only remember the G and D scale by memory. This was so helpful.
Good lesson on Scales
A useful little book:
"Know Before You Blow" published by Santorella.
All scales and modes with simple exercises with a CD.
This lesson definitely got me familiar with all twelve keys in one go... on alto sax! Brilliant!! Now off to the shed to learn to forget!
Go for it Uriel!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Will do sensei!
Will you be making a similar video for blues scales?
Sure, that's a great idea Malcolm. Also have you checked out the 5 minute workouts inside the Sax School members area? I think you will like those too: Log in or join here www.mcgillmusic.com
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Hi Nigel, yes I use them every day.
Awesome!
Sir I am 52+ and living NYC USA, origin Indian. My question- I practicing your course materials and my playing is correct or wrong or improve, how can I realize? Please reply..
So helpful!!!!
Hi Nigel
You ask about practicing scales: they are a great basis for patterns, either rhythmic patterns or interval patterns. Playing dotted quaver semiquaver or quaver triplet crotchet rhythmic patterns test how well one knows the scale, as does playing the scale in thirds, fourths or sixths. There is limitless fun to be had in playing scales.
Start every day with the mantra “ I love scales”
waay over my head. can you give an example of "rhythmic patterns or interval patterns"?
@@lenkearney4240 instead of playing the scale in quavers / eighth notes, play it as dotted eight note-sixteenth note pattern (rhythmic pattern) or (taking C maj as example) instead of playing the scale C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C and down, play it in thirds e.g C-E, D-F, E-G, F-A, G-B, A-C, B-D, C-A, B-G, A-F, G-E, F-D, E-C, D-B, C (the B up to C gives a sense of resolution)
amazing and owesome. pls keep it up. it was helpful and encoraging
Yes I'm trying play scale every day
Thank you 😌
thanks
I like to play 3rds.
D F# E G F# A G B etc.
I also say the note as I play it.
Hi I am a new subscriber to your channel... Great Video... Been playing for years in a band but this is a great instructional video and reminder of how the basics are really important
Thanks so much Tarus. Great to see you on the channel. I have loads more lessons to help when you're ready inside my members area. Free trial here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I just looked at your Website. I would love to do the trial but unfortunately I cannot pay for the membership as I am a Missionary in Training in southern AZ. I volunteer 100% of my time to the Organization I am a part of. I am part of a Non-Profit Record Label here Global Change Music
globalchangemusic.org/
The band I am in was invited to Whiskey A Go Go in LA as well as to Unify Fest in New Mexico
here are a couple links to my Bands Videos...
I play a 1950's-60's Kings Zephyr
ruclips.net/video/Q_yLalbn3UE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/dxFVufjEsz8/видео.html
Check it out... would love to hear your opinion
Cool, thanks for sharing the videos. Great sound.
I don't have any trouble playing (and using) all 12 major & minor scales, but because I usually play by ear, I have difficulty reading music when the key signature has more than 4 sharps or flats.
Hi Rob. That’s pretty normal actually. Working on some different scale patterns in tricky keys might really help you with that, like perhaps 4 note scale patterns or “broken scales”. Arpeggios too. Let me know if that helps.
Have you ever done, or can you do a video about how to voice notes on the bari sax? I have been teaching myself over the last week and I can get out all the notes, but the middle-low end is tough, bc I want to subconsciously voice the notes like I'm on tenor (I think). I can get them out by consciously loosening my throat, but all I'm basically practicing right now are long tones, arpeggios, and the chromatic scale until I'm more comfortable.
Great question. Sounds to me like a good thing for you to focus on are long tones at the bottom of your range on bari. Keep it interesting though by using your tuner and keeping your volume really low. If you spend a couple weeks really focussing on the tone with these notes I think you'll crack this issue.Let me know how you get on.
So amazing
This is helping thanks a lot
Great to hear that!
How I practice major scales? I try to play them at least once a week from memory. I keep a sheet of paper with the scales written in it next to my practice area for reference. Also, I sometimes play them from the lower, middle and upper registers.
That sounds like a brilliant approach Manuel. Keeping track like that is a great idea.
For F# major, and C# major I find the alt F# key useful. Although I still start my F# major on regular F#.
Me too Lowell. I tend to only use the alternate F# in the middle of the scale when playing over two or more octaves.
What's the best way for me to learn all my major and minor scales by memory? How should a musician be practicing scales?
For the circle of fifths or fours do you have a pdf print out for this in which I can download for practicing my scales?
Great question Samuel. With my students I suggest working on 1 or 2 scales each practice session and try to gradually work towards playing them without the music. Remembering the sharps or flats for that scale will help. I have lessons on the Circle of Fifths inside Sax School that help with this. It’s definitely achievable if you work on it gradually and are patient.
Best way to by heart, write one scales in so many times. Then it will become by heart. This is the way I used in my violin study
The infortion is really good but Wish the video was little clearer with the fingering the ambient light doesn't help at all
Practicing scales. Beginner.
Should I practice scales without octaves, or should I bring them in on the D?
Also, Ab major. Does the octave come in on the Db/C#?
Thanks.
Hi Tommy. Good to practice your scales over as much of your range as possible. So two octaves if you can manage it. Your octave key always comes on for middle D and above.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thank you Nigel.
Am currently using an electronic Roland ae-05. It has two octave keys. Mainly only been using the high one for starters. See how it goes.
Much appreciated, thank you for you time. 👍
You best👍
A picture highlighting the keys would be helpful 🙏
Thank you for the great channel with so much outstanding content. I see you are playing an '80's era YAS-62, yes? Is this your preferred horn?
Hi Roberto. Thanks - yes I’ve had that Yas62 since new in 1987. It’s been a good reliable horn.
Sir/madam, I am 52+ and living NYC, USA & origin Indian. My question- I practicing your course materials and my playing is correct or wrong or improve, how can I realize? Please reply..
Great question. Actually as a member you have ongoing chat support from our tutor team so you can ask questions any time and get help. Plus I run monthly live video masterclasses for our members where you can get feedback too. Lots of help for you as a member! More info here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today
how can I achieve a thrill between middle C and D or any higher note that requires you to press on the octave key + other keys, I found it impossible, the saxophone needs to take time to do it, waiting for all the finger movements needed to get hold of all the keys including the octave key. so you cannot do a 1/16 note for ex and jump to a higher not that will require the octave key. How do they do it, how do these great saxophone players make it seamless passing from any note to another and very quickly. It looks that I will never get there.
please help.
Is it more important to practice one octave scales or full range scales? I’m struggling with this perfectionist mindset.
I've just started out so am not an experienced voice at all, but based on the tutorials/advice I've seen/read, full range is always preferred. I guess it makes sense to get used to playing across the full register, especially when it comes to different fingering for the higher/lower notes.
hi can we play eastern music on the saxphone too ??
Practice. I purchase backing tracks in the different scales and I play alongside them. Guitar tracks in C-instrument.
That's a great system Don.
Great video! Is that a Jody Jazz DV you are playing there? My favorite way to practice scales is to stick to one and play all the modes. Then move around the circle in 5ths doing the same thing.
Hey Nate, that’s a great approach and very systematic. Yep, Jody sent me a couple DV pieces to test out. I’ll be making a video on them soon (really like them by the way!)
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool great to hear! My main on alto is HR* 6 but I really want to try the dark. Looking forward to your review.
Nice video 💚🥰🥰🥰😍💞❤️
Thanks Rakib!
I wish he showed how to play the notes for each
Great video Nigel
A tenor video would help.
I'll have one of those out soon.
Great thanks
Only been learning since March. My first instrument I can play. (A bit !) Do I use this alto video for my tenor saxophone ?
Hi David, you could but the sound will be in the wrong key. I’ll have a tenor version out soon.
High Nigel can you tell me what mouthpiece you are using for this video please and tip opening?
Great question. I'm actually testing out some Jody Jazz DV size 7 pieces on both alto and tenor for this video. What do you think of the tone?
Not only need to learn an acronym for, for example, the order of sharps added (GDAEB), but also another corresponding acronym for the order in which the sharps are added (FCGDA). Need to do the same for order of flats.
Lots of good ones that are commonly used for order sharps / flats. My favourite is: SHARPS- Father Charles Goes Down And Eats Breakfast / FLATS - Breakfast Eaten And Down Goes Charles’ Father. You got a favourite?
For sharps....
Father Christmas Gave Dad An Electric Blanket
And for flats....
Blanket Explodes And Dad Got Cold
I came up with 'Good Days Always End Better' for order of sharps added.
What about transposing from C-instrument to Eb-instrument? I use Bb-instrument. So for C Major I do D , C#, B, A, G, F#, E, D. So when piano hits C I play D.
Hi Don. You're on the right track there. I have a handy "Transposing Cheat Sheet" on my blog to help with the Piano - Alto transposition: www.mcgillmusic.com/articles/saxophone-transposing-guide/
Good evening sir pls wha key mask beginner play
Hi dear.
Please tell me about the reed.
How long does a bambo reed and synthetic reed you can use? 1 year or .........?
A synthetic reed can last that long. I tend to break them somehow before they wear out. A cane reed might give you a couple months max.
@@gangofgreenhorns2672
Thank you very much sir.
💛💗💔🧡💖💘❤💙💚💜💕💞❣✌👍
It depends somewhat on how much they are used, how well they are treated, and, especially for cane reeds, how much you are willing to work on them. As I am new, and strengthening my embouchure, I find myself changing to a stiffer synthetic reed before they wear out.
@@ldever3
I'm beginner .
I will learn on a reed number 1.5 of Yamaha yas 280 alto saxophone.
But after learning I'll use reed number 2.5 .
For that I'm asking about reeds.
For example if I use everyday 2 or 3 hours.
How long you can use the (bambo reed) and (synthetic reed) ?
@@markhormusic_ALIEN_GAME_ZONE I do not think a 1.5 will last very long before it gets too soft. But that will depend upon you and how the reed is working for you. After the 1.5 I suggest trying a 2.0, before jumping to a 2.5. Some reeds also come in 1/4 strengths such as 2.25 and 2.75. The only way to know when the reed is no longer good is by playing on it and deciding it’s not working as you wish it to. I suggest having additional reeds on hand, so you can try them. There is no fixed time period that a reed will last.
Why is your c major scale a much higher tone than mine? Mine starts a whole octave E... please help
It actually gets quite difficult finding things to play in esoteric keys -- most jazz standards are in the same 3 or 4 keys. Guess you can transcribe stuff into weird keys though.
Is there a danger in learning other scales as derivatives of major? For example, G7 scale (dominant/mixolydian... or whatever you call it) to me is just the C major starting on the fifth.
❤❤❤
With my third day trying a saxophone It would be nice if I can stop squeaking. I’m trying the G scale for now. Great lesson but maybe it’s too advance for me 😔
Keep going Steven. Squeaking normally happens if you have too much mouthpiece in your mouth, so try using a little lesson and make sure your teeth aren't touching the reed. Good luck!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I did order a low price neck from Amazon and somehow I am not squeaking no more, not sure how that happened but I’ll take any improvements that comes along..Thanks
As a true beginner I didn’t catch a lot of that at all haha. I’m still unsure of where to put my fingers to practice the scale.
im completely confused, I don't get it.
Hi EJ, I enjoy watching McGill Music Sax School. Will you please watch the scales video on my channel too?
Hi EJ, if you are brand new to sax I'd suggest starting with my "Getting Started" course in Sax School (14 day trial here: www.mcgillmusic.com/join-today). Also I have some tips that will help in my Saxophone Tool Kit - it's free here: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses/
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thank that helped alot 😃
Apparently Eric Marienthal never practiced scales!
Wow. Well for mere mortals, scales are a pretty good idea though.
You forgot the f #sharp major
13:09
I better stop watching. I don’t have a sax yet! 😂 It will help that I have been playing lead guitar for 36 years when I finally get one!
For sure. Go get a sax then we can help you.
Same what are we doing lol
@@McGillMusicSaxSchoolyou should welcome him. You sound like you’re gate keeping
I just got mine 3 days ago, neighbors in trouble
You really know how to talk alot and say nothing
You talk a lot. Get to the point…
it not schoool mega cap
First 6 minutes waste of time
Too much talk
Everyone’s a critic. 🙄👌