How To Play Altissimo On Alto Sax

So, you want to wail like Kenny G on a alto saxophone? I admire your bravery.

Let's talk about the mystical land of altissimo. Some call it the "stratosphere." I call it the "place where my dog hides under the bed."

Embouchure: The Face You Make

First, your face. Imagine you're trying to say "EW!" to a plate of broccoli. But hold the "w" part. Just a tight "E."

Experiment! Find the "E" face that makes your tone sound less like a dying cat. (No offense to cats. They're majestic.)

This is probably the most important step. Good luck!

The Magic Reeds: (Not Actually Magic)

Reeds. Ah, yes. Those slivers of cane that cause so much frustration. I have a controversial opinion: Don't overthink them.

A slightly harder reed might help. But honestly? Find one you like. One that doesn't make you want to throw your sax out the window.

(Unpopular opinion: expensive reeds aren't always better.)

Fingering Charts: Your New Best Friend (Maybe)

Okay, time for finger gymnastics. Altissimo fingerings look like you're trying to play Twister with your sax. And sometimes sound like it too.

Get a good fingering chart. Practice scales. Slowly. I mean REALLY slowly. Like, snail-racing-a-sloth slow.

Don't be discouraged if your neighbors start filing noise complaints.

Overtone Exercises: Embrace the Buzz

Overtone exercises. These are crucial. They involve making weird buzzing noises on low notes. It's basically saxophone yoga.

Think of it as vocalizing. You are using your throat to help control the saxophone. If it sounds bad, you are on the right way.

If you can master this, you're basically a sorcerer with a sax. Or at least, less likely to scare small children.

Practice, Practice, Practice: (Duh!)

This is the part no one likes. Practice. But seriously. Altissimo takes time. And patience. And a high tolerance for self-criticism.

Short, focused sessions are better than marathon wails. Unless you're trying to summon a demon, in which case, go for it.

And remember to take breaks! Your embouchure will thank you. Your dog might too.

My Unpopular Opinion About Altissimo

Here it is: Altissimo isn't always necessary.

A lot of amazing sax players rarely venture into the stratosphere. It’s about musicality. Not just how high you can squeak.

So, don't beat yourself up if you can't hit that super-high note. Focus on sounding good. Really good. That's what matters.

Bonus Tip: Don't Give Up!

Altissimo is hard. Really hard. But it's also rewarding. When you finally nail that note, it's like winning the lottery... except everyone else just hears a really loud squeak.

Keep practicing. Experiment. And most importantly, have fun. (Or at least, try to.)

Now go forth and conquer the stratosphere! Or, you know, just play a nice melody. Either way, make some music!