To play the saxophone is a worthwhile hobby, especially if you want to become a talented player. There is also a wide range of reasons why you should play this musical instrument. It helps in expressing your creativity, teaches patience and perseverance, and even improves your memory.
Nowadays, it’s much easier to learn how to play the sax with a saxophone fingering chart and a lot of sax ree lessons. Whether you want to learn a single note, how to play the instrument in a few minutes, how to go about playing slow, or how to play fast or play faster. These lessons will also teach you the fast passages, hand position, slower tempo, and some finger techniques.
One of the techniques from seasoned saxophone players is playing with faster fingers. It’ll help you create more beautiful music with the instrument.
In this article, you’ll get to know the techniques on how to have faster fingers when playing the saxophone.
How to Have Fast Fingers When Playing Your Saxophone
To know where to place your fingers with your saxophone is only half of the story. For you to get your fingers “flying,” as they say on your tenor or alto saxophone, it’s essential to keep those fingers as close to the keys as possible all the time.
As a matter of fact, your fingers should always touch the sax. You can do this by watching those fingers in a mirror during your practice.
Did you notice that even at such a fast tempo, the fingers of the master saxophone players remain close to the keys? There are moments when they’d lift their fingers, but generally, they’re close to the keys. How can you do this?
Today, you’ll learn the best four tricks so you can keep those fingers close to the saxophone keys. Once you do this well, you’ll be able to increase your top speed. Keeping those fingers close to the saxophone keys is a vital characteristic for quick playing.
First Trick: Use a String
The first trick is to attach a string or dental floss to your saxophone at two points in the instrument. This will position the string over the left hand.
Position the string low enough, so when your fingers lift off the saxophone keys too much, these fingers hit the string. The string is present so that you remember to avoid making contact with it.
Second Trick: Attach a Tape to Your Fingers
The second trick is all about attaching tape to your index finger, ring finger, and middle finger on both hands. A double-sided or regular tape will do. Then, create a loop with the sticky side of the tape on the outside.
Yes, those fingers will be attached to your saxophone. Like the string from the last trick, the tape will also act as a warning and reminder that when you lift the fingers too high, you’ll have to keep those fingers closer.
Third Trick: Keeping the Left Pinky
The third trick involves keeping the left pinky finger with the G# key and the right one on the Eb key. Doing this lets the other fingers stay closer to the saxophone keys. At first, you’ll find it difficult to keep the left pinky in one place. But with constant practice, you’ll surely improve.
The Fourth Trick: Play at A Slow Tempo
Whether playing a scale or the written out phrase, it’ll significantly help if you learn these at a slow tempo. Bu playing slowly, you can get faster because you’ll be more aware of the keys.
You may also utilize a metronome to control the way you speed up your passage or scale. It’s highly suggested to click up one notch at a time together with traditional tempo markings.
How The Saxophone Fingering Chart Can Help You Improve Your Saxophone Playing
Consider this as the fifth trick. A saxophone fingering chart isn’t only a way to have faster fingers while playing the saxophone but is also beneficial for beginners.
You can figure out how your saxophone works on your own or via a self-directed study. Take note that the saxophone fingering that’s the most intuitive isn’t always the best choice. Plus, ultimately, to guarantee accuracy and so as you won’t get frustrated, it’s always best to have a reliable reference with you.
Increase Your Finger Speed
We hope the tricks above can help you improve your sax play. Keep in mind to be patient and remain at your most consistent. Learning the saxophone and this technique does not happen overnight. You can spend five minutes daily with one of these tips and tricks, then move forward. The next day, repeat.
Note that the tricks you’ve learned above have produced proven results. They’ve worked well in the past and will work in the future. For sure, they’ll help you improve.
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
