SAXREX SESSIONS - Episode I - Altissimo fingerings

[Warbuton]

Very nice! Very controlled! One of the best videos of how to use altissimo for delicate tones

[Kakarotsuperior]

@Pianohero1994

It's a sound physics thing. The reason why these fingers work is because they are the most efficent way of getting the overtones of lower pitches to "pop out". more fingers are added for G# just because that is a fingering that either plays easily or in tune/with good tone for Anibal.

[archeryguru13]

Will these fingerings work for an alto sax as well?

[ThoughtPatternss]

Been practicing altissimo to no avail, and today I finally got it! Everything just came out - your videos really helped.

[Vapor419]

Me being a sax player who has tried to achieve altissimo for many years, I can say that you make this look way too easy :)

[SuperFlyguy62]

what sax is that?

[andromedarr]

I get the fucking highest note out of the sax if i use the deepest B flat fingering^^

[DirtRider500R]

Sweet baby Jesus, I need to learn how to do that.

[cakes1234321]

how do you do an altissimo E?

[ducksaj]

could you plz make a video you playing the Dari strats' solo? (your latest trick)...I think you can do it very well.....see you...

[Choisie09]

thanks man - has reaaly helped!

[GimmeLife]

Mang, I can reach a high C on the Alto saxophone (nine bars above the staff?) but the sound is pinched and my ears go numb. I'd love to find out how to "widen" my sound before I have to move to my aunt's house. She will not be happy with the banshee in her house, and I'm pretty sure I won't be home alone very often. =[

[GimmeLife]

Mang, I can reach a high C on the Alto saxophone (nine bars above the staff?) but the sound is pinched and my ears go numb. I'd love to find out how to "widen" my sound before I have to move to my aunt's house. She will not be happy with the banshee in her house, and I'm pretty sure I won't be home alone very often. =[

[TheHunnyhillbees]

Very nice video - thanks - I managed G altissimo for the first time after watching.

[APGR]

@TheHunnyhillbees Sweet!

[PianoHero1994]

Why is it that from high G to high G# and other notes, you push down MORE keys to produce a HIGHER pitch. That goes against all other fingerings for saxophone. Could someone please explain why this is?

[maciagt]

Hello,

Very nice and controlled. If I may ask: What is your set up? I ask as you have range and control which are contradictions on most tenors.

Ted

FB/tedmaciag

[APGR]

@maciagt The mouthpiece is an AMMA 7*  and rico select reeds.. I think a 4 soft. Thanks for watching.

[deutschmasta1693]

how does one manage that kinda growly sound that you made around 5:06?

[APGR]

@deutschmasta1693 well you can hum while playing a note or you can drop you jaw just a bit in order to get some of the lower register to come out as if your octave key isn't working. This gives you a mix of the high note with a touch of the lower register. Some over blow the horn in order to achieve this effect although I have found this to affect the quality of your pitch as well as variations in intonation.

[alberto831481]

whats the C key for the right hand? and the E key for the right hand?

[alberto831481]

what kind of mouth piece do you have? and reed? thank you your great help!!

[ejstras]

That's really really good I only have 3 years experience I was wondering how do you change octaves like that with the same fingering? is it something with the throat or more are or amature or something? Please get back soon

[caveworm]

Thanks very much for all your video's found them very helpfull Paul

[APGR]

@caveworm Your welcome.. glad they helped!

[kooldora55]

No one does eyebrows like my teacher, Mr. Rojas!

[MrMuzzi70]

I can't imagine Altissimo on the soprillo...

[blacksax0818]

hi annibal i'm a tenor sax player like you and i want to have a sound like you, . can you recommend me some practice routines for sound improvement? and to reach those very high notes you are playing. .

[dcamilleri2000]

Damn no matter how hard I try I can't get past high G - Im using a 2 1/2 rico select with a metal link 8. Have been trying for ages - very depressing. You have really great control - good on you !

[frankmeister12]

Annibal lately I have been trying to do the overtone series on my low Bb, but I can't seem to get to the high D or beyond that I'm stuck at the first Bb above the staff. Is there anything you suggest to extend my overtone range?

[shrillz]

aww. I play Alto =(

[kylegeee]

What exercises do you suggest to better moving around in the altissimo register? Just scales and arpeggios stuff? 

[APGR]

@kylegeee All major scales the way you practice them in the normal range... then in 3rds, 4th, 5ths.. etc... its a pain but really good for your facility up there. Thanks for your comments...

[kylegeee]

Check out those throat muscles move! Great technique man!

[MrSpyker13]

Dude you're awesome

[schazam04]

so yeah it seems I bite hard when trying to get the hi g the a is hard too and the hi b flat is impossible that way



[donkeymondays86]

OMG You are insanely inspiring!!! This really helped a lot, and you're an amazing player! I just wanted to ask what would be a good metal mouthpiece for jazz thats fairly affordable? I'm starting to get more serious in my sax playing and would love to look into one.

[johnpdiddyo]

@donkeymondays86 get an otto link ny metal mp I got one (7*) and love it!

[donkeymondays86]

@johnpdiddyo thanks! just got my otto link a few weeks ago, tryed a few and turned out i liked the 6* the best, so thanks for recommending otto link, i really love the tone of the mouthpiece!

[johnpdiddyo]

@donkeymondays86 awesome man I'm glad you like it.

[saxflautaecia]

Thanks bro, very special video!

[saxdrummer92]

Your sound is just wonderful. I play lead tenor for my high school (South Broward High School) adn i'd just like to complient you on your amazing sound. And your sax is gorgeous.

[ilovfob]

DANG! That super altissimo range is way to much for me! You make it look so easy! I need a good tenor first though haha... Thanks this REALLY helped me

[Mojotics]

Anibal, you're great. You're an awesome player, and you've helped me a lot. I was wondering; I love the tone of your piece, but aren't they like 700$ or something ridiculous? Know of any similar pieces for a LOT cheaper? Also, what type of reed are you using with this piece?

[APGR]

@Mojotics Thank you for the compliments!! I love to use rico select.. I believe I was using a 3H on this video. The mouthpiece I use is very good and very expensive but also very similar to vintage links. Try a vintage link or vintage berg larsen with no baffle.... Hope this helps... all the best!!

[tflover1221]

hey annibal, i was wondering on how to close the throat to play higher altissimo notes....plz help

[cptlulz]

Excellent tone. Absolutely beautiful. I've found an easier (and generally more in tune) fingering for C is one, three, four, and six with the octave key.

[Sirvalorsax]

nice stuff!!! I'm always looking for something more stable for the high G. any advice??

[Owner46]

@Sirvalorsax I personally find that the high G differs a lot between sax players and instrument. It is a pretty hard one to hit so there is quite a bit of freedom IMO.

[frankmeister12]

Hi annibal what is your preference when it comes to metal vs. rubber mouthpieces?

[APGR]

@frankmeister12 It all depends on the sound I'm trying to reach. I have a vintage rubber berg that's insanely bright but with a lot of body. Very difficult to use in a quieter jazz setting but fantastic on funk/rock stuff. Cheers...

[gyyujht]

Ive been working on my altissimo for a couple years now and it seems my range completely skips high F# - high Bb, I can reach the notes above and beyond but those notes are just out of reach. I believe it might just be that my control isnt where it should be but would you have any suggestions for reaching those notes?

[OttoxxLink]

what tune are you playing in the intro and the end?

[2exit]

hi anibal

Thanks for all.

I am working some licks of michael brecker. What i can i do now to use its in my improvisation.

Should transpose it in some other keys ?

I need your help.

[marcuswilespage]

to attack this monster, should i just gradually work my way up chromatcially starting on high F#? I'm pretty good at overtones all the way up until abt low G...

[JanneFlinck1981]

does it make much diference having plastic reed or wooden?

[APGR]

@JanneFlinck1981 Not really but I personally like the sound of the cane better.

[Peiselkopp]

Excellent!

[darian1114]

thats awsome ive been playing tenor sax for about 2 years ive had no teachers and i can hit Altissimo f thats it

[thenomadsss]

Actually nevermind i think i may go with the AMMA or the KALI...

[thenomadsss]

Dang. Serious chops dude. What kind of mouthpiece do you reccomend in the 150-250$ range? The vid finally helped me to attain a high B. Thank the lord.

[eltigredecandioti89]

oh it was at the end, sorry

[eltigredecandioti89]

please could you tell me how do yo do B? I think you miss it.

[GRACIEJIUJITSU100]

I would like to take a lesson with you, is that possible ? also MY SAX was a peace of junk, I just up graded , and bought a yamaha 82 z.

a sax tech, told it could be my horn as why i was having trouble. cause i can't understand why, it was so easy for me to play altissimo on alto, but not tenor. thank you for you help

[rk702]

Anibal, I am having some trouble with my altissimo on my Yanagisawa 991 tenor. Can the fingerings be very different for my saxophone compaired to you tenor? Thanks

[APGR]

Yes they can be. I would say maybe half of these fingerings should work for you. I personally have 3 different sets of fingerings for altissimo which I use. Depeding on the line and style of music I will choose appropriately.

[GRACIEJIUJITSU100]

Anibal I have a question, I have no problems with playing Altissimo on alto, But I just started paying tenor and I can't figure out why i can't play high G on tenor , but i have no problem on Alto. I hope you help me. Thanks

[APGR]

I would have to hear you play. Altissimo on Tenor is easier than Alto so you should not have too much trouble on Tenor. I recommend you take a lesson with me or another teacher closer to you to help you identify the problem. Good luck..

[kirboman]

Its too bad your based out of penn. It would be cool to get a lesson or two from you!!!

[APGR]

I give lessons through Skype if you are into it... choice is yours..

[kirboman]

Man... you've gotten a-lot better since the first altissimo video, did you get a different mouthpiece, or just more practice???

[APGR]

Both.. different mouthpiece and more practice...

[asdrummer1]

how would you describe your embouchure position when you play altissimo?

[APGR]

relaxed.. it has to do more with throat opening and tongue position..

[tflover1221]

wow you inspire me to become a great sax player. just by listening to your beautiful playing makes me want to try harder. thx

[Saxobari]

Thanks Manibal

Great tips man,I apreciate!

Cheers

Mario from Canada

[Th3pr0t0type]

Your C was sexy lol

[DiceMindu]

what about alto sax?

[HCL991]

nice, I really appreciate this video. Thanks for uploading!

[benjaminska]

great dude :) me subscribe

[Warmachine48235]

are these the prefered fingerings for the Alto, Can u recommend a site for the Alto, can you give a demo of the ALto?

BTW thank you for sharing your gift

U are inspiring

[shadon007]

What kind of sax is that?! It's not THE Selmer is it? As in the Selmer Mark ?!

[callumjosephstewart]

what do you mean selmer mark they come in things like make vi, iv etc not selmer mark lol its a nice sound though might be a mark vi

[songsmadeforyou]

your good

[SilverBullet123321]

I would love to hear you play smooth jazz, Could you make a video for that?

[yearned2learned]

ew. why would you degrade a musician like that?

[saxev2005]

Why would you REQUEST smooth jazz? Haha

[ribiQ]

What was the name of the Crusaders tune at the end? I transcribed what you did and I do it all the time but I don't know what the actual song is

[ebenjazz]

Tremenda lección.He visto otros interpretes como Lenny Picket que hacen un buche de aire para los overtones,¿es esto correcto?

[osis79]

anibal te saludo de italia quisiera saber si puedes enviarme las notas agudas ycomo hacerlar y de verdad eres como el dinosaurio un monstruo felicitaciones y espero aprender algo mas omenos igual que Dios te bendiga.

[qeeg]

this is a great help.. thank you soo much man

[82zAL3]

Hey, i'm just wondering if you know the fingering for altissimo E? fourth octave one. thanks

[APGR]

I use the fingering for altissimo A minus give or take some fingers for tuning - usually LH 2 or RH 1

[saxxykev09]

Are the fingerings the same for the notes higher than what was listed?

[APGR]

Yes. You can also try a 5th or octave below...

[jnovakit]

Great video.. Noticed the scrolling text so you must have some editing software. Maybe increase the volume on your voice but lower on the sax.

[honkysaxophone]

hey do you have any other g sharp fingerings for a buscher saxophone with no high f sharp key? it's really annoying me!! XD

[MrWhitehead003]

what song is that u are playing at the beginning and end of the video

[APGR]

Its an old Crusaders tune... I'm sorry to say I can't remember the tittle....something like "Standing here" ...??

[marcoscuevas50]

Hello Anibal, I thank you for the altissimo lessons but I wish you would have warned me about pets. My dog is now deaf and has psychiatric problems.Thanks again... Marcos

[rogray4567]

what the name of the song u play at da end.. does anyone now.?

[leono333]

In spanish please???

[APGR]

Si po compadre... dejame hacer unos mas en ingles y por ahi te hago uno en español. Lo quieres sobre los tonos agudo me imagino?

[lalosax2006]

Si sobre los tonos agudos, gracias anibal :D

[chiro18sax]

i need more videos for beginers

abaut this exersice

[marcoscuevas50]

just great Anibal, can you please tell me what mouthpiece and reed you use?

[APGR]

AMMA mouthpiece and Rico select reeds....

[rosstones1]

this is great im gonna come back when i have more time. interested in learning some possible better fingerings that what i use now. bravo

[Jericho1023]

Thanks so much Mr. Rojas my friend and I are attempting Altissimo myself on the Tenor and him on the Alto... So thanks again and BTW it does sound nasty! haha but thank you again!

[RajaRickin]

Thanks for the video!

[pormusic]

sweet sound-thanks for this-what sax do you use?

[APGR]

Mark VI

[Hockey1349]

Did you know this guy gives lessons online using Skype? Best money I ever spent. Learned more in an hour with Anibal than I thought possible, and he didn't put me up to posting this...LOL. Got right to the point, critiqued my playing, found my weak spots right away, and taught me what I wanted to know (and some things I never knew needed to know). If you want insane lessons with a master, check him out.

[lid0aznsk8er]

Harder reeds and a Metal mouthpiece may help with the altissimo range of the sax, but a large part of producing altissimo is making sure your larynx is open enough to produce the altissimo notes. One way to practice this is to do long tones and overtones. Using a low Bb fingering, try to reach as many overtones as you can. Try humming the overtone you're trying to reach and this will help you produce the overtone. My two cents. Good luck on your practicing =D.

[poshomi]

i can only go to g# );

[gremlinkiller95]

I get sooo frusterated because cant hit the g!!!

[matrix86]

..........*jaw drops to floor* I think you are the first saxophonist i've heard go that high and still sound good. It was so go i'm throwing out the rough transition between your 2 octaves, lol. Looks like i'm going to the music store tomorrow for some softer reeds (i'm using 5 hard and they are getting too soft, lol). I think playing on such a hard reed might be part of my problem with not being able to get up in that range...could be my embouchure as well. I know that has a lot to do with it.

[mikemrvp]

wat kinda of reeds and non-metal mouthpiece do you use?

[APGR]

I only use metal mouthpieces. Reeds are Rico select... thanks for checking it out.

[saxyforce]

lovely sweet sound, great technique, and killer alttissimo!! Thanks for sharing with us!

[carlheanerd]

This works (but still hurts) on my Soprano. Thanks a lot for the great info. BTW, what reed are you using? Thanks.

[APGR]

For all interested I use Rico select 3 medium, sometimes 3 hard... I bet it hurts on Soprano...

[carlheanerd]

You rock. Gotta try that reed on my Tenor ASAP.

[mdb205]

What type of reed do you use?

[Kempersax]

You are a Great Master! Thanks for posting and keep on teaching Tenor Sax aspects of life. Saludos From Chile!

[tmurphy941]

Thanks for the excellent help. What is your setup? Thanks again.

[APGR]

AMMA Mouthpiece and Rico select reeds

[MaxSaxDoc]

Many thanks Anibal for posting...

Max

[tmyers08]

ohhh. I missed that at the end. Thx tho.

[tmyers08]

Hey Anibal. You forgot B natural dude. How do you finger B natural?

[APGR]

Oops -- the fingering for B natural is at the end of the video at around 5:24. I guess i missed it at the beginning of the video.. lack of sleep - note to self, sleep more!. Anywho its LH -1, 2, 3 RH -1, 2, 3, like middle D or just the side D (palm key on LH)

[somethingsoad]

that mouthpiece sounds amazing

[somethingsoad]

setup** i wish i could buy a theo wanne mouthpiece but i dont have the money! lol

[borteek]

OMG, that's freakin crazy!. I'd like to see a vid of you stacatoeing loads of altissimo really fast. What horn are you playing on aswell. Looks like a p.mauriat system 76.

[APGR]

Its a Mark VI...

[jefferysax41]

I'm 6 months into learning to play tenor sax, purchased a Cannonball T5 the only mouth piece I could tolerate is a vintage Conn Eagle (#3 Vadoren V16 reed) which I purchashed from a repair man. I gave considered the Theo Wannes mouth piece, but I may be getting ahead of myself, at this point I am just looking to develope a clean pure dark rich sound. Thoughts. I also dig that 6 loop pedal which do you prefer.

[APGR]

Stick with what you got for now until you develop your embouchure some more. In terms of loop pedal, I have no preference. I would say whatever pedal has what you need without extra bells and whistles. Keep it simple.. no reason to complicate things IMHO

[APGR]

It all depend on how much time you put in. If you are consistent and play at least everyday u will bear fruit sooner. Also I would suggest overtones exercises as well as playing everything you mentioned slurred.

[drigonometry]

i was wondering what is the name of the crusaders tune at the end? what would i look up to find a recording?

[APGR]

I think is called "I'm still standing here". I no longer own a recording of this tune -- its been sitting in my head for years. Look for Crusaders with the Royal Philharmonic and you may find it. I think it was written by Joe Sample but don't quote me on this info -- can't remember...

[elmer1616]

hola Anibal yo platique contigo ya hace mucho en myspace pero ahora veo tu video y me parece extraordinario te felicito me puedes decir cual es la mouthpiece y tu tip opening txs man.

[APGR]

Es un AMMA 7*

[pfhsdrummajor]

YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!! how long did it take to get it in tune like that?

[APGR]

I'm still counting years -- IDK.... lol .. some days its on and others not so good -- A hard reed really helps or at least lasts longer...

[zivleyes]

Que tal Anibal! Sos un maestro! Un genio!

Gracias por la guia!

Te saluda un principiante argentino en Israel.

Tu control del sonido en el tenor, especialmente en los altissimos siempre me dejo con la boca abierta, ojala pudiera llegar a acercarme tu nivel algun dia!

[love4woodwinds]

GREAT STUFF! What serial number is your Mark VI?

Have you ever tried these on a Buescher Top Hat and Cane?

[APGR]

56,xxx... I have not had a chance to try the Buescher 400's. I have tried other Buescher but could never get around well with the low notes C#, B, Bb.

[saxman568]

is the AMMA by theo wanne? what tip opening is that?

[APGR]

yes it is... its one of his new mouthpieces. Its a 7*.

[APGR]

Thanks! The mouthpiece is an AMMA and my choice of reeds are Rico select 4 soft

[saxman568]

you sound great! what are you using for a mouthpiece and reed?

[APGR]

De nada compadre... suerte en lo tuyo!!

[MNL01]

Excelente mi hermano! Gracias por tu ayuda con mi pregunta reciente. Saludos desde Santa Fe, NM.