David Pope Demonstrates Altissimo for Alto Saxophone

A brief demonstration of altissimo for alto saxophone. Equipment includes R.S. Berkeley Virtuoso alto saxophone, rubber zinner mouthpiece (classical facing by Bob Scott), Francois Louis ligature, and Vandoren #3 reed. Recorded in my teaching studio at James Madison University.

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[robin17171]

I can get a D C# and C on tenor and alto with the D Eb and F keys by over-blowing. But anything lower is a pain for me.

[Popesax]

@robin17171 That's a common situation, as it is easy to bite out those notes without really voicing them. The lower notes require less bite and more precise voicing. Focus on the exercise in the video to find the G, and watch for a new video on tenor altissimo. Good luck!

[nickschulz13]

can you help? my higher notes aren't coming out, their making a c sharpish tone

[Popesax]

@nickschulz13 When you say higher notes, what specific notes are you talking about? I have some ideas, but I'd like to know what notes you are trying to play.

[therawest601]

do you have a video that demonstrates multiphonics on alto sax?

[Popesax]

@therawest601 Not yet, but I'll try to get something together

[abadjoseph]

Awesome! What audio/video recorder did you use to record this (sounds great for my simple needs)?

[MrVanny78]

Can you show the fingering for the altissimi notes please

[iBeyMaster]

what was that song at the beginning called?

[menace391]

I have a Conn student horn (I'm a Sophomore in High School) and using 1 and 3 on both hands got a Altissimo G out for me. Thanks for the video Mr. Pope!

[cbjazz2c]

I have no problem getting all sorts of good altissimo on my Selmer 1990 S-80 tenor, but my 1925 Buescher TT alto has neither an F# key,and It does not have the F Palm key lifter either... So I got your progression, but without the side Bb (8ve,F palm only with top Bb and A for the F, add just the middle F with some lipping down for F# and release A for G.) Thanks!

[mastergionni]

Hi David are Nico I write from Italy, congratulations for the clarity with which you express yourself, if I can ask you a favor, could you post a video on all positions over tones for the tenor and the alto sax..?.?.Thank you

[SirGeoffGassy]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Finally going to try to master altissimo and didn't know how to start. Thanks!

[robin17171]

Has anybody tried the G on a Tenor?