Playing 45 years and this is fresh info. Awesome!!

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

I've been listening to King Curtis and getting blown away at his beautiful, thick, rich palm notes and altissimos. I haven't even got into the same building. But as soon as I started using your fingerings, I am suddenly a hell of a lot nearer to his sound that I've ever been before. Thank you, Sir!

@Sirvalorsax

4 ай бұрын

😀

Definitely you are the altissimo master. I still remember the blues scales series. Well done Sir.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate a true teacher. You translate seemingly hard things into reachable logical things. The explanation of overtones is wonderful along with the master class on Altissimo and how to use the length of the horn.

Yet again the master has spoken... I can not explain what you have done for me, you have Inspired me , you are a super teacher and a true musician to the core, you shared your knowledge with me and only for you it would not have happened and for this i am sincerely grateful, I am now zipping through the register as I am from a small town in Ireland my dream is to sound like a New Yorker and I am getting very close , maybe I will bump into there sometime....and oh this should have been my 1st lesson lol, thank you so much Respect Derek

@emforde9753

Жыл бұрын

I was like, who’s Derek?

Good to see another video! Can't thank you enough for spreading the knowledge. God bless.

You are truly remarkable. I have an undergrad and grad degree in music and I have never heard this explained so well. After 21 years of teaching I use your videos to assist me in teaching student how to start their altissimo. Hats off to you. Please keep making more of these videos.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I keep the language pretty clean for reasons like this.

why the hell didn't I find your tutorials years ago, thank you so much for this insight!

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you finally found me! Feel free to share with others

Just great. You have really experimented a lot in order to come to your conclusions. You are special because you give of your knowledge and with humour. Many thanks!!!

Great lesson thanks for your time and expertise nobody teaches this

Great information very eloquently stated.

One think I like about your videos: you have a technical approach about the saxophone as a piece of engineering. You physically explain whats going on in the sax.. no that many players do or understand that... not meaning by that they are less of a player..

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

12:15 is why I subscribed.

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Shocking isn't it! LOL!!

@ricaard

5 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax EXACTLY! The nature of vibration is an awesome thing.

I want to try this but it’s 1:30 AM

Awesome, you have changed my life!!

I've been asking these kinds of questions for many years and sax teachers have never been able to understand or help with it. You are the first person I've encountered who understands this and is teaching it. Goldmine of information!

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. There are a lot of people that just don't know about this.

Very well explained. Thanks!

Best explanation I've heard as to why the alternate high note fingers sound fuller. I can actually feel my whole tenor resonate as I play them. Also helping a lot with my work on altissimo. Thank you!

Great lesson, thanks so much. I'm really getting into your videos, love your sense of humour too! Lol.

Incredible. Thank you.

awesome. really like the alternate f#. seems easier. thanks

I want to let you know how much this has helped me studied in college and grad school always had issues with altissimo fingers. I Even have the Nash and Lang altissimo books and struggled with them. You are a God send. I am grateful for your wisdom and style of teaching.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this really helping me out.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Cool!

Damn, I just love the way you explain Things 🙏

Must admit default position is marveling at the entire package presented rather than woodshedding my own self. I've said ...the better you get... the worse you are.... forever, as I compare my playing to ever more awesome players. I need an "It's Like Butter" T shirt.

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Great point! I'll look into that T shirt idea

@curtisvalle5141

4 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax Actually, ' SNAP.... It's Like Butter :)

Superb content once again!!!

Outstanding

Thank you so much! I tried everything, only your explanation its working to me!

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! I try to make them easily accessible to everyone

Fantastic lesson! Helped my altissimo so much! Thanks!

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

This guy got some great advice holy shit

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

LOL, Thanks

Got my first four altissimo notes from this guy. Impossible before...until I got my sax serviced recently. Made all the difference. Thanks Sirvalorsax...for ever

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Cool

I really like the way to teach. Your explanations are very clear and well thought out. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I just subscribed.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

Like always very helpful Thanks

My brother, you have changed my life. Thanks.

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks

Speechless. Seriously. Having always thought the palm keys sounded "empty", and with folks saying overtones is the way to get altísimo, I'm glad someone is coming right out with it and saying "use these fingerings from the beginning". Don't how how I found your channel but I'm here to stay, study and soar in my love for the tenor sax. A million thank yous for everything you do.

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Thanks very much for making this video. I am tremendously impressed with your vast knowledge of the horn as well as the way you clearly present this material in a way so that just about anyone can quickly make use of these fingerings. I have just discovered this after a friend recommended your video and you have done a fantastic job of dealing with altissimo and fingerings as well as alternate fingerings for enhancing the sound of the notes within the range which I had discovered over years of trial and error. You really are an excellent teacher and I commend you on presenting such a challenging aspect of saxophone playing in such an informative and simple presentation.

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the very informed compliment. I will endeavor to create more content like this.

One of the best videos on youtube for learning altissimo. Never had anyone break it down like this. People are usually just like "play overtones , profit" which doesn't help beginning players. Thank you!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Just hearing you explain it all in the beginning got you a like from mek

thank you i just got mine and this really helped me do more even though this has been posted 1 year ago i just feel like i'm talking to you in real life, like you're really in front of me thank you so much!

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

@wafflepants1802

5 жыл бұрын

Sirvalorsax =)

Excelent !!

Thank you so much!

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

I agree with all the previous commenters. Absolutely excellent lesson, and people don't teach this, unfortunately. Great stuff!

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

beautiful

To the shed now!👍Thanks once again!!

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Cool

All your videos are excelent but particularly this High D Alt and Hig F alt have been game changers and life savers for me. I've hated my high D intonation for years, i use sometimes the similar alt but without the right hand ring finger, i'd missed that. With that finger, it not only has a nice colour, i find the intonation better and stable. This high F alt is very useful too, it sounds to me like the fork high F, but can have way better playing depending on the phrase. The others are useful too. Thank you very much forever, God bless you

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!!

Thank you very much! Very pro like lesson.

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Cool

Oh my gosh! I am just a newbie, had my sax for a month, and I've been so confused on how to play Altissimo. I played trumpet for years and now cello and trombone, so when I found the tenor had an octave key, it definitely felt like cheating. I've picked it up really really fast, and I have played in groups and everything already, but to not know Altissimo felt so bad. I worked hard to get the upper register in tune and then I got to the highest I could play on the horn (High F) and I was stuck. Couldn't play a high F sharp. Now I can! I am sure with more practice I will get these fingerings and notes down! Thanks so much! This has helped me tremendously! I need to take some good notes!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in!!

This helps sooo much. Thank youuu!!!! :)

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Cool

Super Helpful vid! Thx

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

this is fantastic stuff , thank you from Chile!

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

"IF" I had an instructor like this gentleman, I likely NEVER would've had a 20+ year hiatas in my music endeavors. Negative experiences with a select few instructors (and fellow students) allowed me to grow sour, and I was discouraged from wanting to have practically ANYTHING to do with music at all. Didn't even want to listen to it. When attempting to make that crucial transfer from clarinet to sax, I'd give practically ANYTHING to have had an instructor a 1/3 this man's calibur. Going to have to play this video a few times in order to write down those alternative fingers.

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!!!

The best lesson I have ever experienced. Thank you so much!

@Sirvalorsax

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@marioborg4952

7 жыл бұрын

Just a little question ... is it advisable to use these fingerings while running a scale or arpeggio up the horn or just in particular situations like attacking on the note when the lick starts on that particular note?

@Sirvalorsax

7 жыл бұрын

I would suggest checking out my chromatic scale video for altissimo for some alternate options for fingerings. Ultimately I would suggest that you use which ever you find the easiest. Have fun! Thanks kzread.info/dash/bejne/qp6nxLasZ7Grcrw.html

@marioborg4952

7 жыл бұрын

That's Great! I will look into it ... Thanks

Great advice! If you're new to altissimo this video is where you should start. Also, if you have some experience with altissimo this is great advice to improve.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I like your style. Very clearly explained and also interesting. Thank you It's time to not just thumb it up but subscribe.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Interesting discovery

Thanks, man! 🌟

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

cool

Cheezus, this is the greatest altissimo intro there is. There is nobody who presents it so well. I would love to know the mouthpiece he is using; sounds a lot like Ron Holloway.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!! kzread.info/dash/bejne/anWcraezaZWoe5c.html

This guy has deep multiple layered knowledge about saxophone and all the things related... Such understanding doesn't come for free..Thus my humblest admiration! Greetings from the Czech Republic!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Your country and Slovakia are on my "to visit" list. I have some dear friends from there that I haven't seen in 10 years so I'm looking forward to going someday sooner than later. Thanks for tuning in to my channel.

@JiriUL

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your reply! You are most welcome if you decide to come to Prague! I'd love to see you playing in one of Prague's jazz clubs one day - especially at Jazzdock. And again I am super happy I came across your channel - I am now your big supporter!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I really am just excited internally that somebody has finally shown me how to do this. You kinda lose me sometimes because I don't know my key/notes; I've been playing by ear for so long. Fred Lipsius (Blood Sweat Tears) showed me some "fake fingerings" back in 1969 when I was a 5th grader in the Bronx and took up the sax in school. Fred Lipsius is a close friend of dad. I used what he told me but lost contact with it. Again, thank you so much. I will be working on this.

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

Cool

Show!! Muito bom!! Sou do Brasil, e te conheci essa semana!! Ja virei fã!!!

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@sauloferreira3182

3 жыл бұрын

Grande mestre Evanio, também sou fã do sirvalorsax.

Wowww!!!!!!

Love this dude! His face after the E flat lol

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

LOL!!!

I had the same reaction as him when I found that Bb...

I get this because I switched to flute for many years in the 70s and 80s. Also, because of flute, I skip the octave key on sax for some rapid passages.

I would add one more fingering to work on for the high (3rd octave) E: Forked-F with the G key ((finger 4) down. It also helps jumping to the altissimo A - just release the forked F key.

12:16

nice intro ! :D

60 years old and playing tenor for some 30 years and always feared altissimo... but as soon as you mentioned the shortcoming of the palm keys- the lack of overtones and how to get around it- it just CLICKED! I get it! Thank you, Sir Valor! Thank you!!!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Sweet!!

Santa is bringing me Ted Nash Higher Harmonics book. When ivegone through it THEN ILL GET BACK TO YOU. you are still my fav guy though. 2020.

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, let me know how it goes. I have that book as well.

amazing video! Edit: I've been doing this the whole day. People at conservatory hate me now. But still I can't get that freak E natural overtone with low Eb fingering. :( I gotta say my overtone series on low Bb it's been stuck on the third overtone for ages, I can almoat never get that damn D up there

The Master :-)😎

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Great tips for those high notes on the tenor. For myself I struggle on the low end of the tenor (C and below), which I find generally ok on the bari/alto/sop. Any tips for popping out those low notes (C and below) on the tenor?

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

First make sure the horn doesn't have any leaks. That is usually a big one. Make sure the neck pad closes completely also. Make sure to not use a subtone yet just to make sure you can isolate the issue properly. Try a friend's tenor with your mouthpiece to see if its you or the horn and finally try different reeds with a more relaxed embouchure. Good Luck!

Any tips for if I can't reach the latter notes? Thanks

Hi. I love your videos. I've been trying to get started with altissimo for years and your videos have helped. But I feel like I need more, are you offering lessons?

@Sirvalorsax

3 жыл бұрын

Not yet, I was trying to set things up before covid but that has created setbacks. I'm trying to get my website updated so hopefully in the near future I can get it going.

Hi, Did you ever release the book that has been mentioned in some videos ?

Beautiful explanation of airspeed and connecting registers. But pls remember that when you say note (notation) you mean tone (sound)!

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in. I try to make my videos easy to understand by people who don't speak English as a first language so any tips are very useful, thanks. I'd like to know more about "Mijn Land" I checked out your video and that song is GREAT!!!

Dou you have any advice on memorizing the altissimo fingerings?

Plus for the F and F# you don't have to press all 3 palm keys just the F and any of the other 2 still gets the sound

at one point in a video Eric Marienthal explained about making high notes sound good, and he said it should be 60% air and 40% embouchure (just numbers in his head) but yeah, i got the point. it is more air than embouchure (y)

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

I try to think of mimicking the flute level of embouchure/airspeed ratio

@gafiegarcia

5 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax too bad i dont play the flute xD thanks Sir!

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

LOL Not yet...

Thank you so much, I am about 3 years into playing the Alto in a Community Jazz Band. Have you got a fingering chart just to help me visualise this system. What you are showing looks pivotal.

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

It's in the book I just finished. I'm looking for a publisher at the moment though

@garysnowdon1918

4 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax amazing man

Is that a Yanagisawa or a Selmer? Also I understand saxophone much better now that you have explained altissimo notes thank you.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

I'm playing a Cannonball VR (Vintage Reborn) with dark amber lacquer. Thanks for tuning in to my channel!!

You mention that if you can reach the high Eb/E overtone that you know that everything is good with the horn, mouth piece, and reed for playing altissimo. Any advice about the type of things that could be wrong with horn, mouthpiece/reed that could cause problems? When I try to get that high Eb/E I end up over shooting and getting something an octave higher (about). From the low Bb I can get up to high D (but it's not strong). Thanks.

@Sirvalorsax

7 жыл бұрын

Hello, 1st, make sure there are NO leaks!!!! The other stuff isn't so much a problem but adjustments you need to make. 2nd, try different reeds. Not the one you always use but the ones you thinks don't play correctly. This is a very cost efficient way of dialing in what you need. I personally had to use softer reeds because it forced me to use less embouchure pressure. I highly recommend watching my video: Magic Altissimo Fingering #1 (14 notes, 1 finger!!) This is truly a lesson in SQUEAKING and understanding what notes you get when you do, then adopting that embouchure as standard with the least amount of effort. As far as equipment goes, I gravitate toward a neck that has more curvature. I used to play an old 1920's Martin sax that had less angle to the neck and that horn was really hard to produce altissimo consistently. Most modern horns have a very curvy, angular neck. For mouthpieces, I recommend more baffle over less. Dukoff over Otto Link for example at least for getting started anyway.

@CassStevens

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply. I'll try out some softer reeds and make sure the horn it tight. I'm playing a modern Slant Sig 7* on a Mark VII. Maybe I'll try to make a baffle and see if that helps.

why do some of my notes (namely split F with the Eb key) have a weird sound before it before the actual note finally breaks through? It's a low, out-of-tune sound which I can only describe as 'hollow' which makes my note sound like "huuuuuhheeeeeeeeeee" (eee is the good note). Sorry for the weird description, I'm not good with describing things

Adolphe Sax and Dexter Gordon sent me here.

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

2 of my favorite sax players, LOL

Can you do one for Alto saxophone

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

Good Idea!!

For the alternate fingerings, do you use the octave key?

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

Yes.

Great video thank you. Q. I’m getting E not Eb but when I release the side E I’m getting Eb, any idea why? Thanks

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Which fingerings are you referring to?

@glenbaker

4 жыл бұрын

Sirvalorsax 7:05 palm Eb

@glenbaker

4 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax Got it, I was holding down palm Eb while using the alternative fingering :) haha, thanks again, great videos!

Does he press down the octave key when he plays the palm D?

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Yes. Yes he does.

@chaplainmattsanders4884

3 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax 😂

Quick question, for the split fingerings are you using the front F key or B?

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

The "B" key

@lion037

4 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax Thanks.

What mouthpiece are playing on, right now I’m using a vandoren v16and I just think it’s time for a change

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

In this video I use a metal Brilhart. I'm now playing on a metal v16 T6 small chamber

@internetfellaguy12

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks I’ll look into it

What’s the music in the beginning

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in to my channel. The song is an original but its not "out" yet.

Is it normal that I can't play that F# finger (1+3+4) without the Eb key? I can't get it to speak

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

This is not normal. The Eb key should only change the pitch and timbre. Make sure there aren't any leaks in your sax. I'm assuming your playing tenor but on alto some things can be slightly different

I'm assuming these fingerings could be used for alto too right??

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Some of them

Octave key for the overblown Eb?

@Sirvalorsax

4 жыл бұрын

Yes

So i can play altissimo G and sometimes G# on my alto sax but when I try on my tenor it just squeaks

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

What fingering are you using?

@ChaChaWillis

6 жыл бұрын

Sirvalorsax 1 3 1 3 bottom knuckle key Or Front F 1 2 on bottom

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

1-3 1-3 is really solid on alto. For tenor I would HIGHLY advise using { 1plus high F# key } If you don't have a high F# key on your tenor, check out this video of mine. kzread.info/dash/bejne/aYZ-lKObaa66c6w.html

Hey I buy your book I don’t remember how long I still haven’t gotten it yet. Please let’s fix this.

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

Can you check to see the date it was purchased? I can check the order date and relay that info to Teespring.

@Sirvalorsax

2 жыл бұрын

Sirvalorsax here. Just wondering if you got the book yet. It sometimes it gets put in a different folder for some people.

You have a new saxophone. What Cannonball model is that?

@Sirvalorsax

7 жыл бұрын

It is the Vintage Reborn 20th year anniversary edition. Same as the other but with dark amber lacquer, pearl keys, and a special engraving. My unlaquered sax was freakishly difficult to keep clean.

@sanglee3686

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the fast answer. However I like your the old vintage one better. I can see every parts of that saxophone you touched and worn. especially shinny stone keys... Thank you so much for the valuable information.

@Sirvalorsax

7 жыл бұрын

Cool

when can we buy your book! this is what every sax player wants to learn and is never taught.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in!! I'm trying to go high tech with it so I'm in the process of a major tech upgrade now. (very expensive) OOOh!! But I'll let everyone know when its available.

@drewismynick

6 жыл бұрын

solid man. ill look forward to it. just dont overthink your project is my only recommendation. i know i suffer from that.

@Sirvalorsax

6 жыл бұрын

Wise words my friend. I have some interesting challenges ahead of me in the near future.

Soooo just saw this and it just occurred to me .... Do you think John Coltrane used these fingerings on Naima?

@Sirvalorsax

5 жыл бұрын

I don't think so but if he did, it might have been something very similar to get the desired effect. Thanks for watching!!

@stangetz534

5 жыл бұрын

@@Sirvalorsax Love the channel I noticed you just started do more vids. Thanks man. I'm in an interesting situatiton. After years of trying to get altissimo I started to get to get it fairly easiiy. Finally!! On alto that is. (Mark VI 67XXX and 6 NY limited edition Meyer and 3 rigottii gold reeds). I was able to get to B easily. I never tried to go higher, but feel I could if I took the time to find the fingerings and work on it. Then I had to sell my alto. Now I'm getting my chops of on tenor (Ref 36) and 7 Retro Revival super d with 3 Rigotti Gold reeds. I can't get squat and I sound terrible in the palm keys way too bright and thin. So I'm glad to have your vids as a guide. I can get G using the b key and the high f sharp key but that is it. Oh and f sharp of course. Take care man. Keep up the great work!! Kids today learning are so lucky. I'm trying to become a jazz musician after 40! Been 4 years of daily practice. I feel it is in within my grasp. Now I just gottta find and easier mouthpiece to play like the otto link new vintage 5*. I think you said you were going to sell that one and get a 6. Is it avialable? I'm interested in it if so. I need instant response and ease of play to get my confidence up on tenor to were it was on alto.

I feel like APalm D is more open