How to Hit Altissimo Notes on the Sax

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Slightly close your throat by raising the back of your tongue (e.g.

   say something like "too" Like a running faucet or sink.)
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   Step 2: Play a low Bb and try to hit overtones by slowly adjusting your throat and visualizing that you are singing high notes.

   You should be able to hit Bb, Bb2, F2, Bb3, D, F, Ab, Bb4, etc.
   
   Rather than adjusting your embouchure, adjust the aperture of your throat muscles; tighten your throat muscles as if saying a high pitched "hee." If you have trouble with the higher notes, try saying "q" (queue) while still fingering low "Bb"
   
   The higher the starting note, the more difficult it is to play the entire overtone range. ,,,, It takes awhile to become comfortable hitting these notes.
   
   The longer you practice, the easier it will become.
   
   Don't expect it to work right away but keep plugging. , As long as you can hear the note you want to come out, it will come out.
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   Step 3: Then practice with other notes such as low C

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   Step 4: Get a list of altissimo fingerings by searching the web and try a lot of them as they won’t all work for every horn and mouthpiece

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   Step 5: Using a mouthpiece with a high baffle will make it easier; so will playing with a slight overbite.

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   Step 6: Breathe from your diaphragm

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   Step 7: filling your chest cavity from the bottom up.

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   Step 8: Don't bite down; stay relaxed.

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   Step 9: The fingerings don't really matter.

Detailed Guide

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