How To Play Altissimo On Alto Sax?

Alto saxophone is a versatile instrument that can play a wide range of notes, from the low register to the high altissimo range. Learning how to play altissimo on alto sax can be a challenge, but it is also a rewarding experience that will allow you to expand your musical horizons. In this article, we will discuss the basics of altissimo playing, including the different techniques you can use to reach these high notes, and provide some tips for practicing. We will also cover some common mistakes that alto saxophonists make when playing altissimo, and how to avoid them. So if you’re ready to take your alto sax playing to the next level, read on!

Key	Fingering	Notes
C	1-2-3-4	C6
D	1-2-3-5	D6
E	1-2-4-5	E6
F	1-3-4-5	F6
G	2-3-4-5	G6
A	1-3-4-6	A6
B	1-3-5-6	B6

Altissimo notes are the highest notes on the saxophone, and they can be a challenge to play. However, with practice, it is possible to develop a strong altissimo range that will allow you to play expressive and musical solos.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about altissimo on alto saxophone, from the basics of altissimo to advanced techniques. We will cover:

• What is altissimo?
• The different altissimo registers
• The fingerings for altissimo notes
• The techniques for playing altissimo notes
• How to practice altissimo notes
• How to overcome common altissimo problems
• How to integrate altissimo notes into your playing

By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of altissimo and the skills you need to play it with confidence.

The Basics of Altissimo

Altissimo notes are notes that are played above the staff. On alto saxophone, the altissimo range begins at the G above the staff and extends up to the C above the treble clef.

There are three different altissimo registers:

• The first altissimo register (F-G)
• The second altissimo register (A-B)
• The third altissimo register (C-D)

The fingerings for altissimo notes are different from the fingerings for regular notes. In the first altissimo register, you use the same fingerings as you would for regular notes, but you press the octave key. In the second and third altissimo registers, you use a combination of the octave key and the register key.

The techniques for playing altissimo notes are also different from the techniques for playing regular notes. In order to play altissimo notes, you need to use a lot of air and a very focused tone. You also need to make sure that your embouchure is relaxed and that your jaw is not too tight.

Developing Your Altissimo Range

Developing your altissimo range takes time and practice. However, there are a few things you can do to help you improve your altissimo playing.

• Practice regularly. The best way to improve your altissimo range is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to practice altissimo notes. Start by playing simple exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging pieces.
• Use a tuner. A tuner can help you to make sure that you are playing altissimo notes in tune. When you are practicing, play altissimo notes against a tuner and adjust your intonation as needed.
• Record yourself. Recording yourself can help you to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen to your recordings and pay attention to your tone, intonation, and phrasing.
• Get feedback from a teacher. A saxophone teacher can help you to develop your altissimo range and identify any problems you may be having.

With regular practice, you can develop a strong altissimo range that will allow you to play expressive and musical solos.

How to Practice Altissimo Notes

There are a few different ways to practice altissimo notes. Here are a few tips:

• Start by playing simple exercises. There are many different altissimo exercises available online and in music stores. Start by playing simple exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging exercises.
• Use a tuner. A tuner can help you to make sure that you are playing altissimo notes in tune. When you are practicing, play altissimo notes against a tuner and adjust your intonation as needed.
• Record yourself. Recording yourself can help you to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen to your recordings and pay attention to your tone, intonation, and phrasing.
• Get feedback from a teacher. A saxophone teacher can help you to develop your altissimo range and identify any problems you may be having.

Here are some specific exercises that you can try:

• Long tones. Play long tones in the altissimo range. Start by playing a single altissimo note and hold it for as long as you can. Gradually increase the length of time that you hold each note.
• Arpeggios. Play arpeggios in the altissimo range. Start with simple arpeggios and gradually work your way up to more challenging arpeggios.
• Scales. Play scales in the altissimo range. Start with simple scales and gradually work your way up to more challenging scales.
• Intervals. Play intervals in the altissimo range. Start with simple intervals and gradually work your way up to more challenging intervals.

How to Overcome Common Altissimo Problems

There are a few common altissimo problems that saxophone players encounter. Here are some tips on how to overcome these problems:

• Air problems. One of the most common altissimo problems is not having enough air. When you

Using Altissimo in Your Music

Altissimo notes can be used in a variety of ways in your music. Here are a few tips for incorporating altissimo into your solos and arrangements:

• Use altissimo notes to add color and excitement to your solos. Altissimo notes can create a sense of urgency or excitement, and they can be used to add variety to your solos. For example, you might use altissimo notes to play a high melody line, or you might use them to add a touch of color to a bluesy solo.
• Use altissimo notes to create melodies and harmonies. Altissimo notes can be used to create melodies and harmonies that are simply not possible on the lower registers of the saxophone. For example, you might use altissimo notes to play a countermelody to a chord progression, or you might use them to create a dissonant harmony.
• Make your altissimo playing sound musical and expressive. When playing altissimo notes, it is important to focus on making your playing sound musical and expressive. This means using a variety of articulations, dynamics, and phrasing. You should also try to connect your altissimo notes to the notes in the lower registers of the saxophone, so that your playing sounds like a seamless whole.

Here are some specific examples of how altissimo notes can be used in music:

• In the jazz standard “So What,” Miles Davis plays a high altissimo note on the word “what.” This note creates a sense of urgency and excitement, and it helps to drive the song forward.
• In the rock song “Stairway to Heaven,” Jimmy Page plays a soaring altissimo solo during the bridge section. This solo adds a touch of drama and excitement to the song, and it helps to build tension towards the final chorus.
• In the classical piece “Rondo Capriccioso,” Camille Saint-Sans uses altissimo notes to create a virtuosic and challenging solo for the saxophone. This solo showcases the saxophone’s technical capabilities, and it is a great example of how altissimo notes can be used to create a beautiful and expressive musical performance.

Advanced Altissimo Techniques

In addition to the basic altissimo techniques discussed above, there are a number of advanced altissimo techniques that you can learn. These techniques can help you to play altissimo notes with more accuracy and control, and they can also help you to create a wider range of sounds.

Here are a few of the most common advanced altissimo techniques:

• Double altissimo is a technique in which you play two altissimo notes simultaneously. This technique can be used to create a variety of sounds, including chords, melodies, and harmonies.
• Triple altissimo is a technique in which you play three altissimo notes simultaneously. This technique is even more challenging than double altissimo, but it can be used to create even more complex and interesting sounds.
• Overtones are a type of altissimo technique in which you play a note on the saxophone and then use your vocal cords to create a higher-pitched overtone. This technique can be used to create a variety of unique and interesting sounds.
• Multiphonics are a type of altissimo technique in which you play two or more notes simultaneously. This technique can be used to create a variety of complex and dissonant sounds.
• Other advanced altissimo techniques include slap tonguing, false fingering, and lip slurs. These techniques can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects.

If you are interested in learning more about advanced altissimo techniques, there are a number of resources available online and in libraries. You can also find lessons and tutorials on YouTube and other video-sharing websites.

Altissimo notes can be a challenging but rewarding part of playing the saxophone. With practice, you can learn to play altissimo notes with accuracy and control, and you can use them to add color, excitement, and expression to your music.

Here are a few tips for practicing altissimo notes:

• Start by practicing with long tones. This will help you to develop the embouchure and breath control you need to play altissimo notes.
• Work on your intonation. Altissimo notes are often sharp, so it is important to practice them with a tuner.
• Experiment with different articulations, dynamics, and phrasing. This will help you to make your altissimo playing sound musical and expressive.
• Don’t give up! Altissimo notes can be difficult to learn, but with practice, you will be able to play them with ease.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [The Saxophone Handbook](https://www.amazon.com/Saxophone-Handbook-David

  How do I find the altissimo range on my alto saxophone?

The altissimo range on an alto saxophone is located above the staff, from the G above the staff (G5) to the C above the treble clef (C7). To find these notes, start by playing the highest note you can comfortably reach on your saxophone. This note will likely be the G above the staff. From there, you can ascend by half steps until you reach the C above the treble clef.

What are some tips for playing altissimo notes on alto saxophone?

Here are a few tips for playing altissimo notes on alto saxophone:

• Use a light touch. Altissimo notes are produced by a very small amount of air, so it’s important to use a light touch on the reed. If you press too hard, you’ll create a harsh, pinched sound.
• Relax your embouchure. When you play altissimo notes, your embouchure should be relaxed and loose. If you tighten your embouchure, you’ll make it difficult to produce a clear, resonant sound.
• Focus on your airstream. The key to playing altissimo notes is a steady, focused airstream. Try to imagine that you’re blowing a stream of air through a soda straw.
• Practice regularly. The only way to improve your altissimo playing is to practice regularly. Start by practicing for short periods of time, and gradually increase the amount of time you practice as you get better.

What are some common problems with playing altissimo notes on alto saxophone?

Here are some common problems with playing altissimo notes on alto saxophone:

• Chapped lips. Playing altissimo notes can cause your lips to become chapped and sore. To prevent this, make sure to keep your lips hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a lip balm.
• Tight embouchure. A tight embouchure can make it difficult to produce a clear, resonant sound on altissimo notes. To relax your embouchure, try yawning or pursing your lips like you’re going to whistle.
• Airy sound. An airy sound is often caused by using too much air or not enough air. To produce a clear, focused sound, try to control your airstream and focus on playing with a consistent tone.

How can I improve my altissimo playing?

Here are a few tips for improving your altissimo playing:

• Practice with a tuner. Using a tuner can help you to identify and correct any pitch problems you may have.
• Record yourself playing. Listening to yourself play can help you to identify areas where you need to improve.
• Take lessons from a qualified teacher. A teacher can help you to develop the proper technique and skills for playing altissimo notes.

What are some exercises I can do to improve my altissimo playing?

Here are a few exercises you can do to improve your altissimo playing:

• Long tones. Start by playing a long tone on the G above the staff. Gradually increase the pitch of the note until you reach the C above the treble clef.
• Arpeggios. Play arpeggios in the altissimo range. This will help you to develop your finger dexterity and coordination.
• Scales. Play scales in the altissimo range. This will help you to improve your intonation and technique.

How can I use altissimo notes in my playing?

Altissimo notes can be used to add color and expression to your playing. They can also be used to play melodies and solos. Here are a few ways to use altissimo notes in your playing:

• Add color to a melody. Altissimo notes can be used to add a bright, piercing sound to a melody.
• Play a solo. Altissimo notes can be used to play a solo over a chord progression.
• Create a special effect. Altissimo notes can be used to create a special effect, such as a glissando or a trill.

  playing altissimo on the alto saxophone is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following the tips in this article, you can develop the skills and techniques you need to play altissimo notes with ease. With practice, you’ll be able to add these impressive high notes to your solos and performances, taking your playing to the next level.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

• Start by building a strong foundation in your basic playing skills. This includes developing good tone quality, intonation, and rhythm.
• Practice long tones and lip slurs in the altissimo range. This will help you develop the strength and agility you need to play these notes.
• Use a variety of fingerings to find the ones that work best for you. There are many different fingerings for altissimo notes, so experiment until you find the ones that are most comfortable and efficient for you.
• Don’t be afraid to use a tuner to help you find the correct notes. This can be especially helpful when you’re first starting out.
• With practice, you’ll be able to play altissimo notes with ease. So keep practicing, and enjoy the challenge!