Long Very

Long Very

Saxophone Tip #1: Practice Long Tones

 

So my first tip for budding saxophone players is to practice your long tones.  This is probably the simplest and most beneficial thing you can do to improve your saxophone playing dramatically.  Let's face it if you don't have a decent sound no one I repeat no one is going to want to listen to you or take you seriously.  I say this yet I know there are a lot of saxophonists who don't practice long tones.  I also know that there are some of you out there who are saying that you have done fine musically and have never practiced long tones.  This might be true, but if you want to have a professional mature sound then long tones are going to have to become a part of your regimen.  All the good professional players have spent time on long tones and overtone development.  Both of which are essential for developing a good personal saxophone sound.

Why Should I practice long tones?

First they are a great warm up exercise.  They're simple and they prepare your mind and body for a good practice session.  I've found that when I start a practice session with long tones my mind is more focused on my practice routine then when I don't start with them.  Second, it gives you greater control of your horn and sound.  This is the main point of practicing long tones on the saxophone.  Your instrument should become a part of you.  This only happens when you focus on and perfect the simple things.  Third, it strengthens your embouchure and develops strong lungs.  If you really want to blow you have to develop the ability.  Long tone practice gives you the right foundation.  Forth, you learn how to support your sound in all ranges of the instrument.  High, low, middle, your sound should be even.  Long tone practice is the best way to develop consistency in all the ranges of the saxophone. Then don't forget that with a stronger embouchure and greater lung strength comes a smoother air stream, which is essential for a beautiful saxophone sound.  Last, it gives you the opportunity to put all your focus on developing a personal saxophone sound.  We all have an idea of what we want to sound like.  Long tones give you the opportunity to experiment and figure out what you need to do with your throat, larynx and oral cavity to get the saxophone sound you personally desire.

So what are long tones and how do you practice them?

Its simple long tones are a form of focused practice in tone and sound development.  The key word there is focus.  The only way long tone practice is going to be productive, meaningful and not boring is if you have a clear focus on what you want to accomplish.  Let me give you a few examples.  Maybe you want to focus on using proper saxophone embouchure, or maybe you're struggling with having a consistently smooth sound.  You would then focus on developing a strong well supported airstream.  Another example would be using long tones as a way of developing your own personal saxophone sound.  Really any of the benefits I mentioned previously could be used as something to focus on while practicing your long tones.  So what's the first step?  Have a focus while practicing long tones.

The second thing that you need to do to make your long tone practice productive is to relax, take your time, and really get inside of your sound.  Hear the different shades and colors in each note.  Feel the life within the sound.  Let it become a part of you.  Remember that the saxophone should become an extension of yourself.  This will only happen when you put in the effort to really know your instrument and the sounds it can make.  Keep this in mind while practicing long tones.

I know that when I say things like feel, hear, and see it might sound funny but if you want your music to have life to it.  If you want your music to ring true with others, or if you want your music to be timeless you have to give it life.  The only way to give your music and your instrument life is to breathe that life into it by hearing, feeling, and seeing the possibilities and nuances.  This is what I call essence.

What I have shared with you is a little of the mindset that you need to make your long tone practice meaningful and productive.  It is also the key to really make your music have life.  I know that so far I haven't spoke of the mechanics of practicing long tones, but what I have shared with you is so essential that without it you won't get nearly as much benefit from your long tone practice as you can with focus and essence.  Now to the mechanics of practicing long tones.

The Mechanics of Long Tones

For many saxophonists the big questions are, "What note do I start on?  How long do I practice long tones? Or Do I practice long tones like scales or do I practice them chromatically?"  All of which are good questions that have simple answers.  

For the first question, "What note do I start on?"  I suggest you start on middle "C", or in the middle of the saxophone.  I know this differs from others who say you should start on lower "C", but for beginners this note might be too hard.  The goal is to work to the point that you can start anywhere on your saxophone low or high, but in the beginning starting in the middle is best.  This allows you to start in a comfortable spot and work your way to the more challenging notes.

Now, "How long do you practice long tones?"  This is more a personal preference.  It also depends on your goals and the amount of practice time you have, but I would say the minimum is 5 minutes.  Personally I will practice long tones for 15 to 30 minutes.  It really depends on the day.  I will say this however; when I do practice long tones I try to make sure that I have enough time to practice my long tones through the whole range of the saxophone.  I start on middle "C" then go all the way down to "B Flat" chromatically then I go chromatically back up the saxophone until I reach the "F Sharp" in the palm keys.  I then go back down chromatically to middle "C" once I've done this I have practiced every note on the saxophone excluding altissimo.  Sometimes I do add altissimo to my long tone practice but that really depends on my time.  The important thing is to become comfortable with your saxophone and to be able to play in all the ranges with equal clarity.

OK, for the last question.  "Do I practice long tones like scales or do I do it chromatically?"  The answer is do both.  To start I would suggest doing your long tones chromatically, however you should be just as adept at practicing them like scales.  From time to time I will break up my chromatic long tone practice by practicing my scales at a really slow tempo.  By doing this I treat my scales just like long tones and am able to focus on getting a smooth transition from note to note.  Once you are really comfortable with long tones you will want to practice them in intervals too such as fifths and fourths.

So in summary find a comfortable note to start on. Play it for a while then smoothly transition to the next note.  Follow this pattern until you have covered the full range of your saxophone.  Do this for at least 5 minutes a day and your sound will improve tremendously.  

Some Keys to Long Tone Success

In conclusion I would like to share some keys that will make your long tone practice more successful.  First remember that as your practicing your long tones that you want your sound to be as consistent as possible.  Don't let the pitch go all over the place you want your sound to be centered.  Also don't add vibrato, this can hide problems that you may have with your tone.  Second, have smooth transitions between notes.  If you slur make sure that the notes stay centered.  If you tongue make sure that it is a clear clean articulation.  Don't use a breath articulation, slur or tongue only.  Third, remember to take it slowly.  Long tone practice isn't supposed to be done quickly. Well that is all; the best of luck practicing.

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