IIm7 V7#11 Workout (Miyako)
A series of practice-with-me examples to lead to a fun sound over a II V with a #11.
Uniformity of Tone Character – An Exercise to Achieve a Balanced, Full Sound in All Registers
Working on this chop-buster long tone exercise will help get you a uniform, balanced tone in all ranges of your instrument. And if you work on it the right way, it will be great for your time-feel.
Why do you use the paddle/spatula keys when playing Ab/G#?
I’ve gotten this question on tons of youtube videos and lessons. Here’s why…..
Altissimo Diagnosis – Helpful Tips From Studio Members on Unlocking the Upper Range
A compilation of all the advice from the “Altissimo Blues” thread. I loved hearing everyone’s advice and contributions!
The Philosophy of 60 Bpm
Using a metronome at 60 BPM doesn’t mean only practicing slowly, it’s all about your relationship to the pulse.
Practical Ways to Use a Metronome
A reminder about the many different ways you can use a metronome in the practice room.
Q&A – Altissimo control, copying articulation, pros/cons of using harder reeds, and developing intonation imagination
Your questions answered, with related lessons to check out.
Altissimo Fingerings – Should You Choose Easier Execution or Better Sound?
If you’ve spent any time in your altissimo register, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. Here’s how I approach it.
How can I accelerate mastering top tones (altissimo)?
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Half (Ghost) Tonguing: A 5-Note Exercise to Make Playing Fast Easier
Using half tonguing when playing faster lines can help keep articulation and time in check.
A Case Study in Applying What You Transcribe and a Terrific Exercise for Getting Chord Changes under Your Fingers (Roy Hargrove on September in the Rain)
How to learn a new piece of vocabulary, apply it, and mix it in with your own improvisations.
How to work on keeping your fingers moving while taking breaths
What happens when the line you’re playing is longer than you have air for?
Things to practice away from the saxophone
Some things you can do when you’re away from the horn (by choice or circumstances) but you want to maintain your chops (and make musical progress).
How I Practice Scales to Maximize Accuracy, Control, Range, and Dexterity
In a single 25-minute practice session this exercise gives me a feeling of total control of the horn in all 12 keys.
Stan Getz’s Palm Key Exercise
This palm key exercise was given to me by George Garzone, who in turn got it from Stan Getz as a young man. Use it to clean up technical glitches in the high register of your horn.
An Improvisational Approach to Practicing Scales in Thirds Over a Chord Progression
Can’t figure out how to go from practicing your scales to actually playing them in your solos? Give this exercise a try.
How do you handle a phrase that’s too fast for your current technical ability?
Do you ever come across a phrase or horn part that you feel you’ll never be able to play because of it’s fingering and speed?
Five-Note Drills Over the Break
The saxophone “break” is not as difficult as the clarinet’s, but if you want clean execution, you must give regular attention to these details.
Bob’s altissimo fingerings on tenor
Here are the altissimo fingerings that work for me on tenor sax.
Step by Step Process to Play Scales with Speed and Perfect Execution
A rock-solid approach to getting things under your fingers—without your fingers flying—and leading you to more responsive and even execution.
Half (Ghost) Tonguing
How do you get that sound that’s kind of articulated, kind of not? The one you hear in so much bebop?
Cleaning technical glitches (in my pajamas) at 60 bpm
I shot this mid-practice session to show you exactly how I use SSS at 60 to iron out a problem.
Strategies for Getting Comfortable Improvising at Faster Tempos
Playing fast is it’s own special skill set and challenge. These are few things that help me.
Practice Your Execution With This Coltrane Changes Exercise
A practical way to improve your time while getting comfortable with a challenging set of chord changes.