When playing a saxophone, whether it's in a small band, a large band or for a solo performance, pitch is very important. Good intonation produces a clearer and more beautiful sound, and it is essential for any saxophonist to know how to tune and adjust their instrument. Sometimes the saxophone can be a difficult instrument to tune, but with practice you will always be perfectly in tune.
Steps
Step 1. Set your tuner to a frequency of 440 hertz (Hz) or "la = 440"
This is the standard frequency for most bands, although some tune at 442Hz, which produces a brighter sound.
Step 2. Decide which note or series of notes you will tune on
- Many saxophonists tune on a real E flat, which for E flat saxophones (alto and baritone) is C, while for B flat saxophones (soprano and tenor) it is F. It is generally considered a reliable tone.
- If you play in a band, you will usually tune on a real B flat, which corresponds to G (for E-flat saxophones) or C (for B-flat saxophones).
- If you play in an orchestra (although saxophones are not very common in these groups), you will tune on a real A, which corresponds to F sharp (for E-flat saxophones) or B (for B-flat saxophones).).
- You may also want to tune into a series of notes, generally F, G, A, and B flat. For saxophones in E flat correspond to d, mi, f sharp, g, while for saxophones in B flat a sol, la, yes, do.
- You may also want to pay special attention to the intonation of any notes you have had trouble with.
Step 3. Play the note or first note of the series
You can watch the tuner 'needle' move to indicate if you are low or high, or adjust it to play a perfectly pitched frequency and compare the pitch.
- If you are perfectly in tune with the tone that is playing, or if the needle is perfectly in the center, you can feel that you are in tune and continue playing.
- If the needle moves to the "high" side, or you feel you are playing in a high register, pull the mouthpiece back a little. Keep adjusting it until you are perfectly in tune. A good way to remember this is the phrase "when something is acute, pull back ".
- If the needle is moving towards the low end of the spectrum or if you feel that the note you are playing is in the low register, push the mouthpiece forward slightly and continue adjusting it. Remember, "things severe they go pressed down ".
- If you are not having much luck moving the mouthpiece (because it is coming off the neck or it is so squeezed down that you are afraid you will not be able to pull it out anymore), you can make adjustments where the neck connects to the barrel of the instrument, by pulling or pushing as needed.
- You can also adjust the tone somewhat with the bit. Listen to the pitch of the tuner for at least 3 seconds (roughly the time it takes your brain to hear and understand the pitch), then blow into the saxophone. Try to adjust your lips, chin and posture until the sound is in tune. To raise the tone, tighten the bit; to lower it, instead, loosen it.
Step 4. Continue like this until your instrument is perfectly in tune
Then keep playing.
Advice
- Reed can also be a variable. If you continue to have problems with intonation, try reeds of different brands, strengths and cuts.
- If you are having a hard time playing your saxophone, you may need to take it to a musical instrument store. The shop experts may be able to tune your instrument so that it is better in tune, or you may choose to get a new one. Often even beginner or old instruments won't match, and you may still need to improve yours.
- Remember that temperature can affect pitch.
- It is better to get used to tuning based on the tone rather than using the "needle" - this will help you develop your musical ear and allow you to tune to a "remembered" tone as you improve.
Warnings
- Never try any advanced tuning or tuning techniques on the instrument unless you really know what you are doing. The saxophone's keyboard is very accurate, which makes it very easy to do damage.
- Keep in mind that many tuners show real or keyed notes of C. Saxophones are transposing instruments, so don't be alarmed if the note shown on the screen doesn't match the one you're playing. If you are a little confused about transposition, this article might be useful for soprano and tenor players, while this article will be useful for alto and baritone players.
- Not all saxophones are perfectly in tune, so some notes may be different than others. This is not something you can fix on your own by moving the mouthpiece position - you will need to consult a professional.
