Saxophone Fingering Chart

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BAMBOU-SAXOPHONE
Your saxophone is tuned to the key of Bb major. It has nine holes, five for the left
hand, which is held closest to the mouth, and four for the right hand, which is held
below the left. The right thumb is used only for supporting the instrument. Place
your lower lip between the reed and your lower teeth, squeeze slightly, and blow.
The upper teeth may rest directly on the mouthpiece. The amount of lip pressure on
the reed affects the pitch. The various finger combinations, when played with cor-
rect lip pressure, can produce a complete cromatic scale.
TO BEGIN PLAYING
Finger middle “Bb”, using left index and thumb, and right baby, which holds the
instrument when the lower holes are open. Blow deep from the diaphragm with open
throat. Pinch from lower jaw until pitch rises to “Bb”. Apply slight lip vibrato. When
tone is clear, play slow downward scale. If finger air leaks occur (froggy tone or
squeeks), return to “Bb” and repeat until low “Bb” is reached.
Feel for complete circles with fingers.
FINGERING CHART
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Bb
B
C
C#Db
D
D#Eb
E
F
F#Gb
G
G#Ab
A
A#Bb
B
C
C#Db
D
D#Eb
E
F
F#Gb
G
G#Ab
A
A#Bb
TROUBLESHOOTING
No sound : Probably not enough instrument in mouth or overly tight lip pressure,
not allowing reed to vibrate. Could also be not strong enough air pressure.
Fluctuating pitch : Inconsistent lip pressure or air leaks in fingers.
Flat pitch : Lip pressure too lose.
Foggy tone : Air leaks in fingers (See fingering chart for position).
Squeaks : Air leaks in fingers or overly tight lip pressure.
Raspy tone : Too much instrument in mouth.
THE REED:
The reed included is a soft strength tenorsax-reed, available at any music
store. For easy playing, use soft reeds; for more power use thicker reeds
( No. 1 - No. 2).
website:
email: chameleoninstruments@yahoo.co.uk

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