Intonation refers to the accuracy or correctness of the pitch you are playing on your instrument. While you may be playing with exceptional tone, a good sound that is out of tune will not match and blend well with other players. This page will briefly go over some of the natural intonation tendencies on the saxophone as well as small adjustments that you the player can make to correct these and other pitch inaccuracies.
Saxophone Pitch Tendencies
The natural tendencies of the saxophone make the notes shown below naturally out of tune. Keep in mind that just because the other notes on the instrument don't have natural pitch tendencies like these do that they will automatically come out in tune! Some careful work with a tuner will help train your mind and ear to anticipate and correct these and other pitch tendencies on the saxophone.
Adjusting for Intonation
Care in using proper fingerings will have a strong effect on the pitch of the saxophone. Your director or private instructor may also be able to teach you alternate fingerings that add or subtract keys from certain standard fingerings in order to improve the intonation of those notes.
Adjustments to the pitch can also be made with the air and embouchure. The "open throat" concept (yawning with your mouth closed or saying "oh") will lower the pitch of sharp notes, as well as applying less embouchure pressure. When notes are coming out unsupported or flat, using a faster air stream and applying more pressure with the embouchure can help to focus the sound and raise the pitch. Carefully and correctly positioning the mouthpiece will also minimize flat notes. In addition, you can listen to your tone quality to help assess your intonation – when playing in tune, your tone quality will be more beautiful!
Adjustments to the pitch can also be made with the air and embouchure. The "open throat" concept (yawning with your mouth closed or saying "oh") will lower the pitch of sharp notes, as well as applying less embouchure pressure. When notes are coming out unsupported or flat, using a faster air stream and applying more pressure with the embouchure can help to focus the sound and raise the pitch. Carefully and correctly positioning the mouthpiece will also minimize flat notes. In addition, you can listen to your tone quality to help assess your intonation – when playing in tune, your tone quality will be more beautiful!
Flying Along! ...
Now that you are armed with information on intonation and how to make adjustments on the saxophone, it is time to play some fun Exercises with ExTon!