A saxophone fingering chart is a visual representation that shows which keys to press to produce specific notes on the saxophone. The saxophone, being a transposing instrument, uses the same fingering for different registers, but you must understand how these relate to the music you’re playing.
Structure of a Fingering Chart
The chart is divided into two main sections:
- Lower Register: This includes the notes from low B♭ up to middle C. These notes are played without using the octave key.
- Upper Register: This includes notes from middle C up to F or F♯, depending on the instrument’s range. The octave key, located above the left-hand thumb rest, is used to play these notes.
Each note is represented by a series of circles or dots corresponding to the keys on the saxophone. The left-hand keys are usually at the top of the chart, and the right-hand keys are at the bottom. A filled circle indicates that the key should be pressed, while an open circle means the key should remain unpressed.
Reading the Fingering Chart
1. Basic Notes
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the basic notes on the saxophone. The most commonly played notes include B, C, D, E, F, and G. These notes form the foundation for many scales and pieces of music.
- B: The note B is played by pressing down the first finger on your left hand.
- C: To play C, use the second and third fingers on your left hand.
- D: For D, press down all three fingers on your left hand, along with the first three fingers on your right hand.
These notes are the building blocks of saxophone playing. By practicing them regularly, you will start to internalize their fingerings, making it easier to move on to more complex notes.
2. Sharps and Flats
Sharps (♯) and flats (♭) are variations of the basic notes. On a saxophone, playing a sharp note usually involves adding a finger to the basic note, while playing a flat note often involves lifting a finger. The fingering chart will indicate these variations clearly, with additional keys highlighted for each sharp or flat note.
- F♯: To play F♯, press down the first two fingers of your left hand, along with the first finger on your right hand. Add the F♯ key, which is typically located near your right hand’s index finger.
- E♭: E♭ is played by pressing down the first finger on your left hand, along with the first and second fingers on your right hand.
Understanding how to play sharps and flats is crucial as they frequently appear in various pieces of music.
3. Advanced Notes and Altissimo Range
As you advance, you’ll encounter the altissimo range, which includes notes above high F or F♯. These notes require a combination of precise finger positioning and controlled airflow.
- G (Altissimo): To play the altissimo G, press down the octave key and use a specific combination of keys, which will be indicated on the altissimo section of your fingering chart.
- A (Altissimo): For the altissimo A, the fingering chart will likely suggest a more complex key combination, sometimes including side keys.
Mastering these notes requires practice and a solid understanding of saxophone mechanics. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the fingerings.
Using the Fingering Chart in Practice
To get the most out of your fingering chart, incorporate it into your daily practice routine. Begin each session by running through the basic scales, ensuring that your finger positions match those shown on the chart.
- Scales: Start with simple scales like C major, which doesn’t involve any sharps or flats. Gradually move on to more complex scales such as F major or D minor.
- Arpeggios: Practice arpeggios by playing the root, third, fifth, and octave of each scale. This will help you get used to jumping between different notes quickly.
Keeping a printed copy of the fingering chart on your music stand or practice space will make it easier to reference during your practice.
Breaking Down Challenging Sequences
If you encounter a difficult passage in a piece of music, break it down using the fingering chart. Identify the notes that are giving you trouble and isolate them in your practice.
- Slow Practice: Play the challenging sequence slowly, focusing on smooth transitions between notes. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to watch your fingers as you play. Ensure that your hands are relaxed and that your fingers are moving efficiently.
By breaking down difficult sequences into manageable parts, you’ll find that previously challenging passages become much easier to play.
Visualizing Finger Movements
A useful technique for internalizing fingerings is to visualize the finger movements before actually playing the note. Look at the chart, imagine your fingers on the saxophone, and then play the note. This mental practice reinforces the connection between your mind and muscle memory, making it easier to recall fingerings when playing.
- Mental Rehearsal: Before starting a new piece, mentally rehearse the fingerings for the notes. This prepares your mind and fingers for the actual playing.
- Silent Practice: Practice moving your fingers on the saxophone without blowing into it. This helps you focus solely on finger positioning and movement.
Visualizing finger movements can be particularly helpful when learning new scales or challenging altissimo notes.
Exploring Alternate Fingerings
Alternate fingerings are variations of the standard fingerings that make it easier to play certain passages or achieve a specific tone. These are often used in more advanced playing and can be a game-changer for difficult pieces.
Benefits of Alternate Fingerings
- Smoother Transitions: Alternate fingerings can simplify transitions between notes, especially in fast passages or when moving between registers.
- Tone Control: Certain alternate fingerings may produce a different tone, which can be desirable in specific musical contexts.
- Technical Versatility: Mastering alternate fingerings increases your versatility as a player, allowing you to tackle more complex pieces with confidence.
Common Alternate Fingerings
Some common alternate fingerings include variations for Bb, C, and F#. Your fingering chart may indicate these alternatives, or you might find them in more advanced saxophone method books.
- Bb (Alternate): One alternate fingering for Bb involves pressing down the bis key, which is located between the B and C keys. This allows for quicker transitions between Bb and B natural.
- C (Alternate): An alternate C fingering involves using the front F key, which can be particularly useful when moving quickly between C and high D.
Experiment with these alternate fingerings during your practice sessions to see which ones work best for you.
Additional Resources for Learning Fingerings
1. Online Tutorials and Videos
There are numerous online resources that can help you master saxophone fingerings. Websites like Sax School Online and Taming the Saxophone offer detailed lessons, tutorials, and videos that use fingering charts as part of their teaching.
- Sax School Online: Provides a wide range of lessons that incorporate fingering charts, covering various musical styles and techniques. These lessons are great for both beginners and advanced players.
- Taming the Saxophone: Offers in-depth tutorials on saxophone techniques, including how to use fingering charts effectively. This site also has resources for more advanced topics like altissimo fingerings and alternate fingerings.
2. Printed Fingering Charts
In addition to online resources, consider purchasing a high-quality printed fingering chart. These charts are often more detailed and durable than the ones you might find online.
- Amazon: A wide selection of saxophone fingering charts is available for purchase, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
- Music Stores: Local music stores often carry fingering charts and other instructional materials tailored to saxophone players.
Having a printed chart on hand can be invaluable during practice sessions, especially if you prefer a physical reference over digital resources.
Conclusion
A saxophone fingering chart is an essential tool for any saxophonist, whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills. By understanding how to read and use the chart, practicing regularly, and exploring alternate fingerings, you can greatly enhance your playing ability.
Incorporate the tips and techniques discussed in this article into your practice routine, and over time, you’ll find that the once-daunting key system of the saxophone becomes second nature.