Extended Techniques

A series of films showing the many extended sounds and tones, percussive and harmonic, capable on the saxophone. A useful guide for any composer or musician.

Quartertones and Microtones

Intervals smaller than a semitone. Notations vary, but the examples shown seem typical of quartertones and raised & lowered inflections. Most quartertones are possible on the sax, but the player will need to prepare them in advance. N.B. there is no fingering for G quarter-sharp.

Multiphonics (chords)

Playing chords - more than one note at a time. Occasionally composers write all the notes of the chord that they wish to hear and/or provide a fingering diagram which may be above the note or in an appendix. Although specialist manuals often give highly detailed fingerings for chord production, the variability of instruments, players and playing techniques makes it difficult to assume a specific effect from a particular fingering.

Air Notes

Blowing air into the instrument without producing a tone. May be pitched (write verbal instruction above the note) or unpitched. Effective on the saxophone, and a wide range of articulations and dynamics may be used. Pitches may also be specified.

Mutes

Inserting an object into bell. Mutes do exist for the saxophone but are very rarely used.

Slap Tongue

Violent release of the tongue, creating a 'slap' as the vacuum is opened. Notation is verbal instruction. This technique is very effective on the baritone.

Key Clicks

Clicking instrument keys. Notation: x-shaped noteheads and verbal instruction. Works best on baritone, but effective on all the instruments.