text size normal text size large text size largest text size

The Orchestra / Instruments / Saxophones / Extended Techniques

Icon - Streaming Media Article

Quartertones and Microtones

Quartertones and Microtones
[D][Enlarge]

Description: intervals smaller than a semitone

Notation: notations vary, but the examples shown seem typical of quartertones and raised & lowered inflections.

Comments: 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.

clip 1 -
Microtones...
clip 2 -
G quartertone sharp...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Multiphonics (played)

chord notation
[D][Enlarge]

Description: playing chords - more than one note at a time.

Notation: 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.

Comments: 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.

clip 1 -
About chords...
clip 2 -
Chord notation...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Multiphonics (sung)

using the voice

Description: singing and playing into the instrument simultaneously.

Notation: write the sung notes in small noteheads and/or verbal instruction - sing into instrument or growl.

Comments: Growling, or singing into the instrument while playing, is a recognised substitute for fluttertonguing, but is also quite characteristic of certain kinds of raucous sax playing styles.

clip 1 -
Growling...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Air Notes

sax detail

Description: blowing air into the instrument without producing a tone.

Notation: may be pitched (write verbal instruction above the note) or unpitched.

Comments: Effective on the saxophone, and a wide range of articulations and dynamics may be used. Pitches may also be specified.

clip 1 -
Air notes...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Mutes

sax detail

Description: inserting an object into bell

Comments: Mutes do exist for the saxophone but are very rarely used.

clip 1 -
Mutes...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Slap Tongue

sax detail

Description: violent release of the tongue, creating a 'slap' as the vacuum is opened.

Notation: verbal instruction

Comments: very effective on the baritone.

clip 1 -
Open slap tongue...
Icon - Streaming Media Article

Key Clicks

sax detail

Description: clicking instrument keys

Notation: x-shaped noteheads and verbal instruction

Comments: Works best on baritone, but effective on all the instruments.

clip 1 -
Key clicks...
Technology by BT Media and Broadcast
For more information about The Sound Exchange you can email us or phone 020 7921 3900
© 2003-2004 Magneto Technologies / Glowmedia Ltd.