Altissimo is one of those things that can feel like an [unbelievable] challenge.  It’s there,  just out of reach for many- but it is attainable for everyone who plays a saxophone – and is willing to do the work.

This presentation covers basic methods to extend the range of the instrument (all references here are for saxophone).  It does not contain fingerings; you’ll be able to get those from other texts – I’ll add a list at the end of this presentation.

There are three components to getting a handle on the altissimo registers.  1.  Performers need to have a [substantive amount] of breath support.  2.  Performers need to have a rock solid, yet malleable, embouchure. 3. Performers need to have great understanding of the ‘overtone series’ as well as sustainable control of the overtones on their instrument.

1. Breath Support

Let’s start by using just the mouthpiece and the neck.   Begin by taking a deep breath – filling the lungs to capacity.  Next,  move the tongue out of the way – we will not use it for this exercise.  Now,  blow as  hard as you can as long as you can; until running out of air.  Repeat this exercise for at least 5 minutes every day to begin building more air support,  which you’ll need to extend your range.

For a variation, try this exercise using a metronome set at 120 (for the quarter note) and then do the following articulation exercise using only the lungs and diaphragm.

HA (two beats) – Ha (one beat) – Ha (one beat) – then repeat

This will help to build up air support overall, working the diaphragm in a similar manner as you would an arm during weightlifting.  It will also wear you out fast!  It’s a killer exercise!

1. Embouchure

The embouchure for this exercise needs to be firm yet relaxed.  If you tense up, you’ll be able to reach some notes, but not with the control and tone that [make it work].Start at a middle c and gradually work down to a low Bb.  Start each note with air only – no tongue.  Once your low Bbs are coming out nice and solid, you’re ready to begin the final part of the exercise.

1. Overtones

For this exercise we’ll be fingering low Bb, but moving up the horn as high as we can. First, play low Bb – again – air only – embouchure solid.   Next,  keep the low Bb fingering,  and embouchure, but over blow the note so that you play a Bb an octave above the previous note.  Now over blow that note and get the f (a fifth above the Bb).     You’re going to repeat this process higher and higher; as high as you can go!   Here is a more complete listing of the series:

1. Bb
2. Bb (1^st octave)
3. F
4. Bb (2^rd octave)
5. D
6. F
7. Ab
8. Bb (3^th octave)
9. C
10. D
11. E
12. F
13. G
14. Ab
15. A
16. Bb (4^th octave)

Once you’re comfortable manipulating the overtone series, you can move on to playing simple phrases in order to get more comfortable with the register.   You can find books with fingerings or sample guides online.  Here are a few :
Eugene Rousseau – Top Tones for Saxophone

Bruce Mishkit – Sax/Flute Lessons with the greats

Enjoy!  Now get to work!!!!!

Keith