Ted submitted a recording for Challenge #7 and it seemed a little short to me. You played a whole note? That's not what it sounds like to me. A whole note is four beats sustained. -Neal To which Ted …
Getting Started Improvising
Don’t start by thinking about the notes. Start by listening to the song and the rhythm section. The bass, drums, and piano. Think about what you can play as a saxophonist that fits in the music. You …
Downbeat vs Upbeat
In a conversation with Terry the other day, regarding St James Infirmary, upbeats and downbeats came up. "Hi Neal I believe St. James starts on a downbeat, but I do not have enough control over my …
Note & Rhythm Notation
Time Signature The time signature affects how you interpret the notes that are written. The two numbers at the start of music represent how it is read and how much space is in each measure. Bottom …
Comparison of two saxophones
Recording of two saxophones, playing the same lick. (first part of Sonny Rollins solo on Tenor Madness). Same mouthpiece and reed. What differences do you …
Moving into less comfortable keys
Step 1: Name your goal. Play music with up to three sharps and three flats Step 2: List what you’ll do. One thing use level 2 and 3 music song books. Step 3: List how you intend to do it. play songs …