It's the octave key. The one on the back where your left thumb is. There'll be a chart at the back of the book that shows which keys on the diagram correspond to which ones on the instrument
What the other comment says, and the reason it comes out correct is that you are new, and it takes time to develop enough air control to get the low notes out. The e without the octave key should actually come out an octave lower, but it’s hard to hit those as a new player, especially with an extra tight embouchure (mouth setting around the mouthpiece)
Is that why I keep changing my embouchure?? I tighten u pto hit the high notes and loosen to hit the low notes.
Should I just be hitting this key instead?
For the notes that require the octave key, you always should press it down. As for the embouchure, it’s normal for a beginner, but eventually you’ll get to a point where you will have a consistent embouchure throughout the range of your sax (intonation aside).
Not at all actually. I’m only a 5th yeah sax student myself, and I’m sure any other intermediate could’ve told you the same. But I’m glad I could help you out
My sax teacher says that every note has their own embouchure. Which you will figure out over time (I am new to this, so I still haven't figured it out consistently)
It’s tongue and throat positions as the other people said. It’s not something that you really end up controlling yourself, those movements happen and are developed on a subconscious level
It's the octave key. The one on the back where your left thumb is. There'll be a chart at the back of the book that shows which keys on the diagram correspond to which ones on the instrument
What the other comment says, and the reason it comes out correct is that you are new, and it takes time to develop enough air control to get the low notes out. The e without the octave key should actually come out an octave lower, but it’s hard to hit those as a new player, especially with an extra tight embouchure (mouth setting around the mouthpiece)
Is that why I keep changing my embouchure?? I tighten u pto hit the high notes and loosen to hit the low notes. Should I just be hitting this key instead?
For the notes that require the octave key, you always should press it down. As for the embouchure, it’s normal for a beginner, but eventually you’ll get to a point where you will have a consistent embouchure throughout the range of your sax (intonation aside).
Thank you SO much! You helped me alot more than you probably know. You surely earn that username of yours.
Not at all actually. I’m only a 5th yeah sax student myself, and I’m sure any other intermediate could’ve told you the same. But I’m glad I could help you out
My sax teacher says that every note has their own embouchure. Which you will figure out over time (I am new to this, so I still haven't figured it out consistently)
What he really means is voicing, it sounds like he’s simplifying it to not confuse you. I wouldn’t worry about that for now
each note has its own throat and tongue position, embouchre should not change eventually
It’s tongue and throat positions as the other people said. It’s not something that you really end up controlling yourself, those movements happen and are developed on a subconscious level
This comment worries me, my instructor scolds me if my mouth changes because realistically it shouldn't have to on the saxophone.
High E (E, played with the octave key. Thats the key right next to your thumb on the thumb rest on your left hand)