How to Swing on Sax | 4 tips for better style!

Summary

En este video, el Dr. Wally Wallace, saxofonista y profesor, enseña cuatro conceptos clave para mejorar la articulación y el 'swing' en el saxofón jazz. Explica la importancia de evitar el patrón de tresillo a tempos moderados y rápidos para sonar más fluido, enfatizar el final de las notas con la lengua para mayor claridad, separar bien las notas para evitar apresurarse, y usar la articulación 'doodat' en grupos de dos corcheas para lograr el estilo 'swing'. Recomienda practicar con estas técnicas e insiste en la importancia crítica de escuchar abundante jazz para interiorizar bien el lenguaje y poder swingear como los grandes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Get rid of the triplet feel, especially at faster tempos
• 😮 End notes crisply with the tongue to create rhythmic integrity
• 👅 Use 'dah' syllables between quarter notes to avoid rushing
• 🎵 Practice the 'doodat' rhythm ubiquitous in bebop
• 🎧 Listening to jazz recordings is essential for developing feel and articulation
• 😎 Smoother swing comes from straight 8ths and articulation, not triplets
• 🎶 Choose albums that really 'swing' to listen and learn from
• 🎷 The subtleties of jazz can't be fully notated - listening is key
• 📝 Schedule regular listening as part of your jazz practice routine
• 🎺 Work on tone, exercises, and more advanced concepts in future videos

Q & A

What is the main goal of the articulation concepts presented?

The main goal is to help saxophone players swing harder and sound more like jazz heroes instead of playing stiff, exaggerated triplet rhythms.

What is the first concept for improving jazz articulation?

The first concept is to eliminate the exaggerated triplet feel, especially at faster tempos. The eighth notes should be played closer to straight rather than as triplets.

How can sax players get a crisper, cleaner sound on their notes?

By stopping the note sharply with the tongue while keeping the airstream constant. This creates a clearer release.

What syllable is recommended for articulating jazz quarter notes?

Instead of a "da", use a "dat" syllable to articulate jazz quarter notes. This creates a crisper attack.

What technique helps prevent rushing through a series of quarter notes?

Insert a slight "um" spacer between each quarter note instead of tonguing "da-da-da". This separates the notes rhythmically.

What is the typical jazz rhythmic figure with two eighth notes?

The typical jazz figure is two eighth notes with a tenuto on the first and a sharp accent on the second. Also called a "doodat" figure.

Why can written materials never fully capture jazz articulation subtleties?

Because jazz is an oral tradition with endless nuances that can't be notated. Listening extensively is crucial for understanding the style.

What should sax players schedule into their practice routines?

Schedule regular listening sessions with jazz recordings, as listening is critical for developing good jazz articulation.

What will be covered in the next masterclass video?

Improving saxophone tone and some free exercises for tone development.

What album does Dr. Wallace ask viewers to name as their "swingiest"?

He asks viewers to comment with the album in their collection they feel swings the hardest.