BASIC LONGTONES

The basic long tone can be played with countless variations. The three offered below are only a starting
point. I have found them to be the most effective, and relevant to expanding ones control of the
instument. In addition to the variations in volume, they should be practiced with a tuner, and a
drone pitch to help develop a good sence of tuning. Play long tones with a straight tone, constant
vibrato, and a variable vibrato (ie. straight tone at piano volume transitioning to full vibrato at forte.)

q = 52-60

Work towards memorization of your warm up routine. Rather than write each long tone on every
possible pitch, practice your long tones chromaticly in the following ranges.
1

The careful study of long tones is the foundation to all other skills. Take the time to observe:
*Posture
*Instrument angle
*Hand position
*Breathing
*Embouchure formation
*Overtones within the sound
*Vowel quality of the tone
*The attack and release of each note

CONNECTING NOTES
The next series of long tone exercises will begin the process of mastering the transition from one note
to another. There are small changes in resistance between any two notes on the saxophone and each
interval must receive careful study. Listen closely to the tone, and be sure that the quality does not
change between notes. Practice with the following dynamics.

A
1

q = 52 Breath for 2 counts between note pairs

CONNECTING NOTES
For the following two exercises play each three note pattern
decending or acending by half steps.
q = 60-72

B
1

Baritone
4

q = 60-72

C
1

Baritone
4