Ahoy there, saxophonists!

I tried saxophone for about 2 weeks during the summer, and now I hope to return to it. When I was playing, I always produced vibrato the same way as I do it on the oboe, which is by changing my air speed.

In my quest to learn as much as I could about saxophones before I ventured into the world of playing them, I read that one is not supposed to play vibrato like this, and that it should be played by varying pressure on the reed.

My question is why would this be better? I have listened to saxophonists, and everytime I think it`s wonderful until they use vibrato, wich I find just makes them sound out of tune. I noticed no such thing with diaphragm vibrato, so why is this not used instead?

Sorry, for the endless ranting

Thanks

I also slightly prefer the diaphragm vibrato because is sounds a bit better and is easier for me for some reason. Jaw vibrato is considered the standard saxophone vibrato, but I think that you should just do what you prefer. Vibrato is like reeds; everyone has a preference.

Thanks! I`ll keep that in mind. Are you sure it isn`t bad to do it that way? I don`t want to develop bad habits

Aha. Well, my vibrato pretty much owns. :-D

But I use both techniques. On higher notes, I find its easier to do the jaw vibrato, and on lower ones it`s much simpler to use the diaphram techniques.

It takes a while, but with loads of practice, you`ll end up with a beautiful, natural vibrato! Good luck =)

-Cristina

AIM: xotinabellexo

Cool! Thanks for your help

I would add you, but I don`t have AIM =P

It is not incorrect to use a diaphram vibrato, I used it for years, being taught in high school that you were not suppose to use jaw vibrato. However years later my professor has steered me away form it, and I was amazed at the quality and the expressiveness of jaw vibrato on saxophone, so yes jaw vibrato is the preferred way to produce a vibrato on the saxophone.

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