I having been playing for a few months and I am having a problem with wind. It seems like a play for a few minutes and then get winded. Please help.

Thanks..Russ

hi russ

i have also been trying to learn the sax since feb 2 and find that i am getting real winded too, i'm hoping it gets better the more we play!!
take care john

No doubt breathing and phrasing is a part of saxophone playing. I read on David Sanborn's website that the doctor prescribed playing for him as thereaputic.

No doubt your age, physical ability, and other factors have a bearing on your ability get winded. You both sound like new players too.

I remember when I started playing years ago I would play, but when it got uncomfortable I would stop and adjust.

Probably not too good to blow so hard that you hyperventilate. Long tones from the middle register may help you to build up some endurance.

You may want to get a teacher to observe your playing and give you some tips. Playing should become comfortable and natural with the right instruction.

Hope that helps.

don

Thanks to both. It's nice to know that I am not alone and that it sounds like a matter of practice.

Hey if your getting winded it might be because you take a breath in and let it sit and then you play you shouldnt do that your air needs to be a continuous flow you breath in and immediatly breath out when your lungs have filled up with air. Also if your head starts to hurt when you play it's because your breathing way to hard. Also you might be staying up real late and when you breath alot your brain gets tired and dizzy.