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You are here: Home / Jazz Videos / Improving Saxophone Altissimo Exercise with Chris Potter

Improving Saxophone Altissimo Exercise with Chris Potter

January 12, 2017 by Steve 4 Comments

I just happened upon this as I was perusing the web and drinking my morning coffee just now. Chris Potter playing Giant Steps.  The hard part…… he can’t go below high C. How many of you are brave enough to take on this challenge?……….I’m inspired to practice!   Awesome!

Filed Under: Jazz Videos Tagged With: altissimo, chris potter, Giant Steps, tenor sax

Steve

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Steve Neff has been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for over 30 years. He is the author of many best selling jazz improvisation methods as well as founding the popular jazz video lesson site Neffmusic.com.

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Comments

  1. AvatarErgin says

    May 24, 2017 at 10:58 am

    How can he do that? I really dont understand how to improve altissimo. I always study overtones and altissimo for more thand 3 years but still can not produce clear and listenable overtones.

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      June 15, 2017 at 10:59 am

      Ergin, Do you have a teacher that can do it or have you been trying on your own? Steve

      Reply
  2. AvatarErgin says

    June 30, 2018 at 3:08 am

    My own.

    Reply
  3. AvatarJohn Sweenie says

    November 13, 2018 at 3:22 am

    When I was in the early days of learning altissimo I found (in some cases) the fingered note to be easier than the overtone initially. My altissimo register would improve with the fingered notes, then hit a wall and I could go back to trying to improve the overtones (some still aren’t perfect, I’ve found G to not like to sit well or in tune).

    This is a cool exercise, might have to try it out. I usually just read a tune out of the omnibook up an octave in my warmup somewhere but this would make a nice change.

    Reply

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Steve- I joined your site this month and have downloaded 4 lessons and also purchased your new book and video on diatonic patterns. I just want to say I am very pleased with your approach and teaching techniques. I am getting back into playing after laying off for some time. The information you offer on your site is of great value and I am enjoying being a member. Thank you for what you are doing for the saxophone community.
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John
First, I’m really excited about your materials! This site is a vast resource for any aspiring (and maybe already inspired) jazz musicians. I’m not a sax player, I play mandolin and fiddle, but have been learning jazz and playing weekly with a quintet for the past 6 months and have been struggling with all of the issues you get into in your lessons. I bought several books and lessons and plan to continue with some others as soon as I organize my practice routine. Thanks again for a great site … Read more
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