How to Hum a Saxophone

Jazz, blues and rock saxophonists use various techniques to get a more raw, edgy sound out of their instruments. One of the most popular sound effects on the saxophone is the growl, which can be achieved either by flutter-tonguing or by humming the saxophone.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Practice first by using just the mouthpiece and neck of the saxophone.

2. Play a note, then attempt to hum (or sing) while playing it. Vary the note that you hum.

3. Attach the neck to the saxophone and try humming again. When you can do it well and easily, play different notes on the saxophone and hum different notes to see what the effects are.

4. Hum specific notes depending on the note you're playing. Most saxophonists hum a third higher or lower than the note they're playing. You can vary this depending on the effect you want.

5. Find some music that would sound better if you hum the saxophone and practice it, humming different sections of the music and different notes until it sounds best to you.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll find that it takes a lot more air to both play the saxophone and hum, but with practice you'll be able to master the growl by humming.
• Humming a saxophone will sound strange to you or to someone who's sitting near you. Remember, though, that the sound that counts is the one coming out of the bell. Try recording the effect and play it back to see what it really sounds like.
• Never hum the same note you're playing or you will cancel out the effect.

Resources

• Listen to the growl effect on Pete Thomas's Web site.