How to Accurately Play the Saxophone in Tune
The pitch accuracy of the saxophone is extremely important, and achieving precise intonation while playing requires careful attention. The saxophone is a wind instrument, unlike the piano, where anyone can press the correct key and produce a note with good intonation. However, the saxophone is not like that. Even with the same fingering, the pitch produced by a beginner and a professional musician may differ due to variations in foundational skills. A single note can vary by up to a minor third—slower airflow and a looser embouchure will cause the pitch to be flat, while faster airflow and a tighter embouchure will make it sharp. This relies on the player's skill and ear training to ensure accurate pitch.
As fundamental skills improve, the saxophone's intonation also gradually enhances. Therefore, for beginners, it is very challenging to produce accurate pitches with a tuner. The middle and lower registers might be played accurately, but in the higher register, the pitch tends to be either flat or sharp. A flat pitch usually indicates correct embouchure but insufficient air pressure, while a sharp pitch suggests improper embouchure and rushed airflow, which increases frequency and raises the pitch. This is a common issue.
Thus, when starting out, do not obsess over the tuner—it should only serve as a reference. If you cannot play in tune, especially in the high register, do not worry too much. If you cannot achieve accurate pitch in the high notes, avoid playing them for the time being. Instead, focus on building a solid foundation in the middle and lower registers. Practice long tones frequently until you can play the middle and lower notes very accurately. Then, when using the tuner, the needle will stay centered. This is a common challenge for beginners.
Of course, there are other factors that affect intonation:
The first is the depth of the mouthpiece insertion. The deeper the mouthpiece is inserted, the higher the pitch; the shallower the insertion, the lower the pitch. When tuning, ensure the middle and lower registers are accurate, while the high register requires active control of intonation. During the production process of Sertur saxophones, strict quality control ensures excellent intonation. From the low notes to the super high notes, every note registers in the center on the tuner, which is a remarkable achievement.
The second factor affecting intonation is temperature. You may have noticed that in summer, when temperatures are high, the mouthpiece needs to be pulled out slightly because the higher temperature causes the entire brass tube to produce slightly sharper pitches. In colder temperatures, the mouthpiece needs to be pushed in a bit. Especially in winter, when playing outdoors in extreme cold, such as temperatures below -20°C, it becomes nearly impossible to play. However, as long as the temperature is above -10°C, slight adjustments can ensure proper intonation.
The third factor affecting intonation is the reed. Indeed, the reed also influences pitch accuracy. Some reeds offer excellent intonation—as long as the airflow is properly managed, they produce accurate frequencies. RICO reeds are one of the world's renowned high-quality reed brands.
Sertur uses RICO reeds, all imported from the United States. Every Sertur saxophone sold comes with a box of RICO reeds. Additionally, we include an extra brand-new RICO reed in the cleaning cloth. This reed is carefully selected by our production manager from the entire box of RICO reeds, ensuring appropriate hardness and superior quality.
In other words, every newly purchased Sertur saxophone comes with a box of RICO reeds and an additional standalone brand-new RICO reed. Almost all Sertur accessories are imported from abroad and meticulously selected by our production manager. This is why our products are classified as high-end and come with a premium price.