Here’s the Ab major scale for saxophone.
Ab sounds the same as G# and it’s sometimes more convenient to think about it as G#, but generally you want to think about it as Ab.
There are four flats in the key of Ab.
Why Learn the Melodic Minor Scale on Saxophone?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Isn’t Ab Major Scale (Ab, Bb, Eb, & Db)?
I believe you showed Db Major (Ab, Bb, Eb, Db, & Gb).
Thanks
Hey Ray,
Correct you are. Thanks for pointing that out, just fixed it. Should have double checked that. The major seventh is a half step below the root….. There are four flats in Ab major, not five. Db has five flats.
Was curious if a chart like this would be useful for sax players, I actually made charts for all the major scales. Could make them full range too, but wasn’t sure if that’s something people are looking for.
-Neal
I find it better to play the B flat the way its indicated in the diagram.Thanks also for notes of careless whisper,I have been hoping one day I will be able to play the song.
Hey Patrick,
You’re welcome.
That Bb fingering is the one I use most of the time, but I’ll use the alternates when it makes more sense.
-Neal
Neal, Is the Bb in the diagram called the “side key” Bb?
For this Ab scale, what is the best Bb fingering for this?
Thanks, Rudy
Hey Rudy,
Yep, it’s called that. It’s the one I tend to use most, I think it sounds best. Even if it’s not the easiest I’ll tend to use it, especially if the Bb is held out. For faster parts, the alternate fingerings can be more convenient.
-Neal
Hi Neal,
I would like the fingerings from high D on to the highest registry of the tenor.
Thanks Neal
Hey Erskine,
Emailing you now, that stuff is available in Saxophone Tribe. Thanks
-Neal