Here it is, the ‘hardest’ major scale for saxophone. Generally the keys with sharps are a little less familiar for saxophones than the keys with flats. And C# has a sharp on every note of the scale (all seven). Really, it’s just uncomfortable since we tend to play it less.
The C# major scale for saxophone.
You can think of it as the Db major scale, it sounds the same and that makes more sense in some situations that way.
All of the major scales are on Saxophone Tribe. They’re also in the class on scales, https://saxstation.com/saxophone-scales-book-class
Let me know if this is helpful. Leave a comment.
Neal:
Yes it may seem hard but it’s easier than playing it on clarinet.
Don’t avoid the extreme # & b keys. Try to become fluid in all the keys. You play in rock bands right. Those guys are always throwing sax players in sharp keys because the sharp keys are there open strings/easy keys to play in.
Practice scales, patterns and licks around the cycle of 4ths in all the keys, you’ll be a better player in the end.
Larry W
Hey Larry,
Thanks. Yep, I know about clarinet. The first instrument I played actually and I still play it sometimes. The pinky keys can be beastly.
Have played some reggae, blues, etc w/ guitar players who like the ‘open string’ keys.
-Neal
yes this is lovely although it seems harder when trying to put up scales with it. but i think it’ll serve as fingering exercise.
It’s good to practice things you’re not comfortable with sometimes. In this case, it gives you a greater command of the full range of your saxophone.
I have been playing a blues harp in a blues band for about 6 years. I now want to start learning how to play my alto sax so that I can also play blues sax with the band.
Since I don’t have a lot of time to learn the proper scales and fingering for all the keys and, since the band plays mainly in the keys of E, G and A, I am focusing on these 3 keys. On the sax this makes it C#, E, and F#.
I have transposed a lot of my harp blues rifs to these 3 keys and I am working on these as well as the 3 scales, 12 bar runs etc.
Is there any part of your course etc. that might help me?
What do you suggest?
Hello Ken,
Improvisation class or Saxophone Tribe could be good for you. Do you want to work specifically on improvisation or expand your abilities on saxophone?
-Neal
I also play guitar. I am learning alto sax and
there are so many songs that our band does in the key of E. I am learning the key of C#. Many of the solos will be in the key ( for alto sax) in C#. The more I play in C#, the easier it gets.
RUdy
As a 71 year old sax player that started playing with rock and roll bands at the age of 17, I can tell you that guitars players prefer the key of E. As you know that puts the Tenor Sax in F Sharp. After years of playing in that key, it is a breeze. Anyone can learn any key if they play it enough. You can hear me play Harlem Nocturne in F sharp minor on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlkWiFqkayg 2nd song on this video.