A couple issues came up in this conversation. How much you ‘want’ to practice vs how much you actually practice. And the solution for the high D ends up being simple but it could be an easy mistake to make as well, early on.

Einar
I’m currently trying to play and memorize Gabriell’s Oboe and I’m having some trouble hitting and keeping the high notes clear. Any tips?

Neal Battaglia
which notes?

Einar
high D

Neal Battaglia
How long have you been playing saxophone?

Einar
I have been playing for 8 year now, but don’t have an amazing talent for it. Its something i do as a hobby. Played in a band for 5 of those year.

Neal Battaglia
How often do you practice in a week?

Einar
Try to get in an hour or 2 a day.

Neal Battaglia
How much do you actually practice?not what you try to do

Einar
30min to and hour 3-4 times a week

Neal Battaglia
that’s very different
Was the high D always a problem?

Einar
Haven’t really played such a high note before so i don’t know how it should sound. May also be i have given the name of the wrong note. Im not so good at reading notes.

Neal Battaglia
what fingering are you using?

Einar
thumb button and the middle one to the left of the 3 buttons where you usually have your fingers

Neal Battaglia
sounds like you’re pressing the wrong key

Einar
im trying to reach the second D in the second octave

Neal Battaglia
above the staff right?

Einar
Yes

Neal Battaglia
so, have you looked at the diagram on the page you’re on?

Einar
Yes i have found some Alt Sax fingering charts that has helped me, but when i try to play the note its wrong. Also find it very hard to produce sound with those keys pressed in.

Neal Battaglia
if you’re pressing the middle palm key, that won’t work
you want to press the lowest one
that should be what the diagram says

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Protected: Saxophone Fingering Chart – D Above the Staff

Einar
Ah. Thank you. I was able to produce the right sound now, but find it hard to keep it. Is there any special tricks or do i just need to practice more?

Neal Battaglia
practice
If you have a question later, you can go to this page

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By providing some information I ask for on that page, you’ll get a better answer to your question.

Einar
Thank you for your time! It’s been helpful. Have good day

Neal Battaglia
Thanks