Saxophone Lesson #38: Embouchure

Saxophone embouchure is the position of the facial muscles and shaping of the lips to the mouthpiece when playing a saxophone. In the typical embouchure, the mouthpiece is generally not taken more than halfway into the player's mouth. The lower lip is supported by the lower teeth, and makes contact with the reed. The playing-position is stabilized with firm, light pressure from the upper teeth resting on the mouthpiece (sometimes padded with a thin strip of rubber known as a "bite-pad" or "mouthpiece-patch"). The upper lip closes to create an air-tight seal. The "double embouchure" in which the upper lip is curled over the upper teeth is not commonly used in modern times, however each player may eventually develop his/her own variation of the basic embouchure style in order to accommodate their own physical structure. Three things are imperative to a full and quick-speaking sound: appropriate air pressure which is aided by diaphragm support, correct lip/reed contact allowing the reed to vibrate optimally, and perhaps most importantly a high tongue position within the mouth. This provides focus to the player's air stream and thus to his/her sound. The player's diaphragm acts as a bellow, supplying a constant stream of air through the instrument. The saxophone embouchure involves: Keeping the chin in a relaxed and natural position Forming an "oo" shape with the mouth - as when saying the word "cool" ( as if having an orange in the back of your throat). Placing the mouthpiece into the mouth, with the upper teeth (or just the upper lip) resting on the top of the mouthpiece Keeping the throat open - as when saying "ah" An important principle for any woodwind embouchure is that the lip supports the reed. Saxophone players generally adopt either the single-lip or double-lip embouchure, then adapt it to their chosen instrument. The single-lip embouchure, used by most saxophonists, involves placing the upper teeth directly on the mouthpiece, curving the lower lip over the lower teeth. The double-lip embouchure, used by very few saxophonists, involves curving the upper lip under the upper teeth, so that the lip comes between the upper teeth and the slope of the mouthpiece; and curving the lower lip over the top of the lower teeth, so that it comes between the lower teeth and the reed.

Perfect sax embouchure - Jerry Bergonzi

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