How to Play Saxophone Slides and Ornaments

Slides: The "Smear" Between Notes

Saxophone is one of few instruments naturally gifted for slides — continuous reed vibration allows continuous pitch change.

Down-Slide

Lower lip extends outward — lip expands, reed vibration area increases, pitch drops smoothly.

Up-Slide

Reverse retraction — lower lip pulls inward, pitch rises smoothly.

Practice

1. Start with slow chromatic scales
2. Small intervals first (seconds)
3. Three speeds (fast = swoop, slow = sigh, half-stop = coyness)

Ornaments

• Grace note: Introduction before main note
• Mordent: Quick flash with neighbor note
• Turn: Circle around main note

Three rules: Light, fast, directional.