Extended Techniques for the Saxophone

Abstract

The extended range of the saxophone above the normal range is called the altissimo range, which means “very high” in Italian. On the soprano saxophone, the altissimo range starts with the note G$_6$, in B$^\flat$ saxophone notation, and ends, depending on the player’s skill level, generally up to D$_7$. The notes in this range are called high notes or top notes. It is frequently thought that the notes of the altissimo range can be reached by applying extraordinarily high lip pressure, but the key of playing these notes is really rooted in the correct formation of the vocal tract.