[Music] Any Alto Sax people out there? I have questions.

[Moss.]

I'm borrowing my buddy's alto sax, and I've got two problems.

First off, here's the site I'm using (cuz I'm not taking lessons, just messing around.)
http://www.altosaxophone.us/blow_and_finger_alto_sax.html

So, I followed the steps for playing the first note. Pressing down ONLY the index finger on the left hand. That's the second button from the top.
It's supposed to be a B. It's a D.
Could I have a differently tuned alto sax or something? Like an Eb alto, or whatever?
Or do I have to adjust something.
Because it's a D, but it's spot on, and not really out of tune.

Okay, two, I'm having a lot of trouble making notes and NOT overblowing. i.e. I'm getting harmonics, or notes an octave up when I don't want them. Any advice for that?

[Moss.]

OH WAIT (Again). It's a transposition thing, isn't it? Son of a bitch, I hate transposing instruments...


Well, that still leaves the over-blowing issue I'm having. Any tips? Or just find it, and stick it out, and get used to how it feels? I guess that's the way to learn, but maybe you guys have some tips anyway.

(I just started playing today)

[Holkeye]

Practice?

[Tezuka]

Alto Sax player here.

You just need to get used to it. Also, sheet music you will find need to be transposed for Alto Saxophones, which can cause a bit of a problem and can get annoying.

The only tip I can give you is get used to how it feels. Also, try learning things using play-by-ear, it is the best way to get used to the Sax in my opinion.

EDIT: lol Holk said everything I said in one word.

[Moss.]

So no embrochure tips, then? The website I used wasn't very precise, I'm not sure if I'm really doing it right.

Upper teeth on the plastic, about 1/4" in. Upper lips over top, about 1/2 way up the slope, sealing it and making it air-tight. Lower lips over bottom teeth (?), and pressing up on the reed. How far down the reed should I be pressing?

Do I have to change embrochure slightly for different notes?

It's obvious I need to keep practicing, but it would take just a couple seconds to describe what embrochure you use, or answer a question or two, and if I were taking lessons my teacher would do the same thing for me.

But thanks anyway, so far.