Saxophone Staccato: Two Types of Expression

Saxophone staccato is not merely a technique for cutting notes short. There are actually two types of staccato, each with its own expressive quality. One is a short, clipped staccato where the note is quickly cut off before moving to the next. The other is a resonant staccato using abdominal support, where the note is separated but retains a lingering resonance afterward. On the saxophone, the quality of your staccato is determined by how long the tongue stays on the reed, maintaining a continuous airstream, and air speed. The longer the tongue remains on the reed, the shorter and more clipped the note becomes; the shorter the contact time, the more resonance remains. Additionally, even when the tongue stops the reed, it is crucial to keep the air flowing—if you stop the air, the sound will cut out entirely. This article provides a detailed Q&A explanation of the differences between these two types of staccato, the techniques for each, and how to control your air.

Q&A: Saxophone Staccato Techniques

Q1: What types of staccato are there?

A: Saxophone staccato can be broadly divided into two types. One is a short, clipped staccato where the note is quickly cut off before moving to the next. The other is a resonant staccato using abdominal support, where the note is separated but retains a lingering resonance afterward. By mastering the use of both types, you can greatly expand the expressive range of your saxophone playing.

Q2: What factors determine the quality of staccato?

A: The most important factor that determines the quality of staccato is how long the tongue stays on the reed. The longer the tongue remains on the reed, the shorter and more clipped the note becomes. Conversely, if the tongue contact time is brief, the note is separated but retains a lingering resonance. Additionally, maintaining a continuous airstream is important. Even when the tongue stops the reed, keeping the air flowing ensures that the sound is produced clearly.

Q3: How do I produce a short staccato?

A: To produce a short staccato, the key is to keep the tongue on the reed for a longer time and release it quickly. By extending the time the tongue is in contact with the reed, the note becomes short and clipped. Additionally, by increasing the air speed, you can achieve an even more sharply articulated staccato. On the saxophone, by coordinating tongue movement with air speed, you can produce a crisp, sharp staccato.

Q4: How do I produce a resonant staccato with abdominal support?

A: To produce a resonant staccato with abdominal support, it is important to shorten the tongue contact time and control the air speed. Release the tongue quickly, but use your abdominal muscles to control the air, maintaining it at a moderate speed. This way, the note is separated but retains a lingering resonance afterward. On the saxophone, using this technique allows you to achieve a musically resonant staccato.

Q5: How should I manage my air when playing staccato?

A: When playing staccato, the most important thing is to keep the air flowing continuously. Even when the tongue stops the reed, do not stop your airstream—keep it flowing. If you stop the air, the sound will cut out entirely. Additionally, air speed determines your staccato expression. Fast air produces a short, clipped sound, while slower air creates a resonant quality. On the saxophone, air control has a major impact on staccato quality.