1-and-1…Not All That Fun (On The Saxophone)

/ Saxophone, Saxophone Fingering, Technique, Woodwinds

Saxophone Bb Fingerings: Bis Key, Side Key, and One-and-One

Who

This technique is essential for saxophonists, from middle school beginners to professional players, performing on alto or tenor saxophone in band, jazz, or solo settings. Choosing the optimal Bb fingering enhances intonation and fluency, especially for students navigating flat-key repertoire.

What

The challenge is selecting the best Bb fingering for precise intonation and technical fluency in the middle register. The Bis key and side key Bb fingerings provide clear, centered pitch, while the one-and-one (1-and-1) fingering is less reliable and reserved exclusively for special situations like F-to-Bb tremolos, producing a sharp, unstable tone otherwise. You won’t find it on most saxophone fingering charts, especially for beginners.

Why

The one-and-one Bb fingering’s sharp, less focused tone stems from its tubing configuration, which is less aligned with the saxophone’s acoustic design, as noted in The Art of Saxophone Playing. It is unsuitable for most contexts, disrupting intonation and flow in lyrical or rapid passages, except for special situations like F-to-Bb tremolos where its minimal finger movement excels. In flat keys, the Bis key’s single-unit left index finger motion eliminates complex finger shifts, enhancing efficiency in passages like A-to-Bb or Bb-to-C.

Where

Bb fingerings are applied via:

  • Bis Key: Left index finger presses both B and Bis keys as a single unit, producing Bb with minimal tubing alteration.
  • Side Key: Right-hand index finger presses the middle side key for Bb, ideal for quick transitions.
  • One-and-One: Left-hand first finger (B key) and right-hand first finger (F key) produce Bb, used only for special situations, such as F-to-Bb tremolos.

When

Use Bis and side key Bb in:

  • Flat-Key Passages: In F major (Bb as subdominant), Bb major (Bb as tonic), Eb major (Bb as dominant), Ab major, and Db major, where Bb is frequent.
  • Lyrical Passages: In jazz ballads or classical pieces like Satin Doll, requiring stable intonation.
  • Rapid Transitions: In fast arpeggios or scales, such as in Holst’s First Suite in Eb, needing smooth execution.
    Use one-and-one Bb only in:
  • F-to-Bb Tremolos: In jazz or contemporary music requiring rapid alternation, where one-and-one is the preferred choice.

How

To optimize Bb fingering choices:

  1. Master Bis Key Technique: In flat keys, train the left index finger to press B and Bis keys as a single motion, ensuring Bb production without affecting other notes (e.g., B natural, E, A), as shown in Norlan Bewley’s charts.
  2. Use Side Key for Speed: Practice side key Bb in fast scalar or arpeggio passages for quick transitions.
  3. Reserve One-and-One for Tremolos: Use one-and-one exclusively for F-to-Bb tremolos, practicing these in context to ensure rapid alternation.
  4. Check Intonation: Use a tuner to verify Bis and side key Bb pitches align with A=440 Hz, adjusting embouchure if needed.
  5. Maintain Keywork: Ensure Bis and side keys function smoothly for seamless execution.
  6. Practice in Scales: Incorporate Bis and side key Bb into F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db major scales to build muscle memory.
  7. Annotate Repertoire: Mark Bis or side key Bb in sheet music for lyrical or technical passages in pieces like Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, using one-and-one only for marked tremolos.

Conclusion

Bis and side key Bb fingerings offer saxophonists superior intonation and ease, especially in flat keys where the left index finger’s single-unit Bis technique simplifies transitions. One-and-one Bb is reserved exclusively for F-to-Bb tremolos due to its sharp pitch in other contexts. By mastering Bis and side key Bb through scales, tuner practice, and repertoire annotation, and limiting one-and-one to tremolos, directors and saxophonists can achieve technical precision and harmonic clarity, enhancing ensemble performance.

Scroll to Top