Page 31 - 2017-BMR-December

THE MANY B-FLATS ON THE
SAXOPHONE

B by Neal Postma Are you
L
-flats are a source of so many issues for young saxophonists,
with the important question being,... Which fingerings should we be a teacher?
using? Here are three acceptable fingerings, with each use defined by
their context.
1. The bis key. The bis fingering involves the B-key and small key
(bis key) between the B and A keys. Both keys should be pressed by the
first finger alone–I always, always, always teach this fingering first! This
is the easiest of the fingerings, and is the most functional. Currently, I
use this fingering for about 95% of the B-flats I play overall.
2. The side key. For the side B-flat fingering, use the B and A keys
on the left hand and the bottom side key on the right hand (the side
keys are the three stacked on top of each other). Many teachers start JOIN THE D’ADDARIO
their students on this fingering, using the logic that it is more difficult
to play and therefore it is better to teach this one first or it will never EDUCATION
be used. There is some truth to that, I suppose, but I still do not teach
this fingering initially. The problem with this fingering is you are using COLLECTIVE
two hands instead of one, which is never as accurate, and the side key
is often loud, clunky and clumsy.
3. The third fingering is the B key on the left hand and the E Get access to educational
key on the right hand. Note that it is NOT the F key on the right
hand–this fingering for Bb is incredibly flat, by nearly a quarter tone! resources, promotions, product
Some beginner books still list F key as acceptable, which it is not–so testing opportunities, a dynamic
frustrating!
So, when to use which? As stated above, I use bis whenever possible profile page and more. Win gear
and most of the time because of the speed and lack of key noise. The and other exclusive prizes!
only time I recommend using the side key is when playing between
B and Bb. Sliding on the bis key can be problematic. That being said, Visit: www.daddario.com/dec
and I will break with MANY saxophonists here, I recommend sliding
when going from Bb to B, as sliding up is fast and clean enough to be
effective. But when going from B down to Bb I use the side key. So, yes, JOIN TODAY
I do recommend using a different fingering in scales whether going
up or down. I find this to be the cleanest and most effective in these
situations.
What about other fingering? Bis accounts for 95% of my B-flats,
and the side key accounts for 4.99%. I only use the third fingering in
very rare circumstances–the most common is moving quickly from F#
to Bb when the Bb is followed by a B-Natural or vice versa. Think about
that one for a second–in the average hour-long solo recital, I use this
fingering usually once, if at all. So while it is one to be aware of, it is
not one that is used all that often!

Saxophonist and pedagogue NEAL POSTMA holds degrees from the University
of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (MM) and the University of Colorado
(BM) and is a currently a DMA Candidate at the University of South Carolina
where he serves as an Instructor of Music Appreciation. He is also on the faculty of
Claflin University teaching applied lessons on saxophone. As a concert saxophonist
Neal has performed across the United States, Europe and Asia. He has given recitals
at universities and various regional, national and international conferences.

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