Intonation Tendencies of Wind Instruments
Saxophone

by
Fred J. Allen, SFA Director of Bands

· Mouthpiece pulled out from neck = flat, pushed in = sharp

· Temperature:  cold = flat, hot = sharp

· Dynamic level:  loud = flat, soft = sharp (unless air is weak)

· Reed strength:  soft reed = flat, hard reed = sharp

· Embouchure:  biting or pinching = sharp, loose = flat

· Angle of entry:  held too far out = flat, held too close = sharp

· Lay of the mouthpiece:  closed = sharp, open = flat

· Range:  Low range is usually flat, high register is usually sharp, unless air or embouchure is weak.