Harmonic minors for saxophone - practice with me!

The harmonic minor scale is so utterly beautiful and extremely useful. People often refer to it as the “snake charmer” scale as it has a strong middle eastern feel. It's incredibly useful in all genres of music.

Understanding harmonic minors on the saxophone can feel daunting, especially for beginners. When I decided to create the YouTube video "Harmonic Minors for Saxophone, Practice with Me," I aimed to demystify this concept and provide a practical, engaging way for saxophonists of all levels to not only understand these scales but also have a method for practising them.

Before this video, I had already created numerous tutorials focusing on various aspects of saxophone playing, but none specifically dedicated to actually practising harmonic minors. So I saw an opportunity to offer something valuable, a comprehensive guide that not only explains harmonic minors but also provides a hands-on practice session.

In the video, I begin by breaking down what harmonic minor scales are and why they are essential for saxophonists. Unlike some other minors, harmonic minors introduce a raised seventh note, creating a distinctive sound that is prevalent in classical, jazz, and even some pop music. This raised seventh note gives the harmonic minor scale a unique, exotic sound and flavour, making it a valuable tool for adding depth and colour to your playing.

Understanding the theory is one thing, but being able to play harmonic minors fluently is another challenge altogether. That’s why the video transitions into a "practice with me" session. The idea is to provide a supportive, interactive practice environment where viewers can play along with me, mimicking the sounds that I make and gradually building their confidence and proficiency.

Creating this video was a bit like preparing a live lesson and the idea was to create a video that had the feel of a live lesson, but one you can repeat as many times as you like.

One of the most rewarding aspects of making "Harmonic Minors for Saxophone, Practice with Me" was the feedback I received. Saxophonists from around the world commented on how the video helped them understand and play harmonic minors with more confidence. Many appreciated the interactive format, noting that it felt like having a personal tutor guiding them through each step. This kind of engagement is precisely what I hoped to achieve.

Vlogging and creating tutorial videos like this one opens up a new avenue for connecting with fellow musicians and sharing knowledge. It’s about building a community where we can learn from each other, celebrate our progress, and tackle challenges together. The "practice with me" format is particularly effective because it transforms a solitary activity into a shared experience, making the learning process more enjoyable and hopefully less intimidating.

I’m excited to continue exploring new topics and formats for my YouTube channel. There’s so much more to delve into, from advanced techniques to improvisation tips, and I’m eager to share it all with you. If you haven’t watched "Harmonic Minors for Saxophone, Practice with Me" yet, I highly recommend checking it out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, this video has something to offer.

So grab your saxophone, hit play, and let’s practice together. Who knows, you might just find that harmonic minors become your new favourite scales to play. And as always, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Happy practising!

Watch the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QCM5XqqT0PE?si=Xko_vF6NA43ZCzs_

Lynden