Saxophonist Greg Fishman shares his system for the bis key

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Saxophonist Greg Fishman shares his system for the bis key

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Күн бұрын

Rico reed artist Greg Fishman shares his system for using the bis key on the saxophone. Traditionally, the side key has been taught as the preferred method of playing Bb. The bis key was accepted for use, but with the rule that the player could roll UP from the Bb bis key fingering to a B natural, but not DOWN to the Bb bis key fingering form a B natural. Also, the bis key was used more for chord arpeggios, while the side Bb was used more for scales.
Through years of practice and study, I have found that if the left index finger is positioned properly, resting partially resting on both the B pearl and the bis pearl at all times, it is just as easy to roll down from the bis as it is to roll up.
I'm not suggesting complete elimination of using the side Bb key, but I've personally found that the use of the bis key improve my technical speed and accuracy by at least 30%.
There are still some occasions when I'll use the side Bb, but in my opinion, the bis key is one of the great innovations of the saxophone's design.
For more on my teaching concepts visit gregfishmanjazzstudios (dot) com.

Пікірлер: 77

@UndeadGamingCA 10 жыл бұрын

Glad someone else uses this key like I do. So many people have told me it's bad technique but I feel like it's so much cleaner and easier than using the side Bb

@legoblox01 6 жыл бұрын

I do it exactly the same way and I was also told the same thing. I know the struggle

@1.nf674 Жыл бұрын

Just entering the sax world and the B flat/BIS key business had me scrambling. You are the only one I have seen teaching this method. Thank you!!!!

@gregfishmanjazzstudios Жыл бұрын

Glad that I could help. Please let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. Happy to work with you.

@wilkintodd 8 жыл бұрын

I'm a bis key (plateau key) freak. I like to teach students to use bis any time there is a leap to B flat and SK or bis in scale passages. 1&1 (or 1&2) is a good for certain arpeggios and trills as well, it is in line. The bis key is a savior. You should definitely learn to trill with it!

@stewartwforbes 4 ай бұрын

My last saxophone teacher was Peter King (in UK) Peter said that he only ever used the bis Bb. At all times. And he was a master - esp of hard bop / bebop

@peedrowchan-man102 2 жыл бұрын

I know you made this eight years ago, but wow this is fantastic for me! I played clarinet sixth and seventh grade then started playing alto in eighth. So I never knew anything about the bis key until Jay at better sax hipped me to it a couple months ago in one of his videos (30+ years of playing sax never using the bis key!) But this lesson from you is critical because even though I’ve been trying to use it more lately, your method of straddling both keys at once brings it to being a Fully employable technique, instead of using it for only certain situations, which is annoying to me because I don’t wanna have to think about switching bis and side key. Thanks much, I can’t wait to get home and try it tonight!

@devilshark6694 Жыл бұрын

i've been playing 25 years and never used it. been using it for 6 months and absolutely love it. it's becoming really smooth

@stewartwforbes 4 ай бұрын

Such great common sense. I use them all (the Bb’s) including 1+1 and +2 and yep even the +3 (think Eb minor arpeggio). The bus key in a G blues eg is indispensable, but even in any flat KS keep the bus down at all opportune times ! Thnks so much for this important clip on Bis Bb

@JetJockeyMike 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg . After playing since 1959 , you cleared up a great mystery for me. OK , so I'm a slow learner !!! Kudos for your great work. I love the iPad app ...Mike

@joecoolsax1 6 жыл бұрын

hey Greg, so glad to see this. i just had a lesson and my teacher told me to stop using the bis in my scales, especially the # scales(he’s ok with the flat scales) cause it’s faster to go between a# and b with the palm. he can do it faster but for me I really prefer the bis key and am naturally comfortable using it and it’s my go to choice like you, 90% of the time. I’m only 1.5yrs in returning to play, but i’m glad to hear that i can get faster with it, with this technique you shared. Also love the licks, really helps me get better with improv over chords but quite challenging some of them. That’s probably the point though. Thanks for the tips.😎🎷

@stefanzdraveski 6 жыл бұрын

Man this is amazing. After so many years..

@Metsani44 8 жыл бұрын

I'm a freshman in highschool, and all throughout middleschool i was told by my band director (a clarinetist) to use 1 and 1 Bb, always. I wasnt taught side Bb until the summer and I didnt learn bis until the beginning of this year. It took me a good month and now I almost always use bis, it is easily the best, most in tune, and efficient version of Bb. You have saved many saxophone players with this video from experiencing what I did, and for that, I thank you!

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 8 жыл бұрын

+Metsani44 Glad that I could help. Many teachers get upset when I tell students that the bis key can work in this manner. It's a different approach, but I've found that it works well for me and many of my students. Of course, I can play with the side key, or 1 + 1 if necessary. I like showing everyone all of the available options so that they can go with whatever works best for them. Glad you're enjoying my teaching videos. I think that you would also enjoy my books. You can check them out at: www.gregfishmanjazzstudios.com By the way, let me know if you'd like to schedule a Skype lesson sometime. I have a ton of great material for you.

@boobsax 6 жыл бұрын

Ya I was thinking the same thing

@jandrewk81 10 жыл бұрын

You are so right about the Bis. I started using it sometime ago and it has vastly improved my playing. I've enjoyed several of your videos and subscribed right away. On to watch your middle D vid to check out the third one. Thanks Greg.

@thesaxman 10 жыл бұрын

Haven't used the bisc key much in 25 years of playing, you've convinced me! Gotta get hip licks too!

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 10 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video, Jimu! Hip Licks is a lot of fun. I think you'll really enjoy it.

@SaxJockey Жыл бұрын

Very useful video. I use the Bis and side Bb keys equally, guess I have my finger on the Bis key by default when Bb is in the key or for accidentals. I will revisit that to develope this 'always on' technique.

@user-we1qm9sl3i 5 ай бұрын

Great video, I'm just lesson the tenor saxophone and loving it

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 5 ай бұрын

Great! I'm glad that you're enjoying the video lesson. Please let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometimes. Also, please check out my video course with 350+ videos and practice notes at: gregfishmanjazzstudios.com

@robingarcia718 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips, I been struggling with this concept especially in the key of B

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 7 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Robin. Glad you enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you'd like to try a Skype lesson sometime. gregfishmanjazzstudios@gmail.com

@BobbyLee9676 6 жыл бұрын

Bis key default is a good option. There are many Bb situations: Bb 1-1, 1 and F# for arpeggios, side key in scales, trills, False low Bb overtone, USE THEM ALL,

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 6 жыл бұрын

Rob Lee of course, it is best to know how to use them all, and to know, in which situations to use different fingerings. I do use all of them, but I can remember back to the days when I had no default bis in my approach, and my technique took a huge leap forward once I gained control of the bis key. Ultimately, I like the sound of the bis fingering best for most, but not all situations. Sometimes, it’s the desire for a slight difference in timbre that leads me to choose a different fingering, more so than ease of the fingering itself.

@BobbyLee9676 6 жыл бұрын

Greg, Thanks, for the reply. First, man, I dig your paying and teaching. I've learned so much from watching and listening. Yeah, I am a bis key default player. I come across many players that don't use it. R

@dnsps 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg, This old dog just learned a new trick.

@ddd231 10 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you very much. Please make more.

@XB29SP Жыл бұрын

I like the default on phrase. Just realized that's the way I have my fingers, bis always on. Like to practice licks using both b flats but bis usually wins. Occasionally the the one and one works (first finger of both hands) well for a fast lick too, but not good for a sustained b flat. Thanks, I'll be on that b major lick this week for sure. 🎷

@vfvref 8 жыл бұрын

Great video Greg, it's gonna take me a while to get used to holding down the bis key but I feel like this is going to help in the long run. Thanks

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 8 жыл бұрын

+Vincent Derkacht Glad you enjoyed the video, Vincent. Just be patient with the bis key. I think of it as "default on," which is different from the way that many people teach it. The bis key is one of the greatest things about the saxophone. Love that key! Have fun with it. Let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. You can PM me on Facebook. Best, Greg

@diegsvelasquez1608 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!!!👍👌🎷

@marselmusic 6 жыл бұрын

_'now there are a lot of players especially it seems in this in the classical saxophone world who have an aversion to the Biscay and they really love the psyche and they have these rules about the Biscay dead state well it's okay to roll up huh but it's not okay to roll down huh well I'm a jazz player you know I I didn't study classical saxophone I did classical flute and clarinet and of course you know I'm using side b-flat on clarinet mostly but as I said the jazz saxophone player I can just tell you from 30 years experience playing this biz key has saved me in so many situations'_ haha thanks i agree

@uribengal 10 жыл бұрын

Fishman, you are way cool. All the best.

@mathewwallis2863 6 жыл бұрын

I LOVE THIS!!! THANK YOU!!!

@pyannaguy 7 жыл бұрын

Greg, I wish there was a clip where u start at ground zero with the bis key. It's humbling to admit that I've never consciously used it. I play a Bb using the both index fingers on the standard keys (in other words, like a B, but with my left hand index finger on the F key) as well as using the side key when that's handier in those instances.

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Pyannaguy, Start using the bis in all of your scales, both directions to begin to get used to the feel of it. I know that many teachers will say not to use the bis for scales, but if you immerse yourself in the use of the bis key, you can always go back to the side key if necessary. I'm not a big fan of 1 & 1 on the sax, but do use it sometimes on flute or clarinet. Good luck with it, and let me know if you'd like a Skype lesson sometime. Also, if you have my book Hip Licks for Saxophone, use the Bmaj7 lick (lick #26) and play all of the A#'s with the bis key. I designed that lick to help people work on the bis key. Greg

@pyannaguy 7 жыл бұрын

It's so cool of you to respond to us here, Greg.Thanks! I DO have "Hip Licks" and will take your advice. Man, I can't believe no one's ever drawn my attention to that little pearl button! Thanks, again!

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 7 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Do let me know if you'd like a lesson sometime. To me, that bis key is one of the greatest things about the saxophone!

@gilbertov.perezomana9860 10 жыл бұрын

I have to work it, thanks you Greg for sharing...

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gilberto! It will be worth the effort!

@chelillingworth9466 5 ай бұрын

Garzone was a huge proponent of using the side keys for chromatics when i studied with him. Your technique is impressive but for chromatics I still don't think I'd teach it that way.

@PhrygianPhrog 3 жыл бұрын

I've used the roff on/off technique for years and it's caused me some kind of injury. The particular muscle movement is aggravating to my tendons. Am currently re-learning to use side-Bb and other fingerings instead.

@kennethellison9713 4 жыл бұрын

So, for the key of E Major, or G Major (or any other # key) you are in the bis-key default? I only use a bis-key default in flat keys. Rolling the index finger to play/release the key is inefficient. I use side key or 1+1 for any chromatic lines.

@olivierherment1188 9 жыл бұрын

Thank You

@simonsimon5124 4 жыл бұрын

My sax teacher Klemen in high school told me why I play like Greg for almost all bis notes when I play. He said it is not good. But he is not Greg Fishman

@marselmusic 6 жыл бұрын

i used to use the side Bb key, but then it hit me, that thats just pressing an nother key down and lifting another one up (like 2+2-1 rather than 2+1) so then i hardly ever used it, (except for scales that make me thinkpsychological)

@chrismills5110 3 жыл бұрын

I have a roller Bis Key on my 1930s' Karl Hammerschidt!! OOHH!!!

@Lecretois 11 ай бұрын

Hi !! FAntastic advice !! And you know what ? I saw this vid yesterday evening and...... I need it today !! Do we call that synchronicity ?? Thanks a LOOOOTT !

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 11 ай бұрын

That’s fantastic! Thanks. Btw, please consider joining my video course. There are over 340 videos with pdf practice notes. www.gregfishmanjazzstudios.com

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 11 ай бұрын

You're welcome. So glad that you enjoyed the lesson. Please check out my full video lesson course -- over 350 lessons with PDF practice notes. Thanks so much. www.gregfishmanjazzstudios.com

@lejazz6938 4 жыл бұрын

Hello Greg, thank you for sharing this! you say 'only when it's absolutely nescessary' so when is that ?

@timedriverable 5 жыл бұрын

This also applies to the flute as well. I was always in a quandry about whether to play the side key or the bis key.....it actually saves a step. Do you feel that you might have a slight edge when started out with the sax, with a flute background?

@laidlounge 3 жыл бұрын

Do You use the bis key in the keys of F sharp and B natural? Thanx a lot!

@JylesM 5 жыл бұрын

Wasn’t it Evette and Schaeffer that patented the Bis mechanism, not Adolphe Sax?

@MrSaxMyJazz 6 жыл бұрын

Great info thanks my friend I just sub to your channel.

@matsmanteatern698 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I really went in to this question the other day..I hear you and understand that you’re a great fan of the biskey. Just one more question on the subject: (I read all the comments and know you’re already sort of answered it but anyway..) Is there ANY regular runs, combination of notes, except for thrills, that you’re using side-Bb?? For me, just working on the basic major scales right now, tend to use the side Bb in many # keys. F#major, Bmajor etc. whats you’re advise here? Go back and do some relearning?

@gregfishmanjazzstudios Жыл бұрын

Try it both ways with the major scales. Sometimes Sometimes I'll use the side Bb on a chromatic triplet A-Bb-B going to a C. I basically think of the side as my alternate Bb and the bis as my primary Bb.

@pauldavies9360 8 жыл бұрын

so just to clarify this Bb with the bis key should be THE fingering to go to all the time? granted sometime the side Bb key is more efficient at times but say for practicing chords and scale it's best to stick with the bis key all the time? love this channel! subscribed!

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, Glad you enjoyed the video. I love the bis key and use it most of the time. There are some times to use the side Bb. I tend to use the side Bb more for trills. It's best to learn to use both keys so that you have a choice of which one to use and when to use it. I basically think of the bis key as my "default" Bb and if something feels like it's not laying right with the bis, I'll use the side Bb.

@pauldavies9360 8 жыл бұрын

Cool thanks greg! That's how I'm going to use it.

@boobsax 6 жыл бұрын

This obviously the way Stan Getz played. As I look through his solos there are licks and patterns that only work with the bis.....btw where are you from? The accent seems upstate New York , Maybe Rochester?

@pjcoop 6 жыл бұрын

Trying to master this, but keep hitting the palm D key!!

@mudsinkmayor 5 жыл бұрын

A. Sax didn't have a bis key on his saxophones. The Evette/ Schaeffer system saxophones were the first to add this innovation.

@DoomerDad 5 жыл бұрын

Greg, do you do this on the 4th bar of Some Skunk Funk? The 7/8 bar.

@missingmylink 10 жыл бұрын

steve lacy?? i think he shared your concept?

@SEGEFFECT Жыл бұрын

Will Work in G#m songs .I will try

@sharga76 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks, the video is excellent. May I ask you, how do you play B flat when you 're moving from highest F or E, or highest D to B flat? For example in tenor G blue(concert F) move from D to B flat is very frequent. I think that it is very hard to make diference when you're moving from D to B and from D to B flat(Bis key option)...

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 10 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. For high D to B or Bb I still use the bis key, even when alternating between D to B then D to Bb. I spent a lot of time going from each palm key to all remaining notes on the horn. That took a lot of time, but it was well worth the effort. If you just can't manage the D to Bb move with the bis key, you could use the right hand fist finger to press the F key in combination with the B key (giving you the 1+1 fingering). However, I personally wouldn't do that. I'd use the bis key. I wonder if you need to put a palm key riser on your high D. Sounds to me like you're having to reach in too far to press the D key. Try getting a palm key riser...should make the move to the B and Bb easier. Greg

@sharga76 10 жыл бұрын

Greg, thank you for advices. Teachers, unfortunately, told us that we have to use only right side Bb and substitution is only combination of B key and first or second key with right hand/in line/. I don't use Bis key, but I am planing to, especially after your video. You are totally righ about playing in line. That's the only comfortable way of playing sax. I saw some black widening on your D palm key. Honestly, I saw it first time. I guess it's palm key riser. I live in Serbia (Balkan, Europe) and we only have a few respectable sax tehnicians in all country. I think I will try to make it myself.

@funkysax2002 9 жыл бұрын

There is no bis key on clarinet so what do you do when you HAVE to play the side D# Bb key on clarinet? Do you get confused?

@pauldavies9360 8 жыл бұрын

Whats the side D# sharp fingering?

@krommer66 2 жыл бұрын

There are 5 ways to play d# including the side key d#.

@krommer66 2 жыл бұрын

Make that 6. Clarinets can have a bis key added. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n9eql7mjx9_TlX0.html

@JahdaiCarter 7 жыл бұрын

What happened to all your vids?

@gregfishmanjazzstudios 7 жыл бұрын

The vids are all still there, as they have been for years. I do have a new subscription teaching website launching in 2017. There will be many cool new vids for the new site.

@GregFishman 10 жыл бұрын

If you enjoy my teaching concepts, please check out this short video in which I describe the concept behind my latest book, The Lobster Theory by Greg Fishman