1. Get a Great Funky Tone:
- Ensure your saxophone intonation is well-adjusted.
- Pick a reed strength that allows for easy production of altissimo notes. Generally, a stronger reed helps achieve a funkier sound.
- Experiment with your saxophone mouthpiece to find one that enhances the funky sound.
2. Embouchure:
- Develop a relaxed lower lip, letting it rest easily on the mouthpiece without excessive tension.
- Blow from your diaphragm, supporting the air from deep within. This will give your notes a fuller, more resonant sound.
3. Altissimo Notes:
- Master altissimo notes up to at least F#. These are characteristic of funk music.
4. Vibrato:
- Develop a fast vibrato (around 7-10 pulses per second) using your diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
- Experiment with different vibrato techniques until you find one that adds flavor to your playing.
5. Articulation:
- Emphasize a strong attack on each note, giving them a clear, crisp beginning.
- Practice both short and long notes. Funky saxophone often combines a mix of articulation styles, so experimentation is key.
6. Syncopation:
- Understand and feel syncopation, which is one of the fundamental aspects of funk music. Syncopated rhythms create that signature funky feel.
7. Listen to the Masters:
- Study the playing of famous funk saxophonists like James Brown's Maceo Parker, Michael Brecker, and Grover Washington Jr. Analyze their techniques and the way they approach funk music.
8. Experiment:
- Embrace experimentation and don't be afraid to try different techniques and combinations. Funk is all about individuality and finding your own style within the genre.
9. Practice, Practice, Practice:
- Dedicate time to practicing all of these elements regularly to develop your funk playing skills and build muscle memory.
Remember, the essence of playing funk on the tenor saxophone lies in the combination of a great tone, strong articulation, fast vibrato, and a deep understanding of syncopation. So, put in the practice and let your funky side shine through!