When playing the saxophone there are many factors to consider when it comes to pitch. The mouthpiece, the changes in embouchure or oral cavity, pressure, temperature of the instrument, the brand of saxophone, and so on... But considering the conditions outside factors that change the pitch of the saxophone, there are certain tendency tones to be weary of.
Make sure you tune your F# (A concert on alto and E concert on tenor). This notes balances the tendency notes the best.
- The low Bb is almost always sharp.
- The low C, C#, D, and Eb run a little flat. Some models have the low E run flat as well.
- The middle B on Yamaha instruments is really flat.
- Middle C can run sharp on tenors. Be careful if a group tunes their Bb.
- The middle C# is flat on all horns.
- Middle D, Eb, and E are all sharp.
- Tenor players find G to run a little sharp.
- The high A tends to be flat.
- Anything above high B is sharp except for baritone players where the palm keys are flat.
The best way to know about your individual intonation tendencies is to make a intonation chart. Tune to your F# at A=440. Then get another person and have them write down the intonation of each note of the horn. If you as a player were to look at the tuner, you would automatically adjust. This is why it's recommended that you have another person assist you.
