Another exciting sound commonly used by Blues and Rock sax players is growling. This effect is achieved by actually singing as you play the notes. The vibrations in your throat translate through the saxophone as a growling sound.
Listen to the following example on the CD to hear the effect this produces. When the example repeats, try it yourself.
Here is a solo which makes use of the growling technique. Notice also the use of vibrato on some of the longer notes in this solo.
Here is a solo which uses grace notes, vibrato and growling. If you’ve come this far, you are definitely ready to play in a band and should begin jamming with other musicians if you’re not already doing so. Another thing you should begin doing is transcribing sax solos from albums. You may wish to write the notes down or you may wish to learn them by ear, but transcribing is an important skill for any musician to develop. Make transcribing part of your daily practice routine. Listen for expressive techniques as well as just the notes and rhythms, and try to imitate what you hear as closely as possible.