Another important aspect of articulating notes is the use of Accents. Accent markings are used to indicate notes which are to be played louder than other notes. There are two common types of accents, these being a tenuto accent (long) and a staccato accent (short).
The long accent is indicated by a horizontal wedge mark above or below the note. The short accent is indicated by a vertical wedge mark above or below the note.
As with all new articulations, it is a good idea to practice accents with scales and arpeggios. This example demonstrates both types of accents applied to the Bb major scale.
Here are some sax parts which make use of both types of accents. Try adding accents to phrases you already know and then try using accents in your improvising.
These next two examples use tenuto and staccato markings as well as accents.