Expressive Techniques
As well as the notes and rhythms you play, there are several important expressive techniques which can add a lot of drama and excitement to your playing. One of the most common expressive techniques is the use of grace notes. Grace notes have no real time of their own. Rather, they are heard as an expression added to the note they are leading to. A grace note is indicated by a very small note with a stroke through its stem. This note is played immediately before the following note, which is held for its full value.
The following solo demonstrates some typical uses of grace notes. If you have trouble playing it at first, isolate the particular part you have difficulty with and practice it slowly and deliberately until you are confident, then try playing it at a faster tempo. As you will hear, grace notes can add a lot of expression to your sax playing.
