Chromatic Scale - Throat

This video clip shows the activity of the anatomical structures of the throat while the saxophonist performs an ascending and descending chromatic scale from Bb3 to F#6.

In the first octave of the scale, the posterior pharyngeal wall (the muscular wall of the back of the throat, appearing at the top of the video image) and the aryepiglottic folds (structures surrounding the glottis or voice box) narrow to create greater flow of air, especially as the saxophonist prepares for the initial attack on low Bb3. In the second octave, the pharyngeal space gradually opens as the pitch ascends. In the third octave to F#6, the pharyngeal space continues to expand and the glottis "micro-manages" the flow of air.



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