Rico reed artist Greg Fishman shares his system for using the bis key on the saxophone. Traditionally, the side key has been taught as the preferred method of playing Bb. The bis key was accepted for use, but with the rule that the player could roll UP from the Bb bis key fingering to a B natural, but not DOWN to the Bb bis key fingering form a B natural. Also, the bis key was used more for chord arpeggios, while the side Bb was used more for scales.

Through years of practice and study, I have found that if the left index finger is positioned properly, resting partially resting on both the B pearl and the bis pearl at all times, it is just as easy to roll down from the bis as it is to roll up.

I'm not suggesting complete elimination of using the side Bb key, but I've personally found that the use of the bis key improve my technical speed and accuracy by at least 30%.

There are still some occasions when I'll use the side Bb, but in my opinion, the bis key is one of the great innovations of the saxophone's design.

For more on my teaching concepts visit gregfishmanjazzstudios (dot) com.