Saxophone for Beginners

As one of the most common and versatile instruments, the saxophone is relatively easy to learn. Although originally intended for military and marching bands, the saxophone has evolved and become a major instrument in many genres of music including classical, jazz and big band, pop, rock, contemporary and theater. Here, you’ll learn about the basics of the saxophone.

What’s a Saxophone?

The single-reed saxophone, invented in the 1840’s, is considered both a brass and a woodwind instrument. It is typically made of brass, but it has the many fingerings and fast action as a woodwind instrument. It’s most related to the clarinet.

There are four types of saxophones available – soprano, alto, tenor and baritone (bari for short). The soprano is the smallest and highest pitched of the saxophones, while the bari is the largest and deepest pitched. It’s the alto saxophone that is used for beginning players. A child can start playing the saxophone around ages 9-10, or when their hands are large enough to wrap around and hold the instrument.

The saxophone is held to the right side of the body with the left hand on the upper keys and the right hand on the lower keys. Most people find it helpful to hold the saxophone by using a neck strap attached to instrument.

Parts of a Saxophone

The main parts of a saxophone are the mouthpiece (including the reed and ligature), neck, keys and body and the bell.

Mouthpiece and ligature: The most important is the mouthpiece and ligature. There are many brands and sizes of mouthpieces. It’s vital to try some of them out to find a good fit for your mouth while having a great sound. Although a “free” mouthpiece generally comes with the saxophone, it may not be a good one. One mouthpiece and ligature set can be used on any saxophone. So find what’s right for you!

Reeds: There are many types of reeds available. Reeds are made of different strengths (#1-#5) – #1 being the softest and #5 being the hardest. Generally, a beginning student will want a reed strength of #2.

Common problems for beginning students

There are a few problems that beginning students run into when learning to play the saxophone.

Posture: It’s important to sit with a straight back and not slouch over while holding the instrument. The neck strap can be tightened to help with this. You can tell if the musical instrument is in the right position if you can place the mouthpiece into your mouth without moving your head.

Fingering: Fingers should be curved and not straight while pressing on the keys. They should also be held close to the instrument so only the tips of the fingers are used.

Breathing: Breath should be taken from the diaphragm and not the chest. This will allow good support for in-tune playing. Also, take quick breaths from the sides of your mouth without removing your teeth from the mouthpiece.

The versatile saxophone is loads of fun to play. So do your research, find the right instrument and mouthpiece `and start playing!