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Learn about the saxophone, a single-reed woodwind instrument invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. Discover the different sizes, keys, and styles of saxophones, and how they are used in various musical genres.
- The Soprano Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- The Sopranino Saxophone
- C-Melody Saxophone
- The Bass Saxophone
- The Contrabass Saxophone
- Sopranissimo Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
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This is the highest-pitched common type of saxophone. It’s a transposing instrument. When you play a C, the actual sound will be a concert pitch Bb because it’s in the key of Bb. Soprano plays a similar range to a Bb trumpet, and it can range from Ab3 to E6, depending on the musician’s ability. The unique design of the soprano makes it the only sax...
The baritone saxophone is the largest among the first four common types of the saxophone. Bari sax is an Eb instrument which has a much lower tone. Many people don’t like using the baritone saxophone because of its features. Such features include its size, weight and a large amount of air you’ll need to produce sound. This is the suitable saxophone...
This is the best saxophone for beginners. It’s the most popular saxophone, particularly with student players. Many saxophone players start with an alto saxophone before proceeding to other types of the saxophone. It’s pitched to E flat. It’s small in size and has a small mouthpiece which makes it easy to learn. The younger players don’t find it har...
The tenor saxophone is the most famous saxophone. It’s larger than alto and has a lower pitch. It isn’t suitable for beginners. It’s a larger instrument that requires more air to be blown through it to produce sound. Although it’s not common among young players, it’s widely used saxophone in pop, jazz music and rock. It has the same range as a male...
This is the smaller version of the soprano saxophone. It has a higher octave compared to the alto saxophone. You can find sopranino saxophone mostly in film scores, big band recordings and modern classical music. It’s a small type of saxophone that requires some finger dexterity for it to be able to play.
The C melody saxophone is a unique type of saxophone family. It’s the only saxophone that plays at a concert pitch, meaning that when it plays a C, it sounds like a concert C. Early in the 1920s and 1930s, the C melody saxophone was fairly popular; this has changed with time. But you can still hear C melody saxophone from time to time in a trad jaz...
Going bigger with instruments is quite easier than getting smaller with the same instruments, and that’s why you’ll come across bass saxophone. It’s generally big, and that’s why you need to rest it on a stand while playing by using the neck curving down to its halfway body. It’s perfect for concert bands and larger jazz ensembles because of the fu...
Saxophones are getting bigger every day. There are contrabass and subcontrabass saxophones, massive saxophones that stand at around 6 feet and 4 inches and 7 feet 5 tall. Contrabass is pitched a full octave below baritone, while subcontrabass is an octave below the bass saxophone. These versions of saxophones are composed of very little material an...
This is the smallest member of the saxophone family. It’s pitched in Bb, one octave above soprano saxophone. Building it proves to be difficult since it’s 30cm long, 33 cm with the mouthpiece. A true sopranissimo saxophone was produced in the mid-2010s. This saxophone is extremely small. It requires saxophonists to be very focused because it’s diff...
It’s one of the largest members of the saxophone family. It’s a transposing pitch in Bb, an octave below tenor saxophone. Bass saxophone is not commonly used, but you can find it in jazz recordings, occasional concert bands, and free jazz. Bass saxophones in C were originally for orchestral use, but the modern ones are in Bb, which puts them perfec...
Learn about 14 types of saxophones invented by Adolphe Sax, from soprano to contrabass. Find out their features, ranges, pitches and genres of music they are used in.
A comprehensive guide for beginners who want to learn how to play the saxophone properly. It covers how to assemble, hold, finger and make a sound on the saxophone, as well as some basic music theory and accessories.
- 1. The main body The neck(NB: on some sopranos this is already joined on to the body) Mouthpiece Reed Ligature(the gizmo that clamps the...
- 2. Grasp the middle of the body firmly with one hand (I suggest your right hand if you are right handed, left if you are left handed) Make sure tha...
- 3. Holding the neck in your other hand, slide it down into the body. A slight twisting motion might help. If this is very stiff you could try a sma...
- 4. Wet a reed in your mouth, being very careful not to chip the very delicate thin end. (Synthetic reeds do not need wetting). Place the reed on th...
- 5. Push the mouthpiece onto the cork at the end of the saxophone neck, being careful not to catch the tip of the reed on anything. You may use a tw...
Oct 13, 2020 · Learn the basics of playing sax, from air and reed to posture and embouchure. Discover the benefits of digital saxophones like the Yamaha YDS-150 and how to find a teacher or dealer.
Jul 27, 2024 · Learn about the saxophone, a single-reed wind instrument invented by Antoine-Joseph Sax in 1846. Find out how it is used in military bands, orchestras, and jazz, and explore its different forms and ranges.
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Learn the basics of saxophone playing, such as scales, arpeggios, fingering and tone, with this online tutorial. Download free PDFs and watch videos to improve your skills and knowledge.
Mar 20, 2024 · Learn everything you need to know about the saxophone, from instrument types and tips, to the greatest players of all time. Find out how to choose, buy and play the sax, whether you're a beginner or a fan.
