What Is an Alto Sax?

Even for musical laypersons, the saxophone is generally an easy instrument to identify. This instrument, famous for its role in pop in jazz as well as classical music, is not merely one musical device but an entire family of horns, including the higher-pitched alto sax. A relative newcomer to the world of musical invention, the alto saxophone's unique sound and fascinating history give it a special place in Western music.

Saxophones

A saxophone is any member of a group of musical instruments in the woodwind family. They are single-reed instruments, meaning they use the vibration of a single piece of thin reed against the mouthpiece to produce a tone. They are generally made of lacquered brass, although many are plated in other metals, such as silver or nickel, and some are left unlacquered. Saxophones use a system of keys that open and close holes along the body of the instrument in order to change the note played. The combinations of keys used, known as fingerings, on saxophones is largely similar to that of clarinets.

Invention

The saxophone was, according to Leon Kochintzky's "Adolphe Sax and His Saxophone," invented by a Belgian instrument maker named Adolphe Sax. The date of the instrument's actual invention is uncertain, but it was patented on June 28, 1846.

Types

There are four common types of saxophone, as well as a large number of unusual types and variations. The four most common are, listed highest to lowest, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Beyond these standard four, some of the more common saxes include the sopranino (higher than the soprano), the soprissimo (even higher than the sopranino), the bass (lower than the baritone), the contrabass (lower than the bass), and the subcontrabass (the lowest). Many other variants and saxophone-based instruments exist as well.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The alto sax is the second-highest saxophone of the standard four. It is pitched in E-flat, meaning that an alto saxophonist playing a C plays the same note as a pianist playing an E-flat. Its most immediately distinguishing characteristic is its shape; like most saxophones, it is straight along most of its length, with a nearly 180-degree bend near the bell. However, the alto has a bend near the mouthpiece, rather than two bends as in the tenor, or a loop as in all saxes lower than the tenor. The alto sax is approximately the same overall height as the soprano sax, which is usually completely straight like a clarinet.

Common Usage

Saxophones in general have limited use in the standard classical repertoire and tend to be used in bands rather than orchestral or symphonic ensembles. They are most commonly known for their extensive use in jazz and related genres. Alto and tenor saxes are the most commonly used of all, and the alto tends to be given more lead and melodic roles between the two.