How to Get a Smoother Sound on a Saxophone
The saxophone is most commonly associated with jazz, and one of the most important skills a jazz player can have is the ability to produce a smooth sound that can blend well with other instruments — at least until it's time for a solo. In any genre, a honking, bloated or out-of-tune sax will stand out and ruin a piece of music. There are several basic exercises you can practice over time that will allow you to develop a smooth, pleasant tone.
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Instructions
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Play with a thin reed, although if you are a beginner, you may need to start with a thicker reed to get used to playing. Make sure the mouthpiece is well balanced before playing. Avoid flavored reeds if possible, as these reeds are often weaker and break easily.
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Practice playing long notes. Start playing with B, as this note is closest to the center of your range. Keep the long note as steady and as long as possible without taking a breath. Repeat this with the next note up chromatically, and continue upwards. Return to the note below B and repeat down the chromatic scale.
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Practice playing long notes in the same order as before, except with dynamics. Play the first note quietly, gradually raise the volume and then decrease the volume again. Keep tuning in mind as you do so, as notes might go flat as you get louder.
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Practice legato tonguing, or eighth notes. Start the note out cleanly and articulate each note lightly. Transition from eighth notes to whole notes. Do this with each note in the chromatic scale.
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Slur different notes between octaves. Focus on playing in tune. Practice your transitions from one octave to another.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that higher pitched tones are easier to master than low ones.
References
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