How to Play Major Scale for Tenor Saxophone

A major scale is a good way for beginners to learn the basic notes they will play on the tenor saxophone. A major scale incorporates all the white keys on a piano. The major scale most commonly used on a tenor saxophone is a C major scale, which matches concert pitch. It's called this because it starts on C and goes through three octaves of C.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Position your fingers on the tenor saxophone in the standard manner. Your index, middle and ring fingers on your bottom hand should be on the bottom three keys of the tenor saxophone. Your index, middle and ring fingers on your top hand should be placed on the second, third and fourth keys on the top set.
2. Begin the scale with a low C. All keys should be pressed down, including the low C key, which is the bottom key of the two keys below the bottom stack. This key should be pressed with your pinky.
3. Run through the scale by lifting one finger up at a time to go on to the next higher note. Lift your pinky to go to D, then your ring finger to play an E and your middle finger to play F and your index finger to play G.
4. Start lifting your fingers on the top stack to continue the scale. Lift your ring finger to play A, and your middle finger to play B. Play middle C next, with only your middle finger on your top hand pressed down.
5. Switch to the next higher octave on the tenor saxophone. Press the octave key with your top thumb and run through the scale again. Start back down at the bottom, but because you have already played C, this time start with D.
6. Move up through all the keys until you get to C. The scale ends with a high C. Be sure to hold down the octave key the entire time.
7. Use the C major scale as the first thing you play every day. The C major scale is a good way for both beginners and expert tenor saxophone players to warm up.