How to Play Tenor Saxophone for Beginners

Essentially, the saxophonist's embouchure is the way in which his lips and mouth form around the mouthpiece. A good embouchure is critical to proper saxophone playing. The right mouthpiece and a strong embouchure give a beginning saxophone player the proper foundation to develop the proper playing techniques.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the lower lip in a position to create a kind of cushion between the lower teeth and the saxophone's reed. This cushion supports the mouthpiece without gripping it too firmly.

2. Fold the bottom lip over the lower teeth. The teeth should not be positioned on the mouthpiece, but instead press lightly against the inner lower lip. The lower lip provides the firm foundation for the saxophonist's embouchure.

3. Place the teeth on top of the mouthpiece. Form a lip "cushion" around the mouthpiece to rest comfortably. The teeth do not bite into the mouthpiece, but instead rest against the surface.

4. Make certain the lower lip is set firmly, but the player should remember to not be tense and start to squeeze the reed. The reed is supposed to vibrate and not be pinched by the mouth in any way.

5. Hold the mouth and mouthpiece in this position and blow through the reed. The embouchure should be flexed in order to change the shape and pressure of the air passing through the reed.