How to Use Different Types of Saxophones

Of the 9 different types of saxophones, only 4 are commonly used in bands and orchestras today--the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Each has its own individual sound, making them useful for different types of music ranging from jazz to rock. Beginners will master some saxophones more easily than others.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with an alto sax if you're a beginner. The alto is pitched in E flat and a full octave higher than a baritone, making it perfect for popular jazz or the symphony. The medium size allows for easy handling and playing so it's the sax for most newbies.

2. Try a tenor sax once you master the alto. Like the soprano, the tenor is pitched in B flat but it's an octave lower. It looks like a bigger version of the alto, and it's the sax of choice for most rock and pop musicians.

3. Listen to the deep rich sound of a baritone and you'll think you're listening to a cello in a symphony. The largest of the four saxes, the baritone is pitched in E flat and it's a full octave lower than the alto. The enormous size makes it difficult to play and handle, so it's definitely made for more experienced sax players.

4. Use a soprano sax for playing popular jazz, but avoid it if you are just starting out as a musician. The smallest in the sax family, the soprano is pitched in B flat and jazz musicians love it. With a straight shape like a clarinet, the soprano's small mouthpiece makes it one of the hardest instruments to master, and finding music for it is difficult.

Tips & Warnings

• All saxophone music is written in the treble clef and fingering is almost identical, so switching from one to another when learning to play isn't a problem. However, size and price make the alto the wisest choice for beginners.