How to Play a Baritone Saxophone

One of the larger and lower-pitched members of the saxophone family, the baritone saxophone features an extra loop near its mouthpiece to keep it at a reasonable height. Its music is written in treble clef and played in the key of E-flat. The fingerings for the instrument are almost identical to those of other saxophone family members, so if you learn to play one type, it is fairly simple to carry your skills over to another.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research the baritone saxophone; watch videos or live performances of baritone players and listen to music in which it is featured to familiarize yourself with the instrument.

2. Obtain a saxophone and start practicing. Get comfortable holding the instrument. Insert a reed, wet it and blow into the mouthpiece. Move your fingers to press various key combinations and play different notes.

3. Consider the best learning approach for you. Books, videos and group or private lessons are excellent approaches to learning to play.

Tips & Warnings

• Leasing a baritone saxophone or purchasing a used one are the most practical ways to get started.
• If playing the baritone saxophone in a marching band, buy a good harness to ensure the weight of the instrument (approximately 13 to 14 lbs) is evenly distributed onto your back, not your neck.