How to Read Sheet Music for an Alto Saxophone

Reading alto sax music takes practice.

Learning to read music for any instrument takes time and practice, but it is essential to mastering the instrument you choose to play. The alto saxophone is an Eb (E-flat) instrument, meaning that if you play a C on the instrument, it is actually an Eb on the piano. If you are playing with an ensemble and the piece of music is in the key of C, your key signature should indicate a key of Eb.

Things You'll Need

• Alto saxophone
• Sheet music

Instructions

1. Find the key signature on your sheet music. The key signature is located at the beginning of the first measure and is indicated by a certain number of sharps and flats. If there is none, then the tune is in the key of C. If you see one or more flats or sharps, those notes will be flat or sharp throughout the piece of music unless otherwise indicated.

2. Find the time signature on your sheet music, which is located just to the right of the key signature. The time signature is two numbers, one on top of the other. The top number indicates how many beats you have in each measure, and the bottom number indicates what type of note gets the beat. For example, a time signature of 3/4 means that the quarter note gets the beat, and there are three quarter notes per measure.

3. Find the first note on your sheet music. The music staff has five lines and four spaces, and alto sax music is written in treble clef. The bottom line is an E, the second line is a G, the third line is a B, the fourth line is a D, and the fifth and top line is an F. The first space on the bottom is an F, the second space is an A, the third space is a C, and the fourth space is an E. Starting from the bottom and moving up line-space-line-space, this is in alphabetical order; E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F.

4. Read your first note, remembering the key signature. For example, if the first note is on the third line, it is a B. However, if the key signature indicates a flat ("b") sign on the third line, then your first note is Bb. Continue through the music, identifying each note. Remember that "accidentals," or flats, sharps and natural signs outside of the key signature, may appear in front of some notes, which will change them accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a tempo before you start and tap your foot to the beat indicated by the bottom number of the time signature. This will help you count through the rhythms steadily.

References

• BandNotes: Concert Pitch Transposition

Resources

• Music-Scores: Alto Sax Sheet Music