How to Play in Tune on a Tenor Saxophone

Tuning your tenor sax is easy with a few simples steps.

The tenor saxophone is an instrument typically used in big band, jazz and woodwind ensembles. The tenor saxophone uses a reed and a mouthpiece to make its sound. The user blows into the mouthpiece with the reed attached; the reed vibrates and creates a note. Since the tenor saxophone is usually played with ensembles, it is important for it to be in tune with the other instruments.

Things You'll Need

• Reed
• Mouthpiece
• Ligature
• Cork moisten
• Saxophone
• Tuner

Instructions

1. Place the reed onto the mouthpiece and secure with the ligature.

2. Moisten the cork on the neck of the saxophone with cork moisten to make sure that the mouthpiece slides on without breaking the cork. Attach mouthpiece.

3. Turn on your tuner.

4. Play an open G (no keys pressed down) and look at the tuner. If your note is to the left of the tuner's center, your saxophone is flat. If your note is to the right, your saxophone is sharp.

5. Adjust the mouthpiece according to your tuning. If your note was flat, you should move the mouthpiece down the neck of the saxophone. If your note was sharp, move the mouthpiece up the neck toward your mouth.

6. Use your breathing to keep a steady stream of airflow through the instrument, taking deep breaths to fill your lungs with air. Keep the airflow at a constant rate with no acceleration or deceleration. Not using enough air will make your notes go sharp, but using too much air will make your notes go flat.

Tips & Warnings

• If your reed has chips or looks worn, use a new one to ensure you are playing in tune.

• Take your reed off of the mouthpiece and put it in a reed guard to extend its life.

References

• Hypermusic: Tuning A Tenor Sax
• Army Bands: Breath Support While Playing The Saxophone