How to Begin to Play the Saxophone

The E-flat alto saxophone and the B-flat tenor saxophone are the most common instruments in the sax family for beginners. The alto sax is a bit smaller in size and often the one chosen by younger students due to its ease of transport. Here are a few steps to learn to play the saxophone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sheet Music
• Clocks
• Straight-backed Chair
• Saxophone Cases
• Cinema Sax CD
• Saxophone Reed Cases
• Saxophone Reed Trimmers
• Music Stands
• Saxophone Stands
• Saxophones
• Saxophone Mouthpiece Caps
• Saxophone Reeds
• Saxophone Cork Grease

1. Roll your lower lip slightly over your lower teeth.

2. Place 1/2 inch of the mouthpiece into your mouth, resting the reed on your lower lip. Your teeth should touch the top of the mouthpiece.

3. Close and seal the corners of your lips.

4. Press the first key using your left hand - there's no thumb on the octave key yet.

5. Blow a steady stream of air through the mouthpiece, gradually applying pressure against the reed. When the reed begins to vibrate, it will generate a sound, which is the third-line B on the treble clef.

6. Use your entire air supply while maintaining steady pressure with your diaphragm and embouchure to produce a long pleasing tone that doesn't waver in pitch.

7. Touch the reed with your tongue. Pull your tongue back and release a stream of air.

8. "Tongue" the reed like this four times in a row.

9. Close the second key with your left hand and play four tones. This note is the second-space A on the treble clef.

10. Add the third key to get the G tone on the second line of the treble clef.

Tips & Warnings

• Try three notes in a row: First finger B, second finger A, then third finger G. Play them evenly, and you've played "Three Blind Mice".
• Don't worry about mistakes. Practice daily, and your tone control will improve.
• Use the best reeds for performances and buy a good reed container to fit into the sax case.
• Invest in a reed trimmer.
• Keep the saxophone from touching your hand in the channel formed between your right thumb and right index finger.
• Be careful where you place the instrument when not playing it. If laid across the chair you sat on, the reed is easily broken. Use your mouthpiece cap.
• Don't let anyone touch or play your instrument. Repair work is expensive.

[Diablo2]

on 6/3/2009 Excellent article. 5 stars!

[sonnetreader]

on 5/20/2009 I should get my old Cleveland out. I played it over 40 years ago.

[saxophone]

on 3/3/2009 I would like to learn how to play the Alto Saxophone too my name is Eber my Email: [e-mail]...." where could I find information on how to play the saxophone Anyone knows please. ?

[saxophone]

on 3/3/2009 Hello Dear I just got stated in an alto saxophone and I would love to know where can I find " Information on how to play the saxophone ? "...I would like to learn to play at church.

[saxguy]

on 2/13/2009 After giving this a go, if you want to take it farther check out www.benbogart.com. He gives saxophone lessons online. He's a Berklee grad with a lot of experience. I think the first lesson is free.