How to Play the Sax

Presented by Mitch Kaplan

In this free online instructional video series, learn to play beginner saxophone. Lessons include tips & techniques for sax warm ups, assembly, fingering, saxophone tuning, tonguing, & vibrato.

Series Summary

Down through the ages, both classical and jazz music have featured an instrument that has been popularized in our day by Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and yes, Kenny G. In case you haven’t guessed, I'm talking about the saxophone. The sax is a woodwind instrument, despite its brassy appearance. It was introduced to the world circa 1840 by a Belgian-born man named Adolphe Sax, perhaps borrowing elements from the clarinet and oboe in its creation.

In these free sax lessons on video, our expert will show you how to understand the different styles of playing that often use saxophone, as well as some basic tips and techniques for acquainting a beginner with the instrument. Tutorials include understanding reeds and the saxophone mouthpiece, basic fingering and playing techniques, warm up routines, an explanation of tonguing, and more. It's everything you need to get started on the sax. Even get advice on whether buying or renting a saxophone is the best thing for a new student.

Learn how to play alto saxophone: it’s an easy lesson for absolute beginners.

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How to Alternate Saxophone Scales

Melodic minor, blues and whole tone can be alternated when playing a saxophone; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

How to Tune the Saxophone

Tune the saxophone without taking it into a shop, so it will play accurate notes; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Types of Saxophones

Soprano sax, tenor sax, alto sax and baritone sax, understand the difference between types of saxophones; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

How to Buy a Saxophone for a Beginner

Find out whether buying a new or used sax, or renting a saxophone is the best option for a beginner; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

How to Hold a Saxophone Properly

Use the proper technique for holding a saxophone when playing; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Types of Saxophone Music & Sounds

From classical to blues, jazz to funk, play all of the saxophones sounds; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Parts of the Mouthpiece

Understand the parts of a saxophone mouthpiece, the ligature and reed; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson..

Saxophone Assembly

Put a saxophone together the right way to get the best sound from the instrument; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Saxophone Warm-Up Routines

Practice routines for warming up on the saxophone before playing; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Using Saxophone Vibrato

Use the sax vibrato technique when playing the saxophone; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

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