The Tenor Saxophone is a very common reed instrument in Jazz, as well as being one of the most important voices in an orchestra or band. The tenor saxophone is suitable for playing melodic parts or for accompaniment. Larger and lower in pitch than the more common alto saxophone, but smaller than the imposing baritone saxophone, the tenor saxophone is a unique instrument. It is in the key of B flat and has many of the characteristics of the other saxophones including the fingering. The saxophone is a fantastic instrument to start playing with or to add to your report. Do not be intimidated by the complex aspect of this instrument, with a little study and dedication, you will be able to become good at it.
Steps
Step 1. Get a good saxophone including accessories
You may be able to "rent" it from a music school, borrow it from a friend, or buy a used one. If you have bought a particularly old and worn saxophone, it is advisable to take it to a skilled technician before playing it, to make sure everything works as it should. Additionally, you will need to get the following accessories:
- The mouthpiece, if it wasn't given to you with the saxophone. Don't buy the cheapest you can find but don't go overboard by buying a professional one either, because it's still not necessary, especially if you are a total beginner. You might want to get one made of plastic or hard rubber.
- The clamp, if not included in the mouthpiece. The strap is what you will need to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece. A simple metal tie will do just fine. If you want to spend a little more, you could buy one in leather, which is better in quality and durability.
- Reeds: For beginners, it is best to start with reeds of 1.5-2.5 hardness. Find the best reed for you and that doesn't make you try too hard. Good brands are Rico and Vandoren.
- Cinta: The tenor saxophone is quite heavy and is very uncomfortable, if not impossible to play, without a belt. In any music store you will be able to find belts of any type and price range.
- Pezzetta: An instrument as large as the tenor produces a lot of condensation as you play. Get a small piece tied to a small weight with a string to thread into the saxophone to clean it thoroughly.
- Notes scheme: The notes scheme shows you the fingerings to use to produce all possible notes on the instrument's range.
- Methods: You don't have to use them. However, indispensable for the self-taught, useful for those who go to class.
Step 2. Assemble the saxophone
Mount the chiver (the curved piece of metal) to the top of the saxophone and tighten the screw on the neck. Secure the reed to the mouthpiece with the clamp, remember to tighten the screws. Put the strap around your neck and attach it to the hook located on the instrument. Play standing up.
Step 3. Get into the correct position
You have to keep your left hand on the upper frets and your right hand on the lower frets. The right thumb should be allowed to rest under the special hook placed in the lower part of the saxophone. The right index, middle and ring fingers must rest on the lower mother-of-pearl keys. The little finger must remain free to move on the lower keys. The left thumb, on the other hand, should be placed on the special round support near the speaker key while the index finger should be placed on the second lower mother-of-pearl key and the middle and ring finger respectively on the fourth and fifth.
Step 4. Shape your mouth
Slightly bend the lower lip over the lower teeth and let the upper teeth rest on the top of the mouthpiece. Of course, you will have to find a way to develop a correct bit that suits your needs.
Step 5. Without covering holes or pressing keys, blow into the tool
If all goes well, you should hear a C #. If you don't make any sound or squeaky sounds, improve the embouchure.
Step 6. Try playing the other notes
- Press the second mother-of-pearl fret with your middle finger, leaving the others uncovered. You will then play a C.
- Press the first mother-of-pearl fret with your index finger. You will play a Yes.
- First the first and second frets of mother of pearl. You will play an A.
- Continue the ladder. By pressing three keys you will make G, four the Fa, five the E and six the D (carrying them in the true key of the tenor, Fa, E flat, D and Do, in that order). At first the low notes may give you problems, you will improve over time.
- Add the "speaker" (the metal key positioned above the left thumb) to the fingering to play the same note one octave higher.
- With the help of a note pattern, you can play over-treble and bass, sharps and flats. With a little study, you will be able to play any note along the range of the saxophone.
Step 7. Find some sheet music to play
If you play in the school band, you will surely find some scores there. Otherwise, you will be able to find books, methods and sheet music for beginners at any music store.
Step 8. Study and practice
With a lot of work and determination, you will always improve. Who knows, you could become a successful jazz player!
Advice
- Remember from time to time to take the saxophone to a specialized shop to have it checked, cleaned and recorded (recording means adjusting the keys).
- If you make squeaky sounds, maybe you are biting the reed. If so, try to bend the lower lip a little further back, but not too much.
- Adjust the belt well, otherwise you could put undue stress on your neck and back.
- Once you learn to play a saxophone, you can learn to play others with ease. In fact, saxophones almost all have the same fingering, although they are larger or smaller than the tenor. Most saxophonists, especially Jazz saxophonists, can play more than one saxophone.
- To sound good, you need to tune the saxophone.
- If you have problems with low notes, the fault is probably the embouchure. Also try to take a look at the bearings, if in fact they are damaged, you will not be able to play well. As for the embouchure for the low notes, try opening the throat and jaw a little. Keep studying, sooner or later you will succeed.
- The tenor saxophone can be a good second instrument for clarinet players, and vice versa. In fact, there are similarities in the fingering between clarinet and saxophone, moreover, these two instruments are in the same key.
- In some cases you will find yourself carrying music that you want to play on the saxophone. In fact, the tenor is in the key of B flat. Furthermore, in saxophone music, the notes are written one octave higher than their true key. This means that the note you hear is actually a major ninth below (octave + major second).
Warnings
- Never play the saxophone (or other reed instruments) after eating. The chemicals in your mouth can damage the instrument to the point that it cannot be repaired anymore.
- The tenor saxophone is much larger than the alto or soprano. It may be difficult for some people, such as children, to carry or play. In this case, try to find a more comfortable belt or you could switch to alto (even temporarily, until you learn to play well and adapt to the positions of the saxophone).
- Do not leave the saxophone in the middle of the room, where it could be damaged. If you have to leave it out of the way, buy a saxophone stand.
