The saxophone, invented by Adolph Sax with the intention of creating an instrument that combines the sounds of brass with those of wood, is a magnificent instrument and is ideal for becoming passionate about and entering the world of music. The saxophone is one of the most used instruments in light and contemporary music. There are several types of saxophone. The four main ones are: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Each in a different shade. With a little study, you can start playing the saxophone too.
Steps
Step 1. Choose your saxophone
As mentioned, there is no single type of saxophone. Choose the one that suits you best. The most common saxophones are those already listed. We could classify saxophones into two families, the "band saxophones", including those in E flat and B flat, and the "orchestral saxophones", including lesser known saxophones such as the saxophones in C and F. of both families in order of size (starting with the smallest). Keep in mind that all saxophones have the same mechanics and fingerings, so when you know how to play one, you could theoretically play them all.
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Band saxophones
- Sopranissimo Saxophone - Rare, difficult to play and expensive. Nonetheless, an interesting tool for an experienced musician. In the key of B flat.
- Sopranino Saxophone - One octave above the alto saxophone. Not very common among musicians. In the key of E flat.
- Soprano Saxophone - A fairly used saxophone, popularized by musicians such as Kenny G. In addition, it is a comfortable and lightweight saxophone. Characteristically straight, there are some curved ones. In the key of B flat.
- Alto Saxophone - Perhaps the best known saxophone of all and one of the most suitable saxophones for a beginner. In the key of E flat.
- Tenor Saxophone - Another great instrument, easy to learn and not too expensive compared to the others. It is distinguished from the alto by the larger and slightly curved neck. In the key of B flat.
- Baritone Saxophone - The greatest of all saxophones. Popular in bands and orchestras. In the key of E flat.
- Bass Saxophone - The second largest saxophone of the entire family (if we don't count the sub-double bass and the tubax). Not much used nowadays. In the key of B flat.
- Contrabass Saxophone - More than 1.80 meters tall, very expensive. It has recently begun to spark interest again. In the key of E flat.
- Subcontrabass Saxophone - The lowest pitched saxophone. There is a debate among connoisseurs as to whether to consider this a real saxophone or not. There are few, this saxophone was above all an experiment. In the key of B flat.
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Orchestral family.
- Soprano in C - Raro, slightly smaller than the soprano in B flat and larger than the sopranino. In the key of C.
- Mezzosoprano Saxophone - Also known as F alto, the mezzo soprano is slightly smaller than the E flat alto. There are few in circulation. This saxophone is in the key of F.
- Saxophone C Melody - Also called a tenor in C, the C melody is similar to the tenor in E flat, but is slightly smaller. Like the mezzo soprano, few of these saxophones are in circulation due to the high cost of production.
Get Started with the Saxophone Step 2 Step 2. Buy or borrow the saxophone that's right for you, with the accessories you need to play it
Most musical instrument shops have alto, tenor, baritone and soprano available. If you're lucky enough to have a lot of music stores in your area, browse them all to find the one that offers the best price. If, on the other hand, you have chosen an unusual instrument such as the tubax, you may find it difficult to find it. Then do a search on the Internet and look for the sax you want to play. In addition to the tool, you will need the following accessories:
- Mouthpiece (if not supplied with the instrument). For the most common saxophone, searching for a mouthpiece shouldn't be a problem. Choose an intermediate range mouthpiece. Don't choose a mouthpiece that is too cheap but not a high-end one either. You don't need it yet. Some less common saxophones can be played with mouthpieces from other saxophones, but always ask your dealer for advice. Otherwise, search the Internet for the best mouthpiece for you.
- Clamp (if not supplied with the mouthpiece). A metal band will work fine but if you want to go for something more expensive, that produces better sounds and lasts longer, get a leather one. Buy clamps of the right size for your mouthpiece.
- Reeds. You have to find the reed of the right hardness. These are usually labeled with numbers that correspond to hardness. From 1 (the softest) to 5 (the hardest). Of course, each saxophone requires its own type of reed. The best choice would be to start with reeds of 2-3 hardness. Anyway, as you get better, only you will know what kind of sound and therefore reed you are looking for and then you will begin to experiment with various types of reeds, from soft, which are easier to play and produce brighter sounds, to hard ones, which are, in fact, harder and produce richer sounds.
- Cinta. All saxophones from alto down, in order of size, are impossible to play without a belt. The belt is nothing more than a belt, in fact, that goes around the neck and is hooked to the instrument, in order to have the fingers completely free to play. There are all kinds of belts, just choose the best one for you.
- Piece. That is, a piece of silk or cotton attached to a weight with a string, which is inserted into the saxophone and then removed, to remove the condensation that forms inside the saxophone while you play and the saliva. Each saxophone requires a piece of adequate size. For smaller saxophones you could also use a clarinet piece, for larger saxophones you will have to use a specially made piece. Alternatively, you could also use a scrub brush, which is nothing more than a large pipe cleaner to insert into the saxophone. The pipe cleaners thoroughly clean the saxophone and the inside of the keys and should always be stored inside the saxophone itself when not in use. However, in most stores you will only be able to find pipe cleaners suitable for the most common saxophones. For larger saxophones you will need to go to specialized stores. In addition, a debate is open on the actual benefit of using pipe cleaners compared to pieces.
- Notes scheme. The note pattern shows you which keys to press to produce the various notes. These can be found on the Internet or included in most method books. Since saxophones almost all have the same fingering, once you learn the fingering you could theoretically play almost all of them.
- Methods. These books are essential for the self-taught and recommended for those who take lessons. Method books include short musical passages to play that increase in difficulty as you progress. Through these books you will be able to learn first of all the musical technical terms then the notes and exercises to improve technique and fingering, among other things. Two popular methods are the Standard of Excellence series (Bruce Pearson) and Rubank, but there are plenty of others.
Advice
- Start with soft reeds.
- Make sure you have spare reeds on hand. These tend to break easily.
