The alto saxophone is the most used saxophone today and is often associated with the general idea of this instrument. It is in the key of E flat and is larger in size and lower in pitch than the soprano saxophone, but smaller and higher in pitch than the tenor saxophone. It is a great instrument for children and adults who are approaching the saxophone world for the first time. The alto saxophone offers many possibilities to learn musical expression and theory.
Steps
Step 1. Get an alto saxophone and all necessary accessories
Since at first you won't go too far into performing classical and jazz music or complex genres, if you're not sure which instrument to buy the best thing to do would be to borrow it from a music school, friend, shop etc.., until you understand exactly what you are looking for. Many beginners prefer models like the Yamaha studio alto (YAS-23) or a restored Conn New Wonder, or anything reputable brand like Sam Ashe. Alternatively, you could try eBay. You will also need the following accessories, in case they have not already been provided with the instrument:
- Mouthpiece. Don't buy the cheapest you can find, but don't go overboard by buying a professional one either, because it's not time yet - especially if you're a total beginner. You might want to get one made of plastic or hard rubber.
- Claude Lakey 6 * 3 Original, Meyer 5, Selmer C * series and S-90 are still very much in vogue with students and professionals of all levels. Many other brands also offer good beginner mouthpieces, among them the Yamaha 4C.
- Generally, a good hard rubber mouthpiece will cost between € 70 and € 120. If you're starting out now you shouldn't worry too much about the quality of the mouthpiece, as long as it's at least a decent studio mouthpiece.
- Metal mouthpieces are expensive and are not recommended for beginners. The worst mistake a beginner could make is buying an expensive mouthpiece fascinated by advertising, including endorsements from professionals. As for personal preferences and tastes, these are, in fact, personal: what works for me may not work for you. What Dave Koz uses may not be suitable for a beginner or a non-advanced learner. Unfortunately, you'll have to try and retry many of them before you find the one that's right for you.
- To find the right mouthpiece for you, try doing some research. Try to understand which dimensions and shapes produce which sounds. Mouthpieces with a larger cavity react differently to mouthpieces with a smaller cavity. Obviously, you will understand better after trying both types. Some mouthpieces are made to achieve certain sonic qualities, and if you still haven't figured out which one you prefer you should get a mouthpiece that isn't too pushed towards specific sounds like classical or jazz music or particular sounds. Rousseau, Selmer, Vandoren and Meyer are all very good brands.
- 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. Some performers prefer the sound of leather straps, which are more expensive than normal metal straps anyway.
- Reeds: As a beginner, you will definitely want to experiment with all the various types of reeds, but parts with reeds of 1.5-2.5 hardness as these should not be too easy or too difficult to play and generally produce nice sounds.. Two good brands to start with are Rico and Vandoren.
- Cinte: Playing the alto saxophone doesn't hurt your back, but you still need support to play. There are several varieties of belts. You just have to choose the one that is most comfortable for you.
- Toothbrush: The toothbrush is a simple piece of fabric (usually silk) with a string tied to a weight that is passed through the instrument to remove any moisture and saliva that builds up as you play it.
- Note pattern: absolutely necessary for learning to play. Using the note pattern, a beginner can learn the positions of all the notes along the range of the instrument.
- Methods: even if not a requirement, if you intend to learn self-taught or want some "extra help" they are handy.
Step 2. Assemble the saxophone
Mount the chiver on the top end of the saxophone (the chiver is that short, slightly arched piece of the saxophone) and secure it with the screw on the neck. Remember that the speaker (the long key on the chiver) is very delicate, so use extreme caution when mounting it. Place the clamp on the mouthpiece and slide it under the reed securing it with the screws on the clamp. Attach the strap to the hook on the back of the instrument and tuck it around the neck. Remember that you should play standing up.
Step 3. Make sure you are holding the tool correctly
Your left hand should be on the top while your right hand on the bottom. The right thumb is placed under the arched hook that you find in the lower rear part of the instrument. Right index, middle and ring finger should go to the mother of pearl frets. The little finger must move between the last keys of the lower part of the sax. Your left thumb should rest on the round piece you see in the upper back of the tool. On this part of the sax you will be able to see five mother of pearl frets. The index finger should be placed on the second, while the middle, ring and little fingers should be placed on the third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Step 4. Shape your mouth
There are different types of embouchure. Sometimes beginners are taught to fold their lips over their teeth. Most players bend the lower lip slightly over the lower teeth and rest the upper teeth on the mouthpiece. Others, on the other hand, press their lips hard without bending them over the teeth. Each of these mouthpieces produces a different sound: experiment and discover what is right for you. It is important to develop a firm, "sealed" mouthpiece around the mouthpiece so that you are able to blow air into the instrument without letting it escape from the corners of your mouth. However, the mouthpiece should not be too narrow.
Step 5. Without covering any holes or pressing keys, blow into the tool
If you've done everything right you should hear a C #. If you can't make any sounds or make squeaky sounds, adjust the mouthpiece and try to improve the sound. You can also try blowing into the mouthpiece only. Then, do the same thing by mounting it to the chiver.
Step 6. Try the other notes
- Press the second mother-of-pearl fret with your middle finger, leaving the others uncovered. This way, you will play a C.
- Press the first mother of pearl key with your left index finger. This way, you will play a Yes.
- Press the first and second mother-of-pearl frets. This way, you will play an A.
- Continue with the other notes by completing the scale. Pressing the top three mother-of-pearl frets will produce a G, four an F, five an E, and six a D. At first, you may struggle with the lower notes, but you will improve with practice.
- Now try the speaker, the clef placed above the left thumb, with the aforementioned fingerings to produce the same notes an octave higher.
- With the help of the note pattern, try to play over treble and bass notes, as well as flats and sharps. Within a short time you will be able to play the entire length of the saxophone.
Step 7. Find some music to play
If you are learning to play in the school band then this is where you will learn to play your first tunes. Otherwise, go to a music store and buy some sheet music or ways to start playing.
Step 8. Get lots of practice
With hard work and determination you will play better and better managing to range on every musical genre, especially jazz.
Advice
- Remember, practice makes perfect! You still have to develop hand-to-eye coordination and muscle memory. If you learn to play the wrong way it will be difficult to get rid of your bad habits. Find a teacher who teaches you the basics - and does it right.
- Have your saxophone checked by a professional once or twice a year to make sure it's working at its best. Maintenance includes cleaning and key registry.
- Make sure you breathe through your diaphragm and not through your throat (if you blow air from your throat, your stomach should swell as you inhale and deflate as you exhale). If you play seated, make sure you sit straight.
- You can extend the life of the mouthpiece by buying special pads that are attached to the top of the mouthpiece so as not to make it suffer too much from the impact with the teeth. These bearings also protect the teeth from vibrations from the instrument.
- Once you have learned to play one type of saxophone, you will be able to learn the others with ease. These all require the same fingering but differ in shape and size. Many saxophonists, especially jazz, play more than one type of saxophone.
- Keep in mind that saxophone music is carried. The alto is in E flat, which means that the note you hear sounds 9 and a half notes lower than the one you see written (major sixth).
- Don't assume that you can learn to play an instrument quickly or easily. Learning to play an instrument takes years of practice and dedication.
- You should always remain comfortable and relaxed while playing.
- Join the school gang or city gang.
- Tune the saxophone before playing.
Warnings
- Do not lift the saxophone by taking it from the top or worse still from the chiver: you could risk bending the keys. Instead, take the saxophone from the belly, keeping your hands where there are no moving parts.
- Don't ring never the saxophone just after eating. The enzymes contained in the saliva will, over time, cause the saxophone to deteriorate. Before playing, to be on the safe side, rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Sweep your toothbrush into the saxophone every time you play. If you don't clean it, the pads will swell with saliva preventing the keys from closing properly. In this case, you will need to take the saxophone for repair.
