The saxophone is an extraordinary instrument capable of producing sensual and relaxing music. It is the type of sound that causes an emotional reaction in the listener. Learning to play this woodwind instrument is a dream for many, but it can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, if you get the right equipment and learn the correct techniques, starting to learn the saxophone is an easily achievable goal.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get the Equipment
Step 1. Decide if you want to buy or rent the saxophone
If you've never played it before, consider your level of dedication and if you plan on continuing for the long haul. If you are simply curious about your saxophone, renting one from a reputable music store is cheaper and will ensure that it is in good condition. However, long-term rental rates can be incredibly expensive and the condition of a rented saxophone will not be as good as a new one.
- The price of a new saxophone can range from $ 300 to more than $ 3,000.
- If you're just getting started on your saxophone, buy a less expensive beginner's one before investing in a good quality one.
Step 2. Determine the type of saxophone you want
An alto or tenor saxophone are the best options for someone just starting out. Alto saxophones are generally the starting point for many beginners because they require less air than tenors and have a smaller key scale, making them easier to handle for youngsters or children.
- Tenor saxophones are the most closely associated with jazz.
- Most classical music is composed for the alto saxophone.
Step 3. Buy or rent a well-known brand from a reputable music store
A damaged saxophone will not produce a good sound, and repairs can cost you a lot of money. Be sure to choose a reputable music or saxophone store in your area when looking for a saxophone to buy or rent. Avoid generic saxophones because you may have a hard time finding someone who can repair it in the future.
- Some good brands are Keilwerth, Yamaha, Selmer, and Guardala.
- If you are still not sure about the brand, contact the music store and ask about the brands that are within your budget.
- If you are buying a saxophone online, make sure there is a return policy or guarantee.
Step 4. Buy the accessories you will need to play
Other accessories you will need are a hard saxophone case, a neck strap, extra reeds, cork grease, and a music stand. The neck strap supports the weight of the instrument and keeps it close to your body when playing. Reeds are necessary and can break easily, so having additional ones is a good idea. Cork grease is used to help move the mouthpiece of the saxophone, which affects the tone. Finally, the music rest allows you to place the sheet music in a straight position, which is crucial when playing a song.
Music stores often offer beginner saxophones with all accessories included. Ask the seller if they offer these types of packages
Method 2 of 3: Assembling the Saxophone
Step 1. Identify all the parts of the saxophone
Before assembling the saxophone, you have to be able to identify all of its parts. The main parts of the saxophone are the body, neck, mouthpiece, reed, and ligature.
- The reed goes into the mouthpiece and is the part of the saxophone where you blow to play.
- The neck of the saxophone is the part that connects the mouthpiece to the main body.
- The body of the saxophone is the large part that contains all the buttons you press to play the different notes.
- The clamp is a metal pod that fits over the mouthpiece and holds the reed in place.
- When assembling the saxophone, refrain from pushing or pulling the different parts because they could bend.
Step 2. Put the reed in your mouth
You need the reed to be wet to play the saxophone. When you start putting it together, keep the reed in your mouth to get it moistened enough.
As a practice, you can also blow down the reed while making the saxophone
Step 3. Attach the mouthpiece to the neck of the saxophone
Slide the mouthpiece about halfway over the cork. Make sure the open sides of the neck and mouthpiece are facing up.
- You may need cork grease to slide the mouthpiece over the cork.
- A twisting motion can also help you attach the mouthpiece.
Step 4. Slide the reed over the mouthpiece
Gently push the reed over the mouthpiece so that the top of the reed and mouthpiece meet. It is important that the reed is damp or it will not hold in place.
Step 5. Slide the clamp over the reed
Handle the clamp carefully and make sure not to damage the tip of the reed. Slide the clamp over the shaft and position it towards the bottom. Tighten the screws to hold the reed in place.
Step 6. Attach the body of the saxophone to the neck strap
Thread the strap through the hook on the back of the saxophone. As you do this, you should hold the saxophone at the bottom with your dominant hand to keep it in place.
Step 7. Attach the neck to the upper body and tighten the screws
Carefully insert the neck into the hole in the top of the saxophone body in a twisting motion. After the neck is secured and is facing your mouth, tighten the screws.
There may be a plug at the top, so remove it first if so
Method 3 of 3: Learn to Play
Step 1. Hold the saxophone correctly
Your dominant hand goes on the bottom with your fingers on the three white buttons. Your thumb is resting against the thumb rest closest to you. Your other hand goes on top of the saxophone with your thumb on the thumb rest and your fingers on the three large buttons at the top.
- Normally, there will be a total of 5 buttons on the top. You should rest your fingers on the largest buttons or those with markings. It goes to the highest button, which is generally smaller than the others.
- Hold the saxophone close to you so that you have control over it.
- Practice stretching your fingers toward the other buttons on the saxophone to develop dexterity.
Step 2. Place your teeth on top of the shaft and wrap around the lower lip
Wrap your lower lip around your teeth and place your mouth in the middle of the shaft. For the best sound, you should seal your lips against the mouthpiece when blowing.
Make sure to keep in mind that air can escape from one side of your mouth
Step 3. Learn different notes on the saxophone
Notes on the saxophone are made up of open and closed keys that are played by pressing buttons on the instrument. If you want to read from sheet music or play with a band, it is important to study and memorize a chart of keys to know which buttons to press.
The C note is played by pressing the large middle button on the top of the saxophone
Step 4. Learn to read sheet music
To learn classical music for the saxophone or to play with other musicians, you will need to learn to read sheet music. Scores are made up of notes arranged in five lines, called a staff. Sheet music also designates the register in the form of the treble clef or the clef, in addition to the beats per minute in a song.
- The notes on the lines in the highest registers ordered from highest to lowest are fa, re, sol, si, and mi.
- The notes in the spaces between the lines in the lowest registers on the staff ordered from highest to lowest are E, C, A, and F.
Step 5. Take music classes or join a band
The best way to learn to play the saxophone is to take classes with an instructor who can teach you to play. An instructor can teach you music theory and give you tips on how to improve your personal performance.
Step 6. Listen to professional music on saxophone
To get a better understanding of how the saxophone should sound, listen to professional music. The more you listen to different styles, the easier it will be to play by ear.