Learning to Play Saxophone - Which One to Choose

In order to learn playing the saxophone you would need to get a few things first. Things like sheet music, straight backed chair, saxophone mouthpiece caps, saxophone reeds, saxophone cork grease etc.

When choosing a saxophone you should know that saxophones come in different sizes - the most common ones being the Alto and the Tenor. The Tenor is a little bigger than the Alto and it has a much deeper tone. It is always said that one should start learning on the Alto, as it is the easiest to play and to carry. Then there is the Soprano which is even smaller but it is much more difficult to play. Saxophones are made up of metal. This metal is normally lacquered to give it a golden appearance. Only the very expensive saxophone models are actually gold-plated. If you are going to buy a used saxophone and your saxophone looks worn out then it only means that it has been used well and so it must play reasonably well. The most well known saxophone company in the world is Selmer. Anything they make is surely good but it will also be expensive.

Firstly you need the correct ligature. The ligature is the single most important piece of musical equipment you will ever buy and it is not just a piece of old metal that holds the reed on the mouthpiece!

Go ahead and connect the body of the sax with the neck. When you are done place the reed on the mouthpiece so that it is aligned properly and also slip the ligature on and tighten the knobs. Do remember to soak your reed before you put it on the mouthpiece. Well this can be done by placing the reed in your mouth and soaking it with your spit as well. Wipe off the excess moisture. Attach the mouthpiece to the corked side of the neck and attach the neck strap according to your own liking.

Now we come to the part where you learn to play the saxophone. Well there are a few tips that I can give you which you might find useful. To begin with roll your lower lip slightly over your lower teeth. Now place about a third of the mouthpiece into your mouth, letting the reed rest on your lower lip. Your teeth are going to touch the top of the mouthpiece. Close the corner of your lips tight. Now press the very first key with your left hand. A fingering chart will help you very much. Blow a steady stream of air through the mouthpiece, gradually applying pressure against the reed. When the reed begins to vibrate, you will notice that it will generate a sound. Use the entire supply of air from your lungs to create a sound that doesn't waver in pitch. Touching the reed with your tongue, pull your tongue back and release a stream of air. Continue to do this four times in a row. Now close the second key and play four more tones. Add the third key to get the G tone.