Customarily, you'll find 4 standard types of saxophone. These are soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone. The soprano saxophone is in the key of Bb, then the alto saxophone is half an octave lower, in the key of Eb. The tenor saxophone is also in the key of Bb, but a full octave lower than the soprano. Last but not least, baritone saxophone is one octave below alto and so also in the key of E flat.
Sometimes music pupils are encouraged to try the clarinet just before signing up for the sax. The clarinet features more troublesome fingering. Therefore it is believed if you can learn this then you'll find the saxophone easy.
A counterpoint to this view is that the saxophone is a better starting point as it is easier. The learning curve on the sax is said to be more gentle because the embouchure is less demanding. By embouchure, we are referring to the breath work required to produce the range of notes. The fingering on the sax is also regarded as being easier compared to that of the clarinet. This is partly because the keys are easier to operate. This also makes the saxophone a better starting point for children as they have smaller hands.
So now that you have decided to learn the saxophone you must decide which of the four to choose. Most people opt for the alto saxophone because it has a good pitch which is not too low or too high. This pitch means it is easier for a beginner to learn how to generate the full range of notes from their instrument. The higher pitch of the soprano saxophone and low range of the baritone would require more technically demanding breath work. An alto sax is also a decent middle ground in terms of size. The keys are positioned in a way that makes it playable even if you have small hands. Therefore, it is a suitable saxophone for children. And if that still hasn't convinced you, then consider this. As you learn the saxophone you will be hunting around for pieces of music to master. No saxophone has more sheet music written for it than the alto sax. This is mainly because it is the most common form of saxophone found in orchestral music.
But the most important thing about choosing your perfect saxophone is about finding one that you click with. This will be the one that inspires you to play. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from your music teacher or music shop staff as well. Good saxophonists will want to encourage you and will be delighted to help you find the right instrument for your needs. Some music shops even offer saxophones for hire. This can be a good way of getting started if you need some time to save up.
Sometimes music pupils are encouraged to try the clarinet just before signing up for the sax. The clarinet features more troublesome fingering. Therefore it is believed if you can learn this then you'll find the saxophone easy.
A counterpoint to this view is that the saxophone is a better starting point as it is easier. The learning curve on the sax is said to be more gentle because the embouchure is less demanding. By embouchure, we are referring to the breath work required to produce the range of notes. The fingering on the sax is also regarded as being easier compared to that of the clarinet. This is partly because the keys are easier to operate. This also makes the saxophone a better starting point for children as they have smaller hands.
So now that you have decided to learn the saxophone you must decide which of the four to choose. Most people opt for the alto saxophone because it has a good pitch which is not too low or too high. This pitch means it is easier for a beginner to learn how to generate the full range of notes from their instrument. The higher pitch of the soprano saxophone and low range of the baritone would require more technically demanding breath work. An alto sax is also a decent middle ground in terms of size. The keys are positioned in a way that makes it playable even if you have small hands. Therefore, it is a suitable saxophone for children. And if that still hasn't convinced you, then consider this. As you learn the saxophone you will be hunting around for pieces of music to master. No saxophone has more sheet music written for it than the alto sax. This is mainly because it is the most common form of saxophone found in orchestral music.
But the most important thing about choosing your perfect saxophone is about finding one that you click with. This will be the one that inspires you to play. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from your music teacher or music shop staff as well. Good saxophonists will want to encourage you and will be delighted to help you find the right instrument for your needs. Some music shops even offer saxophones for hire. This can be a good way of getting started if you need some time to save up.
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