The saxophone has managed to find its way into every corner of music, from classical to pop and even metal. This sleek instrument has a notoriously seductive reputation, and while it can be a struggle to get to grips with the basics, the saxophone is an instrument well worth sticking with.
The Saxophone
Because it's played by blowing through a mouthpiece to vibrate a wooden reed, the saxophone is actually part of the woodwind family of instruments. The pitch is changed by opening and closing a number valves, and since the sound is so versatile, this instrument is a mainstay of jazz, big band, pop music, orchestral music, and even classic rock. It's also not an instrument you can learn to play overnight - but as always - practice makes perfect! And, once you master the saxophone, you're set up with a highly expressive instrument that just can't be mimicked by a keyboard or synthesizer.
The Most Popular Saxophone Models
The saxophone comes in different forms, including a few that not everyone will know about. The most well-known saxophones are the soprano, the alto, tenor, and baritone, each of which play a role in both jazz and pop music.
The Soprano Saxophone
The smallest of the most popular models, the soprano has a straight neck, while bigger saxophones have a curve in the neck which is what gives them their signature sound. Bass clarinets also have a curved neck. The sound of a soprano saxophone is a little less prominent than that of the larger models and has a similar note range to the clarinet and oboe. The soprano saxophone is a beautifully subtle instrument, especially when colouring in the sound of pop music. One of the most famous songs to have featured a soprano sax is Englishman In New York by Sting.
The Alto Saxophone
This alto saxophone is probably the most well-known model. It has an immediately recognisable sound that fits perfectly with popular music, and is also probably the most popular choice for beginner saxophonists. Alto saxophones, as well as soprano saxophones, are also a part of a lot of big band music. Basically, if you want to start playing the sax and you're not sure which model to go for, then the alto saxophone is probably your best bet. The most famous song to feature an alto saxophone - if not the most famous saxophone song ever - is Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty.
The Tenor Saxophone
The tenor saxophone is a little bigger and therefore a little lower in pitch than the alto saxophone, but that doesn't mean that this instrument isn't melodic. You can definitely play melodies with a tenor saxophone. Have a listen to Careless Whisper by George Michael to get an idea of what the tenor sax can do. If you're looking for a saxophone for a younger beginner, then an alto saxophone might be the better choice due to its more compact size.
The Baritone Saxophone
The baritone has an even lower pitch-range than the tenor saxophone. The baritone has an almost 'grumpy' sound to it since the tuning is so low, making it great for taking on the bass of a song or piece or adding colour to certain accents. The baritone saxophone always has a prominent place in the mix and can be a really creative addition to a band. In the modern classic Rehab by Amy Winehouse, it's the baritone saxophone that takes care of those unforgettable 'ba-dum' bits during the verses.
Saxophone Accessories
Besides saxophones, we also have a range of saxophone accessories available, from essentials like saxophone reeds and mouthpieces to saxophone cases to keep your instrument safe on the way to lessons, rehearsals and performances. And, if you want to learn something new, you can pick out a few saxophone books.
Are Cheap Saxophones a Good Idea?
Generally speaking, picking up a cheaper saxophone is a great plan if you just want to see if it's for you. Saxophones can get pretty pricey, so it's best not to spend too much if you're not sure that you're going to stick with it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Saxophone
When was the saxophone invented?
The first saxophone was developed by the Belgian inventor and instrument builder Adolphe Sax in 1840. Since then, the saxophone family has grown to include many different models and variations. The most common models are the soprano saxophone, the alto saxophone, the tenor saxophone, and the baritone saxophone. Then, you have less common models like the bass saxophone, the subcontrabass saxophone, and the sopranino.
Why is the saxophone a woodwind instrument?
Since you play a saxophone by blowing through the mouthpiece to vibrate a wooden reed, the saxophone is part of the woodwind family of instruments. This can be confusing, since the saxophones, trumpets, and trombones in jazz ensembles and big bands are collectively called the horns or brass section.
What does a saxophone sound like?
When a saxophonist is really going for it, the saxophone has a really loud, characteristic sound that you can immediately hear sticking out of the sound of the rest of the band, while a softly played saxophone can blend in beautifully with the rest of the instruments in an orchestra or big band. Great examples of what the saxophone sounds like can heard on songs like Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty and Careless Whisper by George Michael.
Where can I play classical music on a saxophone?
Orchestras include woodwind sections, and since they're so large, there's always space for an extra saxophone. Alternatively, you could look into joining a traditional brass band or marching band so you can perform at festivals and street events.
Can I play saxophone in a band?
It can depend on the genre of music, but most pop bands will probably welcome the addition of a saxophone. The saxophone is essential in genres like soul, R&B, disco and funk, where you'll form part of the brass section alongside a trumpet and trombone. Most of the time, this will be a tenor saxophone, but the alto saxophone will always work as well. Of course, you can always join a jazz ensemble, where any saxophone model is welcome, even the bass saxophone.
How much does a saxophone cost?
Just like all traditional musical instruments, there are cheap budget-friendly saxophones and then there are astronomically expensive professional saxophones. The cheaper models start as low as £100 while the most expensive models can run into the tens of thousands of pounds. Less common models like the bass saxophone aren't generally mass-produced so the price is usually higher.
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