The tenor saxophone is slightly bigger than the alto saxophone, which makes it sound slightly slower-pitched but doesn't immediately turn it into a bass instrument. That role is reserved for the baritone sax. Tenor saxophones and alto saxophones are commonly use for melodic parts. A well-known pop song that prominently features a tenor sax is 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael. Due to the difference in size, young beginners are a bit better off with an alto saxophone.
The Tenor Saxophone: The Alto's Bigger Sibling
Just like every other member of the saxophone family, the tenor sax is a woodwind instrument, even though it isn't made from wood. If you've never played one before, then it can take some time before you're able to pull out tight, clean notes. Besides pop, the tenor saxophone lends itself to styles like fusion, soul and any other music that has that big-band vibe. You can also spot tenor saxophones in symphony orchestras, where the combination of a sax, trumpet and trombone is a tried-and-tested recipe for that classic brass sound.
Picking Up a Tenor Saxophone: The Price
Tenor saxophones are available in various price ranges. High-end models for professional musicians typically cost a few thousand pounds, but if you're a beginner and not yet sure if the tenor sax is for you, then it's probably a better idea to start out with a more affordable model.
Tenor Saxophone Accessories and Essentials
You can't play the saxophone without the right accessories. A saxophone reed is essential and will need replacing every now and then. Then there's the saxophone mouthpiece, which can be swapped out for a different or higher-quality model at any time. Planning to take saxophone lessons? Then a saxophone case and perhaps one or two saxophone books are certainly worth investing in as well.
