Beginner Saxophone Lesson 1 - Mouthpiece and Reed Setup Guide 

3:30 is when the lesson starts Thank you for making this video

I don't want to skip anything. It's refreshing to find a great teacher.

I am a beginner, I received the email on mouth pieces and I watched the video. I learned from that video that the reed must be wet at both ends and moisture should be added on the mouth piece to help give a tight seal between the reed and the mouth piece. I also noticed I was putting the ligature on wrong. I changed how I was doing those 2 things and I could not believe the difference in the sound. Last evening I played for a good 2 hours. Thanks Jay.

You're a humble and passionate guy. Not too many people out there creating this quality content without asking for anything in return. Can't wait to start learning with this series!

I watched your video on the $270 sax from amazon.... then sadé and George Michael's played on my Spotify. It's like the universe was telling me to learn the sax. Randomly bought a saxophone and now here I am.

I'm loving this series. Picked up my sax after not playing since '92, and this is now my go-to channel. Thanks for making this the best quarantine ever!

The way you explain all the minor details is so easy to understand. Excellent lesson. Loved every part of the video.

I think you found the right recipe to make your videos. Professional, passionate, humble and funny. Keep up the good work, it's entertaining. I'll definitely get one of your courses!!!

I've been playing for I years and have taken private lessons, but your channel has made me realize that I'm doing a lot wrong. I've improved a lot because of it. Thanks!

I haven't played my sax (Alto) in probably 40 yrs...you have motivated me to pick it up and try and relearn and become proficient in sax!

I love music, especially the Saxophone, and I wanted to start playing in 8th grade, but my school wouldn't let me join the school band and I'm too poor to afford a sax of my own, so now I'm in freshman year & in band with a lot of students who took it in middle school & already know what they're doing. This course is really going to help me catch up, thanks a lot! :)

Even though it's been a few months since I started...you've really taught me something new to refresh my memory on....thanks for starting this series and please upload more!!

I don't even have a saxophone I don't know why I'm watching this

I've been playing the harmonica for over 30 years. My dear friend and amazing saxophone player just passed away. With my heart broken I will think of him with every note I learn and hope to play out within a year or two. I've gone through a couple lessons and back to the start again. Thank you! Great job!

Just started playing the alto sax again 20 years after learning at school! Great to watch these lessons to refresh the memory and have already picked up some great tips thank you! Already really helpful in trying to play the best I can and remove any bad habits. I shall definitely enjoy watching some more.

I want to start playing the saxophone 🎷 I played percussion 🥁 for 6 years in middle/ high school and piano for 5 years. In other words new to the woodwinds! Thank you!

This video was perfect for me! I used to play in high school and haven’t touched a saxophone in years since. My wife loves the sound of an alto and I’m brushing up again to surprise her. Thank you!

Haven't played since '78. Pulled her out & started playing around. My nephew told me about this course. Learned something right from the first lesson. The mouthpiece pop. Very cool!!

I bought a tenor last week, never picked up a saxophone before this and I was beyond stumped what do to with it, I couldn’t get a sound from it, I thought I’d pop an eye out trying, I had no idea where the notes and chords were, no idea about the reed literally nothing and after 3 days I almost cried and gave up, there are no local saxophone teachers near me. I’ve been watching your videos for 3 days now, I can play chords, I can make a nice sound, I know things I would never have guessed about, troubleshooting issues out the window, you are an absolute diamond. I am beyond grateful you’re on RU-vid making these videos. Thank you jay.

I’m 48 years old, went to U of Michigan for music LONG ago…played French horn. I was always great at it, played in the orchestra, it was fun. But not THAT fun.. I didn’t just LOVE it like I loved composing and songwriting. So, In 1995 I sold my horn, bought a Roland keyboard and today I am a damn good composer/producer. I wanted to play sax back in grade school, I got stuck with French horn because I was the only one that could play it, including the band teacher at the time who couldn’t play it. I do a lot of jazz/R&B style music where I’m always wanting sax players to send me parts..but I’m always hearing melodic and improv parts that I want… Well, tomorrow I get my first alto sax shipped to me, I’m going to learn it myself. So here I am 🤣🎷

Been playing since I was 11 years old. Now 63. I never learned to wet the whole reed or the vacuum "trick". Makes a difference. Looking forward to the rest of the course, seeing what else I may have missed!

Whatever you do, don't skip the intro; it's very informative. First time I've ever done a suction test. Thanks Jay for the tip!

There is always something learned from each video watched. For example, I have been playing the sax for 3+ years, but still watch this mouthpiece/reed lesson because I will probably learn something new. Thanks.

My first saxophone will be arrived tomorrow! And your tutorial helps me to be ready wish me luck on my saxophone journey!

You know, I'm such a moron. I got my sax a couple months ago and have been following a few apps on my phone to try and find the best way to play. I've been subscribed to Jay for months leading up to buying a sax and to be honest, his videos made me want to start playing because I'm quite musical by nature (I play guitar, drums, and sing), and have always loved the sax. The reason why I'm a moron is because I should have just come straight here from the start. I've been unsure if I've been doing things 100% right and Jay explains everything perfectly, walks you through everything, and makes you feel totally at ease, even for someone completely new to the instrument. Thanks for the fantastic video, Jay. I'll be using all of your guides going forward and I'm really excited to start my sax journey and have already signed up for your lessons.

Jay, what can I say? Totally surprised by my wife with an early birthday present being an alto saxophone - this journey started when I was 17...now hitting 54 and picked up my 1st saxophone yesterday. Your lessons and other tutorials are "spot on". Followed your expertise and yep, got myself a note first time. Hang tight, this journey is only going to get better with your help - thank you! Chapeau and all the best

I started playing 2 weeks ago. I'm taking lessons at a local music store and I'm taking this lesson as well. I'm going to start the learning by ear as well. I'm glad I found this channel

Fantastic instructions ! I, for one prefer wetting the reed in a glass of water because one might easily damage the tip with the teeth if it is wetted in the mouth. For a child learning the saxophone, putting the reed in the mouth doesn't seem like the best of ideas to me. Otherwise, these tips have been of great help to me. My gratitude.

So glad he's doing this! Now I can learn off of a professional!

I started this course using an Alto saxophone, this Christmas (2021) my wife blessed me with a Tenor saxophone so I came back to these videos to refresh what I thought I already knew. There is a definite difference in playing the two (at least for me) so I think I'm in the right place

I’m from Bandung - Indonesia. To be honest this video inspired me to try other musical instruments besides the guitar. Besides the blues, I really like sax jazz albums such as Coltrane, Mobley or Charlie Parker. And I love the way you teach it. So easy to understand.

im a guitar player but always loved the sax, finally bought one. and you are the most charismatic and complete sax here on youtube. hope to learn a lot . thank you

It's not uncommon for me to rush through putting the reed on my mouthpiece, start playing, feel like something isn't right, go back and adjust the reed a little bit, then find it plays much better. And I've been playing for almost 25 years.

I’m a 45 year old male just really starting out abs have had a few lessons. I know the very basics but always looking for guidelines and a place to continue my teaching. Great tips and already know I was doing wrong.

THANK YOU JAY!! I guess it’s crazy but I I was taught it’s never to late to learn. I’m 76 years old and just bought a sax. I play the drums but always loved the sax. Your beginner videos are very detailed and easy to understand. Will follow your videos. Thanks again!! Paul Tognetti

Thank u so much. Im 62 and just decided to learn the alto saxaphone, it's on my bucket list. 😁 I'm so glad I found your lessons. I didn't have a clue and what a racket. This is helping enormously. I'm loving it and will be following your guidance. 🤗💎

I stopped playing the Alto in 1991. Today, I restarted again but on a Soprano. I find you very student friendly, and that you are very concise, precise, and methodical.

I used part of this video to help my 5th and 6th graders ensure that they're properly placing their reeds on their mouthpieces.

I hadn't attempted to play my saxophone since the 9th grade, and I used to love it! I'm now 46 and pulled it out yesterday because I wanted to play Christmas music with my 8 year old daughter who is doing wonderfully on the piano. I could read the music still, but my sound was awful! I just watched your first two lessons and they made a world of difference! I was doing so much wrong it was comical, especially with my embouchure. Your lessons are concise, well produced, and full of great information. Thanks for helping a dad pick back up his saxophone after a 29 year break and better enjoy the holidays with his daughter!

Tomorrow I'm picking up my first Saxophone so yeah u did it u made me a begginer saxplayer😆 Edit:First good sound after 1H of trying😁

Thank you. I had bought a mini sax with an awful reed. Today I bought some alto sax reeds. This lesson helped me to set up the reed.👍

I actually don't have a saxophone but watching your videos makes me more interested to learn and buy a saxophone. thank you so much for sharing your talent/advices.

After watching pretty much all of your videos for the last few months, I finally decided to buy a sax. I got a YAS-23 on Craigslist - the guy who was selling it was awesome and mentioned your channel! I was like -- I've been watching ALL of his content! The guy was a trumpeter but fell in love with the sax after watching your content, and now has gone full blown sax fanatic. The mouthpiece is in, strap on, and I'm ready to piss off my neighbors. Here goes the journey! Day 1. Action!

Thanks, I'm a guitarist, at 29 just brought my first sax. Videos are helping alot

thanks so much man im helping my younger brother play soprano. i also learned how to growl off of this channel

This was very informative picked up a lot of useful info on setting up of reed on the mouth piece. my 1st instructor never went over this. setup at the same level of detail. Thanks

Just picked up tenor saxophone this is extremely helpful I appreciate it

Thank you for this. I last played bari sax in 1994, and your videos have got me re-started on better footing already. :)

Thank you. My son just received his saxophone, so we are at the very beginning of our musical journey.

Mercy bien, Jay! I’m pushing 50, never played anything, used to sing a lot (car), and several years ago, my voice couldn’t do what I wanted anymore. Then, all of a sudden, I became enamoured with the Sax, baritone being my favorite. Been watching a lot of vids, yours included, and I’ve learned the most and most easily with your vids. My first lesson will be next week, and once I have my rental, I will see how it goes. It might go somewhere or it might go nowhere, but I have really appreciated your great teaching style. 😎👍🏻 Thank you so much for putting up these videos!

I bought an used Martin Imperial Alto Sax and I can't stop playing it. Thanks for the video it's a great help!

Got my alto a few days ago, My first instrument ever. Up to Lesson 4. Great fundamentals, looking forward to more of your lessons and practicing my first tunes not too far down the road I hope. Thx for all your help Jay! Big Paulie.

I feel like simply setting up the reed placement is step I deeply overlook. I will definitely be sure to pay more attention to it from here on out. Thanks so much!

Just got an alto a week ago I played tenor back in the day and I can't wait to practice and practice and practice 😁

Super interesting - I was taught by my clarinet teacher 17 years ago to position the reed peeking out a little above the top of the mouthpiece! I've learned so much about how to set up the mouth piece by watching this.

Hi Jay- Echoing other comments below. Picked up my horn for the first time since high school. Love the videos! Looking forward not to watching more, but to playing again! This channel is just what I needed. Thank you!

I love that you know how to play Saxo AND how to make engaging content/videos AND be a good teacher Definetly considering those paid lessons tbh

I played the saxophone all throughout high school, and when my daughter decided to pick it, so did I. I'm so excited to play again after 15 years, and I still remember my keys and notes. My new challenge is recognizing the tempo and playing efficiently and effectively. Thank you for this video!

I have been playing 5 years which is almost nothing and I love watching these videos they help me perfect my techniques and develop as a sax player!

Great succint intro to mouthpiece/reed/ligature assembly with just the right ammount of detail for a beginner. Thanks Jae, I'll send my beginner students here to help them remember what I teach them in the first lesson.

Thank you for making this easier for me, as i am just learning how to play for the first time.

Thanks for this lesson. I learnt from it. I just decided to pick up saxaphone in my mid 50s. Totally new to it. Your lesson is valuable

This is just what I needed. I just got an alto sax and I'm gonna start learning with your tutorials. Thanks so much for such an amazing content.

I bought the cheap lade alto to show my son that I can make a cheap instrument make enjoyable music. He is skeptical but in confident that with s little practice we will be making together soon.

What you say at :41 is so helpful! This is exactly what keeps me away from RU-vid tutorials. I need someone to guide me step by step and you've done that well. Thanks for these. They're great.

Really good quality videos with valuable tips and advice. Sax is out of the wardrobe for good after 12 years in hibernation. Thank you

Hello Jay, I wanted to say I think your videos are terrific! I havent played for 40 years, Im in my 50s, and you teach with patience, nice easy steps! I learn better that way. Also your videos on ALL the different pros and cons of different saxophones and equipment is EXTREMLY helpful, as you can easily go down the rabbit hole and get sold something you dont need or is not right for an individual. Thank you God bless and keep up the great work

Thanks Jay, I've been learning so much recently from all the vids on your channel. Proper reed set up has really improved my sound, your finger technique vid helped me improve by playing accurate and slow to begin with. I'm having fun with improvising and learning songs by ear. You may have saved my life as I wasn't bothering to swab out my clarinet! I almost decided to swap to playing sax after listening to your great sound! The vid taking us to the reed factory was also very interesting. I love how relaxed and entertaining you always are. Looking forward to your future vids.

What an amazing teacher! Thank you for this.

Because of you I bought my 1st sax thx

Ok, this begginer course right here, is awesome !

Thanks so much for this video! I just received my lade alto based on your review and have been spending all day trying to find a free video to help get me started. Thanks!!

Love you man, for making our lives more possible.

Im a total beginner. I loving the extra attention that you are putting on there reed set up. nice.

Just got my sax and got it set up. Now I starting to watch your videos

Thanks...you are the best teacher 👍♥

Hi Jay, my Jean Paul Alto Sax got in today, Vandoren V16 coming in tomorrow 👍🏼. Going trough your Lessons to get started. Thanks again for your Inspiration 🤙🏻

Im 48, and played the trumpet when I was younger. I have always wanted to learn to play the saxophone. I bought my oldest son (now 23) a Yamaha YAS-23 several years ago, and he gave it up after a few years. So now I am setting out to learn to play the sax. I hope it goes well!!

Thank you. I definitely earned something new today. Wetting both the whole reed for a good seal.

For the third time trying to like the same video again and again. If that's not a sign of great content, i don't know what is.

Q- Answered, because you mentioned the course is for both sop/alto. Thank you.

I didn’t think I was going to learn anything but I never heard about wetting the mouth piece for a better seal 👍

Get my saxophone tomorrow! Can't wait to learn. My wife has been teaching me clarinet and I've always wanted to play saxophone, so I am stoked!

I was pretty good with a sax in school and recently I dusted the ole alto off to give it a try. Amazing how easy I remember playing back then it compared to now with all the small details I have forgotten over the years. Thanks for the refresher course!

I'm really just going to start learning how to play saxophone, I have not even got mine yet from the store, but I'm really excited and your videos are a great source of motivation, thanks for sharing

Suction test. Never heard of it till now. Utterly satisfying to perform: POP! Thank you, Jay, for making my day.

I am enjoying watching and listening. I don't play any instrument, but absolutely love the saxophone. I have plans soon to purchase. I just watched your video on the $270.00 Sax from Amazon... thanks for this! I believe it was a sign lol. I had pondered in recent weeks, if that particular saxophone you unboxed, would work for a beginner. I truly believe I might enjoy the adventure! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent. God bless you. ✌💜

Awesome teacher. You’re one of da best in the world 🌎 👍👍👍

Seriously contemplating learning to play. Never practiced any music before but have fallen in love with the sax recently. Unfortunately I don’t have an instrument at the moment. Thanks for these videos anyway, very interesting

I’m wearing headphones; scooting around the kitchen making stroganoff as I watch. I love your little tips- like “the moisture on the Reed acts like a sort of glue”, or “ I always do a seal-test...” ha! As an old home canning aficionado, there’s just nothing satisfies like the “ping” of a properly sealed jar o’ salsa... now it will be the satisfying “pop” of a well sealed mouthpiece! ;D That alone is enough to get me practicing everyday! Thanks, Jay. 🎷

Thanks I’ve learned something new today

thanks for being so generous !! tomorrow my alto sax will come in !!!! so thrilled

Very Helpful Jay! I just rented a sax today for 30 days (Never competent at any instrument with notes (previous drummer in high school, been 10 years)) I found you on RU-vid so let's see how well I can play after these 30 days! I'm going to be listening to your videos and practicing every day. Love this instrument and thankful to have your videos to get my instrument setup correctly.

Hi Jay, I'm picking my saxophone up for the first time in about 30 years. I came across your videos and they have been a HUGE help! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. I have subscribed and am anxious to see what's next.😁

Thank you SO much for these videos!! I just bought my first saxophone yesterday. It’s an alto sax. Don’t know where to begin, but I stumbled on to your videos and I want to thank you for helping so many of us learn to make beautiful music. Wish me luck with my lessons!!

Glad you have a tv-quality presentation and good voice. I’m gonna be seeing a lot of you on RU-vid I think.

Thank you! I am in middle school and in the summer I wanted to be ahead of the class so I would know things better! Your teaching is great and I would recommend it to any one who wants to play an instrument like saxophone

Thank you for teaching me I just got my sax today

Always something new and informative that I should know, since I transferred my knowledge of the clarinet from decades ago to the saxophone.

i bought my first sax and immediately went to your channel. Thank you for making this video.