I am Japanese. I play the Alto Sax with my high school club activities. I don't understand English very much. But your English is easy to understand. Watching your video, I was very happy. Thank you.
I started on alto in 5th grade and swtiched to tenor in 6th grade. I'm in 9th grade now. Love all of the saxes and going to pick up alto again soon as well as tenor.
Thank you for the video!! I've always wanted to play the saxophone, and I'm excited to start looking into buying or renting one. I'm thinking of starting with the tenor, I love the way it sounds, but I'm a bit conflicted, because it might be a bit easer to start learning with the alto... hard decisions!
Thank you for watching and for commenting ! Yes, Tenor or Alto (or both ?!?) can be a difficult decision. They are obviously very similar, but they do have pros and cons. Tenors can be a bit more expensive to buy, but they do sound good ! Altos can be a bit cheaper and being smaller they do not weigh as much. What ever you decide, please don't forget to have fun, play saxophone, be awesome and repeat :-)
No problem @Jason Gardiner - alto sax, tenor sax - they're all good ! I've got plenty of other saxophone tips, hints, tricks and lessons on my blog at howtoplaythesax.com/blog if it helps. Keep playing your saxophone !!
Thank you for this video! I've been extremely interested in playing the saxophone since I was about 10-11. Unfortunately my music class didn't have any for me to try, but I had a good time playing the clarinet. Shortly afterwards I got homeschooled and we didn't have any conventional instruments at home! Bummer! Anyways, this video is very informative for a 22 year old trying to make up for a bit of lost time. I was looking primarily at the Alto, but that tenor saxophone sounds so beautiful that now I'm a bit conflicted on what to try first. I'm looking forward to learning both of them eventually, and I'll definitely be watching more of your videos! Thanks again.
Thank you for watching ! Having some clarinet skills will make your saxophone journey soooooooo much easier. Tenor sax is in the key of B flat - the same as clarinet, so that might make it easier for you. But, Alto saxophones are cheaper to buy.....either way, just make sure that you have fun, play saxophone, be awesome and repeat :-)
Thanks for the great video! I've noticed that you listed only 7 instruments actually. :D × sopranino × soprano × alto × tenor × bariton × bass × contrabass That's seven, there is the eight, the subcontrabass, but that is ridiculous. Anyhow, this whole pandemic thing was great for one thing: I've finally decided to live for my passion and start practising saxophone! I am saving up money for an alto/tenor sax, still have not decided upon which one, as both instruments have rich, epic sounds and I'm contemplating, but I think I'll go for tenor and start practicing. Cheers, thanks for the video, hope you are doing great wherever you are. Mark from Hungary, Europe
Hi, you can use a splitter for your mic, to have a clearer voice or instructions while speaking. The volume of sax is 100% and volume of your voice is like 20%.
The moment I heard you play the tenor saxophone now I can't help but think of it as almost like a bass sax. I'm pretty sure I've heard what sounds like a tenor sax at least once or twice in The Fairly OddParents and a little bit of The Backyardigans (The latter of which being a personal childhood favorite and I'm almost convinced that that show is how I got into music). But in my opinion hearing you play each sax to show us how they all sound is like music to my ears (So to speak haha). I will admit that the tenor sax has an amazing sound though. I don't have a saxophone yet but I'm still looking for someplace I can give them a go.
If you get a harness type strap, or one that distributes the weight across your shoulders rather than your neck, I'm sure you'll rock the tenor sax HappyBear101 - but, altos are fantastic too :-)
I’m 4’11”, pretty small for my age, and I play the bass clarinet, bari and tenor sax. Somehow I don’t do well with the smaller instruments they feel too tight. Whatever floats ur boat I’m fine with
Howdy! I'm new to instruments (I played a little violin when I was 8 (I'm 16) but that's about it, I also did the Suzuki method so I can't read notes lol) saxophone has always been a favorite of mine, should I start learning immediately or should I start with something else?
Starting on the saxophone immediately is not going to be a problem. It is also not a problem if you can or cannot read musical notes or sheet music - the saxophone is easy to play by ear. It is also a great instrument to play across all genres and styles of music, from classical to rock, to heavy metal and jazz and anything that YOU want to play. I say go for it !!!!
Thank you so, much sir showing different kind and models of 🎷 saxophone and clear explanation.. I am a new to play saxophone.. which one will be the better to buy sir .
Trumpets and saxophones are very different instruments, but given that both the tenor sax and the trumpet are in the key of B flat, musically speaking you will be fine. Tenor saxophones are obviously bigger, but they are much cooler and more impressive (and more expensive) than trumpets 😉. Have fun, play saxophone, be awesome, repeat !! 🎷
Thank you for the introduction. I'm interested in soprano sax, however a bit overwhelmed with the brands. Do you have any recommended affordable brands for beginners?
Soprano saxophones are wonderful instruments, but not a great one for brand new beginners who have never played saxophone (or clarinet) before. They are tricky to play and keep in tune. Like most saxophones, the more you pay, the better they are. That does not mean that a cheap one is a bad one, however. The main brands - Yamaha and Yanagisawa (there are other great ones) - are quite expensive for their sopranos. If you go for a cheaper model/brand, make sure that a) you check the reviews and b) get a separate mouthpiece (like the Yamaha 4C) because most probably the mouthpiece that comes with a cheaper soprano saxophone will be a hindrance rather than a help.
No mention of the C Melody which I believe falls between the alto and the tenor. I’ve got a straight necked one made in the 20’s. Love me some Frankie Trumbauer!
All saxophones have the same range - from a low B Flat to a High F (or F Sharp). It really comes down to the individual saxophone sounds and what appeals to you the player and you the listener prefer. I do like the tenor sax.... :-) Thanks for watching !
Hi Michael, yes - Kenny G does play the Soprano Saxophone (most of the time) and he has made the soprano sax quite famous. The soprano sax is usually straight like a clarinet, although you can get curved sopranos that look like an alto or a tenor. Kenny G actually rocks on his tenor sax too, where as his soprano sax playing is more well known for his soft and relaxing music. Check out Kenny G's solo on his tenor sax with Katy Perry - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-D0nKZDYYjXM.html !
Irrespective of the vertical challenges that you may or may not face, as long as you don't forget to have fun, play saxophone, be awesome and repeat - in that order - then you can't go wrong :-)
you are amazing!!!🙌😘 I am starting off on the alto for beginners,.... I really luv the Sax wish me luck!!!...... what is the best way to to read music and learn it.
Thank you Yolanda Harrison - so are you :-) Keep playing your saxophone, you don't need luck.... because you play the saxophone you are therefore awesome !! Reading music and learning music are potentially two different things. Both take a bit of practice and repetition. Reading music requires you to use your eyes and brain, while learning music requires you to use your ears and your heart. Go for it ! Don't forget to have fun, play saxophone, be awesome and repeat - in that order.
Hi...I'm interested in learning saxophone. Though from your explanation, I'm still not sure which one to select between alto and tenor..would you explain a bit further or probably direct me to a link that will expound further...
Hi Ivy - it probably all comes down to personal choice, and budget. Tenor saxophones are bigger, have a slightly deeper sound and can cost a bit more. Alto saxophones are slightly smaller, slightly higher in sound and can be a bit cheaper. Which saxophone do you like the sound of best ?
I played clarinet as a kid (terribly) and have never been too successful at picking up guitar or string instruments. I just want to create and learn music simply for myself! Is the sax a good instrument for newcomers?
Yes - yes it is ! Especially if there might be the remnants of a clarinet experience floating around inside you. The saxophone is quite forgiving (unlike, say, a violin) and there are many ways that you can learn how to play the saxophone....such as watching youtube videos, or exploring lessons on various websites, or engaging a one-on-one teacher... :-)
Yes, you are correct - the fingering on all saxophones is the same, so taking away all other variables, yes - if you can play one you can play them all. Keep in mind that there are subtle mouth/embouchure changes that need to be made (playing a bari sax involves a looser embouchure than when playing a soprano sax), and that saxophones play and sound in different musical keys - but yes, the fingering is the same :-)
I currently play clarinet and have been playing it for a while. However, I'm considering doubling by playing the Tenor Sax. I'm definitely big enough to play it so no need to worry about that. But I'm wondering if I should go to Tenor or keep playing the clarinet. On one hand, I'm already pretty good clarinet but there is (I think) nine of us. On the other hand, their are no Tenor Saxophone players, but I don't know how to play one, but I've never tried, so who knows. Anyway, what's your opinion, How To Play The Sax?
The transition from clarinet to Tenor sax is much easier. They are both in the same key of B flat, which makes things easier on the brain and the ears. The clarinet fingering on the upper register is exactly the same as the saxophone fingering on both registers, so it's easy on the fingers too. Yes, your mouth and embouchure will need to make a slight adjustment, but that is much easier from clarinet to tenor sax, rather than the other way around. I started on clarinet, then got a tenor sax, then an alto, then a soprano. I'm still hoping for a bari..... :-) Go for the tenor sax Sawyer, if you haven't already....but remember that all saxophones are good saxophones :-)
Mom I’ve played the Soprano, Alto and Tenor I’m doing my AMEB and the alto is 100% the easiest, because the tenor is two hard to get the notes out with high notes and the soprano is no fun in my Band (Alto and Trumpets are the bosses of the band) XD
Yes @jared bell - they are great ! Here is one of their videos - amazing multi-instrumentalists :-) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hC8CH0Z3L54.html
I've been playing clarinet for 2 years now and I'd love to try a sax. Tenor would be cool, but a bit expensive. As I'm familiar with clarinet now I could probably manage a soprano no problem, but straight or curved...?
Go for the straight soprano saxophone. Curved soprano saxophones are notoriously difficult to keep in tune. Straight sopranos still take effort to play in tune, but they are easier.... if you've played clarinet for a while it should not bee too much or a transition for you. Mind you, Alto saxophones are cheaper...... Have fun, play saxophone, be awesome and repeat :-)
Hello, man. I'm just wondering if you could help me. I learned how to play sax with my cheap alto Global Saxophone. I probably am doing well with my playing as a beginner. Then, at some time, a friend offered me her Curved soprano Fernando Sax because she wants to buy an alto sax for her daughter. So i decided to swap our instruments. We swapped. Now, the problem is, it really gives me a very hard time to give a decent sound. And when I make one, I just don't like the sound of it. The way your sax sounds is different from mine. Is it broken? Or does the mouth piece and reed matter? I have 2.5 in my previous sax as well as with this curved soprano. It sounds so deep. I really think it should sound sexy. Please help.
Hi Cherno Momo , soprano saxophones are really hard to play in tune, and curved soprano saxophones even more so....especially for beginners. However, you, the mouthpiece and the reed do make a lot of difference. Perhaps try a softer reed - try a size 1.5 Rico or Rico Royal reed first. Then, if that doesn't quite get you to where you want to be, perhaps investigate a Yamaha 4C Soprano Sax Mouthpiece. I have one and it's a million times better than the default mouthpiece that came with my soprano sax ! Keep playing :-)
started on alto, just switched to tenor, my mom thought it would be a good idea to get me a professional tenor even though i only just started tenor. i started alto like, 5 years ago though..
Yes, you can play both, and yes they do have the same fingering. Remember that they are in different keys - so playing a note on bari will sound different to exactly the same note played on tenor. If your school gives you the oppotunity to play both, then please take that opportunity !! Have fun, play saxophone(s), be awesome, repeat :-)
@@omarmariscal5066 Actually, no, sorry Omar, the scales on all saxophones are exactly the same fingering. C Major scale fingering on Alto, is still a C Major scale with the exact same fingering on Bari, or Tenor, or Soprano. They will sound different, because the Alto and Bari are in the key of E flat, while the Tenor and soprano are in the key of B flat. But the fingering is exactly the same :-)
@@HowToPlayTheSax but that's a Bb scale for tenor/soprano and an Eb for alto/bari. I could've reworded my statement a little better but I meant he will have to relearn his concert pitch scales since those wont transfer over
Excellent ! Keep playing your saxophone ! I need to start making some tenor saxophone lessons for my youtube channel and my website. What songs or style of music do you like to play ?
Hi @Amelie - the best tip I can give you is that 5 minutes of playing your saxophone every day is better than half an hour once a week. 10 minutes playing your saxophone every day is better than an hour once a week. Don't forget to Have Fun, Play Saxophone, Be Awesome and Repeat !!
I will confess to not knowing that they existed. I know of the C Melody sax, but I suspect there are many, many weird and wonderful saxophones out there :-)
Hi @Jonas Johansson - if you mean the Guru Josh Project song "Infinity" then it would appear to be a highly processed Tenor Saxophone playing the main riff. Purely in my opinion, from a beginners perspective, getting a sound like that out of an alto sax is going to be much easier ! What kind of saxophone do you play ?
@@HowToPlayTheSax I guess, I got used to it quickly so I'm not too sure. I had a question for you, I'm going to play Sax in marching band and I was thinking about switching from Alto to Bari. Do you have any tips for switching saxophones?
@@Yohannesburg Hi Julian - Bari sax is obviously a huge and heavy instrument. Make sure you've got a good harness/strap, because a thin neck strap will make your neck sore while marching around with a bari !! Bari sax needs a much looser embouchure (mouth muscles) and a bit more breath. If you are going to play bari as well, please keep playing your alto too otherwise you might find that switching back might be almost like "starting again" on the alto if you don't play your alto for a while. But, if you can get your hands on a bari sax then I say go for it !! Just don't forget about your alto. :-) Keep playing your saxophone - all saxophones are good saxophones !!
Naruto Flight Good luck. Ive been playing bari for a year and it’s REALLY hard at first with the low notes but you’ll get used to it and then it’ll be fun and easy.
That's certainly not a bad thing....in fact, I'm a little jealous ! They are both in the same key, so from a notes eprspective you'll be fine. Just remember to loosen your mouth and embouchure when you play bari and tighten your face up again when you play alto !
