Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange
Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [saxophone]

One of a family of single-reed woodwind instruments with a brass body

About

Saxophones are single-reed woodwind instruments, invented by Adolph Sax in 1840. They have 23 different keys.

Types of saxophone

There are four types of saxophones currently in common use. From highest to lowest, they are:

  • B♭ soprano sax
  • E♭ alto sax
  • B♭ tenor sax
  • E♭ baritone sax (commonly known as "bari sax")

The soprano sax is an octave above the tenor sax, and the alto sax is an octave above the bari sax.

More resources

Saxophone article on Wikipedia

Saxophone fingering chart and guide

Woodwind vs brass instruments

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Why is the saxophone not common in classical repertoire?

Other than the fact that its relatively new compared to other orchestral instruments (e.g. the violin), why is the saxophone (any of them from the family, alto, baritone, tenor etc) not more prevalent in classical repertoire? Are there historical…
Khalian
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Where can I get started with my improvisation?

I have been playing the alto saxophone for a while now. I have also improvised from time to time and have some theoretical and practical background on the instrument, harmony, scales, etc. I have played several pieces from the Real Book in many ways…
Edgar Gonzalez
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Is "horns" a common term to describe saxophones?

Im attending a jazz performance that promoted a horn section. It is two saxophones. I was expecting trumpets or related siblings. Did I misunderstand the use of the term?
rpeg
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Tips on playing quietly/gently?

I am amateur self taught musician and I am new to reed instruments. I decided to try out saxophone, but the problem is, it is way too loud. Each time I try to practice I need to blow very hard to obtain sound. I know it is possible to play gently…
Marek
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What are the best techniques to play overtones in the saxophone?

I play Alto Saxophone, and I've been wondering this for quite a while now. I've not played one single overtone yet, so what are your suggestions?
Edgar Gonzalez
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Playing saxophone without using the octave key

A few years back, I have noticed by accident (I forgot to press the octave key while practising one of the musical pieces) that I can play all the notes on the tenor saxophone that normally require the octave key to be pressed without even touching…
Pyromonk
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Why does C# sound extremely flat when saxophone is tuned to G?

Note: when I mention the name of a note in this question, I'm referring to the saxophone pitch, not the concert pitch. I play the alto saxophone, and lately I've been practicing mostly with a tuner. My instructor recommended that I start tuning to…
Pika Supports Ukraine
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In what key signature is singing written in, and how do I adapt for alto saxophone?

Note: I am not that good in general music theory but I will try to get my point across as best as I can. I am currently in charge of writing/transposing the scores of a little hobby band. I got the scores written for singing and now I need to…
gurkensaas
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What are these dots above a note?

I was going through some jazz music and I encountered these four dots above a note leading into an improv solo: What do they mean? Is it a doit, or does it signify going up in the following solo? Here are the following measures:
Andrew Li
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I want to learn the sax. Where should I start?

I do not have any prior musical training. I do not know how to read music. The only instrument I have played are a keyboard and a harmonica. I think I can learn the saxophone if I remain as passionate as I am now, but I seek advice first because…
shyamupa
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N.V. Meaning in Jazz

I play in a big band. One arrangement we play has "N.V." In quite a lot of the parts. Particularly in trombone and saxophone parts. Any ideas what it might mean?
stormCloud
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Getting back into music after a long hiatus

A little background: In high school, I was first chair tenor saxophone all four years in the school's top wind symphony section, and even played in the honors district band. I did jazz band both in high school and with my buddies, transcribing Dave…
daOnlyBG
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What's the difference between EWI fingering and saxophone fingering?

I recently purchased an Akai EWI Solo - it's an electronic woodwind instrument that mimics a saxophone. As I watched several videos of experienced EWI players unboxing the EWI Solo, I heard advice that I should use the default EWI fingering instead…
Kyle Pollard
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Meaning of a Notation Symbol (

I wonder if anyone can tell me what the curved notation next to the 8th notes are. If it helps, this is a score for saxophone. Thanks.
ddk
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Learning flute as a saxophone player

I've played sax for around 20 years. I recently picked up a cheap student flute from a pawn shop. Can anyone provide tips on proper embouchure? Any other tips on getting a decent sound would be greatly appreciated, as well.
Tim Coker
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