Alto or Tenor? Deciding the best beginner saxophone!
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
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In this video, we'll look at the differences between Alto and Tenor saxophones, and help you to decide the best choice to start on. I'll also offer my opinion on the best option for beginners.
Some things to be considered are:
- Size and weight
- Technical differences / similarities
- Price
- Availability
We'll also discuss transposition and how the saxophones are pitched differently.
Have more questions? Please leave a comment below!
Check us out online at www.saxtuition.com
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ALTO SAXOPHONE
Jean Paul AS-400 ►► jeanpaulusa.com/r?id=sttct8
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Vandoren Traditional Reeds ►► amzn.to/3mpR4oS
D'Addario Royal Reeds ►► amzn.to/3J8brQV
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Jean Paul TS-400 ►► jeanpaulusa.com/r?id=or0bnv
Yamaha YTS-280 ►► Currently unavailable on Amazon
Yamaha 4C Mouthpiece ►► amzn.to/3edVydF
Yamaha Ligature ►► amzn.to/3spAF7y
Cleaning Kit ►► amzn.to/3J82ual
Vandoren Traditional Reeds ►► amzn.to/3st4RP3
D'Addario Royal Reeds ►► amzn.to/3sxeDQe
SOPRANO SAXOPHONE
Jean Paul SS-400GP ►► jeanpaulusa.com/r?id=kkeij4
Yamaha 4C Mouthpiece ►► amzn.to/3plzUu9
Yamaha Ligature ►► amzn.to/3Fz1Znm
Cleaning Kit ►► amzn.to/3J82ual
Vandoren Traditional Reeds ►► amzn.to/3JgkEHc
D'Addario Royal Reeds ►► amzn.to/3H9j2gy
NICE-TO-HAVES (ALL SAXES)
KORG TM-60 Metronome and Tuner ►► amzn.to/3FrNaTW
Neotech Neck Strap ►► amzn.to/32jIXDl
Cebulla Neck Strap ►► amzn.to/2HCAjld
Jazzlab Saxholder Pro ►► amzn.to/3pgAB8c
RICO Reed Gard IV (Alto / Soprano) ►► amzn.to/3qjBWu1
RICO Reed Gard IV (Tenor / Bari) ►► amzn.to/32qa9QD
Hercules Sax Stand (All Saxes) ►► amzn.to/3J4ydt7
Amazon Basics Music Stand ►► amzn.to/3yRRrO0
Please note: The links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, SaxTuition may receive a commission for the referral.
#saxophone #altosax #tenorsax
Hey everyone, looking for a straight sound comparison between the alto and tenor? Check this out! ua-cam.com/video/tfp7fbrCfgM/v-deo.html
SaxTuition do you advise a 12 year old to play tenor with background knowledge of alto
may i ask if your father is ian gardiner, a professor at goldsmiths
I'm a simple man. I see Seth MacFarlane doing a saxophone review, I click like
I was wondering if anyone else thought he looked like Seth McFarlane
@@aydenburris8631 I really thought I was the first one until I read the comments
I can't stop laughing
He looks like SethMcFarlane.zip
Brooo You beat me to this comment
Your voice is as smooth as the tenor sax itself
Aw thanks!
Jordan sorry but I got a baritone
I just started tenor sax in middle school it really is beautiful and i love playing it, It definitely takes a lot more air than clarinet which i used to play but i think tenor is amazing.
SKSKSKS I play clarinet atm and I'm going to play tenor next year any advice for switching
lol then i went from learning on alto for 5 months to going to bari sax and half dying for weeks from lack of air in band 😂
@@isabellarose9892 I started playing bari. Not in school but on my own, It takes up a lot and I mean a lot more air than I'm used to. with clarinet I could go 8-10 measures with out a breath But now I can only go four with bari
@@isabellarose9892 I went from clarinet to tenor to bari (bari is only at home, I play tenor in jazz band and clarinet in concert band)
I played Clairenet last year and just switched to the tenor aswell😁
I play both Saxophones, and I like both of them. It depends on what occasion it is. If you’re playing in a smaller space use the alto sax if your in a open space use the tenor. If you’re showing off your skills use the tenor. If your playing a nice song use the alto.
E flat 4 life. Bari > all
I played violin for 8 years then started playing tenor last year! Love it a lot and I'm going to play it in my college marching band starting next month!
similar story here! I've played violin for 9 years and then I picked up the alto saxophone in my college marching band! the people there were super supportive and helped me learn the saxophone with 0 prior experience!
Your voice made me feel comfortable
Dude you have such an awesome speaking voice
Thanks Leo :)
Thank you so much! My son is just starting band in middle school, grade 6 and he chose to play the saxophone. This was EXACTLY what we needed to know. Thank you for helping us make an informed decision :) We'll be checking out your tutorials next! Cheers
I'm in the same position. I was given the tenor sax but now I'm thinking to ask if we could get an alto sax.
Thanks, Lisa-Marie! Grade 6 is a great age to start saxophone. Let me know if you have any other questions :)
Hi Dandra, if you're comfortable with the weight of the tenor and can reach the keys without any issues, it's totally fine to start on tenor. Hope that helps!
Thank you for explaining the difference between each! I'm planning on getting a saxophone after playing the clarinet for a few years. I think the alto will be the best choice for me
Your channel is really underrated
Well done, Jeremy! I am an intermediate player and an adult. I found your guidance very level-headed, honestly and professionally presented.
I started with the alto sax and was uncomfortably small for me, as I have big hands, wide shoulders and long arms. I struggled, ergonomically in my first year and a half while I learnt and that stifled my ability to relax while playing and we all know that tension is a significant deterant to good playing.
After purchasing a tenor and making that my primary instrument, I was amazed at how much more comfortable I felt eventually and occasionally returning to the alto. I enjoy playing them equally, now.
Mouthpiece considerations, in mind, it's important to note that the tenor sax requires a larger volume and rate of air than the alto. So, folks with respiratory issues might need to also consider this differentiator.
Good and friendly video, thank you really much)
I’ve been wanting to learn how to play since I was in Grade school. But if I’m going to learn how to play, given my hands wear Extra Large gloves, plus I really like sound coming from the larger of the two, I believe I’ll start on the Tenor. Thanks for the video. It really pointed me in the right direction.
I'm in loved with the tenor, but the prices killed my expectations...
Don't lose heart! Keep an eye out on Craigslist / eBay - I'm sure you'll find a bargain :)
@@SaxTuition thats how i got an alto
@Joanne Zo I got a a nice Buescher 400 tenor sax for around 500 to 600 dollars on Craigslist. I'm loving it! :D
Jean Paul is a really good brand for price. They have a ts400(tenor) is around 700-800.
Luckily a family member handed me a tenor down, aswell as a ukulele, and a snare drum.
Simply love your channel! Thanks!!! Very well produced!!!!
This is great video and Im playing clarinet and I'm still deciding whether i want to switch or not so thank you
Thanks for the comment Alex! The best thing about switching to sax from clarinet is that your fingers don’t need to cover the holes - the keys do that for you! Makes for a lot less squeaks 😉
I started on Tenor for a year so I could be in the same section as my best friend. I fell in love with the saxophone very quickly and was practicing a lot. Before I knew it, I was the best player in the band, and decided to try out for the local honor band. Out of my entire county, one of the biggest counties in my state, only one tenor showed up. That was me. 14 altos showed up. I was very disappointed. I felt like I had worked so hard for that audition but I just had to show up and I would get first chair. I asked my band director a couple of months ago if I could switch to alto (about 4 months before the audition,) and he said no. Last Christmas, my parents got me an alto, and it is so much better than the tenor. It is a lot lighter, easier to carry, the parts are more fun, etc. So, if you're about to start playing the saxophone and can't decide, definitely choose the alto!
Years ago my regular band teacher took a sabbatical, and and a younger replacement took his place for a year. I was one of 5 or 6 alto players, along with a few tenor players. The school had 3 baritone saxes, but no one was playing them. The new guy had a jazz background, and he said that he needed a baritone sax in his band, so he asked for volunteers. No one else spoke up, so I put my hand up and started playing baritone sax. 50 years later, I still am. I like the baritone because I get to play a lot of different parts very easily. If the altos need help, I can help them by simply playing their music. If the bassoons have an important passage and need help, or if there aren't any bassoons at all, I can play their part too - I just read their bass clef as if it was a treble clef, and use the baritone treble clef key signature instead of the bassoon's bass clef key signature. My part sometimes has cue notes for the bass clarinet, so I can help those guys out as well if necessary.
My sheet music for a Stevie Wonder medley we are playing is a mixture of baritone sax, alto sax, bassoon and bass clarinet, with all of the parts cut and pasted together. My dream is to be surrounded by four saxophones - alto, tenor, baritone and bass - and just play whichever one was needed at a particular time for a particular song. Now that would be fun.
I am VERY disappointed in this comment. The Alto Saxophone's neck is very weird and it sucks. I would make an Alto-Tenor Saxophone, which has the neck of the Tenor, but the size of an Alto Saxophone. You could also modify a Tenor to a Alto-Tenor. I would say this is a hate comment to Tenor Saxophone players. I am also VERY disappointed in the Tenor Saxophone haters who liked this. If they would change the Alto's neck to a Tenor neck, I would have not posted this comment. Why would you even post this comment? In my words, it is a hate comment to Tenor Saxophone players.
Hot choco Yum yum You are describing a C melody saxophone. Also, I’m just saying that the alto is a better choice. I love my tenor, but overall, in my opinion, the alto is better to start on and play in band.
Thomas Washer, That is not what I am talking about. Also, I changed my mind about the Alto. The Alto is a Beginner Saxophone, but the Tenor is for the older age bracket and the experienced. They are both good. They are all good.
@@orbitervehicle102 I actually started on a C Melody Sax and it fit so well. I wish I could have stayed with it.
In a other Video you mentioned to imagine to sing for a big sound. This helped a lot, thanks for this great tip
Thanks a lot Angela! Here is the video link in case anyone else is interested: ua-cam.com/video/L4x90xX5mW4/v-deo.html
Wow thanks for the detailed comparison.
Thanks Seth , great video
Hi SaxTuition. I'm thinking about purchasing a sax and your video here was really helpful. A question: as a guitarist, I'm used to playing songs in G major, A major and E major with my band. Which saxophone is the easiest to pick up in terms of solos in these keys, if any? Thanks!
I played tenor for a year about 15 years ago I am 28 and I want to play again so I think I'm just gonna buy one and practice
As a fan and not a player, you answered the one question that kept nagging at me, which is do you play them the same way. So thank you for that. Very informative.
great teacher! thanks!
I prefer the alto saxophone, but I prefer the lower notes on the alto more than the higher notes. Also the kind of music I listen to is more suited for the tenor saxophone, but despite that I still prefer the alto saxophone. I prefer the size of the alto saxophone as well, as it is closer to what I think of a saxophone.
Thanks for putting together this video. I have been fascinated with the warm and "sultry" sax sounds for a long time and not knowing where to start. I bought my first Yamaha alto 5 yrs ago and touched it once. :-(... Until one day couple of months ago, that sound in my head led me to buying a nice tenor sax. I began the first lesson last month. And I switched between the two saxes just on my mood. Surely, it is harder to position my fingers properly on the tenor than on the alto. But i know will overcome that problem. It surely was tough starting from nothing but this elusive melody in my head keeps me going. Again, thanks...
Thanks Thong, that's awesome to hear you're getting back into lessons! Sounds like you've finally found your voice on the tenor. I don't blame you, the tenor's my favourite too!
@@SaxTuition do you still respond to comments? I need a professionals help.
This is a great beginner guide! Thanks for this. I am 43. I play flute. Looking for a sax now. Which one would you suggest-Alto or Tenor?
I have not bought a sax and started any classes yet, but I am trying to set my mind to that and motivate myself to go for it at my age of 47 😉 And your videos are just the right things to establish that motivation. Thank you so much for crystal clear explanation. And, yes, I surely did subscribe 🤗
Ur doing Gr8, I haven’t started anything yet, just research, as I save for a Tenor Sax…I’m 26 with no band experience juss sumthin i woke up one day and decided to do ….LITERALLY…Wat are the chances I become a Legendary Sax🎷 Player🤣…That’ll be an inspiring story to pass on 4 those who think it’s too late juss as u inspired me with ur age still goin at it!…Keep it up!💯☀️
I'm 25 and too afraid too start to play sax but I guess better late than never
In my middle school, I was the only person that has tenor sax. Yes, it's heavy and large, but it fits me, so it's good.
That other gamer I was in the same situation when I played tenor sax in my middle school, though when it was time for our Christmas concert I didn't know there were 2 other tenors saxes but here is the thing, one of them is a boy and is not very good at playing it, while the other tenor is a girl who plays pretty well but she sometimes backs out in parts of music because she needs to catch her breath( tbh I have a crush on her because of how nice she is and she always comes up to me for when she needs help on music). I am a boy and I play very good at my tenor sax which is pretty much why my band director made me try out for honor band.
@@orlandoespinosamartinez6647 God bless you
@@ilikedogs8906 Thx and may god bless you too
@FilSky Ya I could've had a chance to ask her out but unfortunately she moved to a different state which me heart broken because I didnt even spend a lot of time with her, though the only memory she'd have from me is having 2 of my miniature origami paper dragons, she was very happy until she had to leave.
@FilSky But don't worry, I have another crush that is a cheerleader, the thing is she acts a bit crazy when I'm around or something like that. Also whenever we are playing in the football games she would always shout my name saying," Orlando, you got this". I sometimes gives me confidence because I know that I have someone that can and will support me. P.S. I asked her a question about what would happen if I moved to a different school, she straight up said that she would be dragging by my feet begging to stay in the school. And I didn't move but I do miss my old crush that played tenor sax with me in band.
thanks so much for your help!
Should I switch to Tenor in middle school? I play Alto atm and I freaking love it. Or should I just get both and play a good amount of both? Or should I stick to Alto for a while?
Thanks, great advice
I started playing saxophone three days ago and the type of saxophone I picked out was the alto sax
I'm already a trumpet player, so I'm going with the tenor no doubt. Same tuning means I don't have to develop a different transposition reflex.
Hi! I'm thinking about buying a saxophone for the first time and I stumbled into your video. Just wanted to say, you look really nice and friendly:) Also, great video!
Thanks so much Pau! Glad you found the channel 😊
Thx for the video, I'm planning to play the Alto saxophone for band next year if my teacher lets me!
It's like if Jim Jefferies went in another direction, I love it! Also, thanks for the concise and informational video :D I think I'll go for an alto since it's cheaper :p
For sure Alto. as a tenor, saxophone player, I picked up a Alto saxophone and it was more easy then my Tenor saxophone.
Hi! I'm a total beginner and I think about buying a digital saxophone, mostly to be able to plug in my headphones to not disturb the neighbors. Do you think that's a good idea or is it better to learn on an acoustic one? :)
I’ve been playing alto for 4 years now and tender for one year year. I think i might learn baratone next
In terms of music style, what's the difference between the two? Like is one of the two more affiliated with pop or jazz or something?
I play tenor sax, and I love it so much! If u want to learn saxophone I definitely recommended tenor
Thanks Sara, great choice!
Perfect axplanation!
I recently started looking at Saxophones so this is helpful! thanks
Awesome, thanks for the comment Jordan!
Do you know if the alto sax was used in the song "Just the two of us?" or was it the tenor?
That was a tenor saxophone! The saxophonist’s name is Grover Washington Jr.
OMG thanks so much!
I started off on the tenor.
Hey friend, I really like your video but I have a question. I like the songs from blues or jazz and, Which recommendation would you give me to start with those genes because I’m going to start learning the saxo so, what’s your recommendation?
Hey Alfredo! Great question. When you first start playing sax you’re basically just dealing with the basics - getting a nice clear sound, learning the fingerings, learning how to articulate etc. At this stage the best thing for you to do is just listen to a lot of great jazz and blues music, because what you’ll be doing is forming a concept in your head of what you want to eventually sound like. Then, once you start getting confident with the basics of the saxophone you can start diving into the jazz and blues world. If you’re interested, theres a complete course for learning the sax from scratch on the SaxTuition website, which also gives you an intro to jazz and blues at the end of the course! Hope that helps 😊 - Jeremy
Thank you so much for the help Seth McFarlane
I mainly play and collecting valuable vintage alto saxophones such as selmer model26, Keilwerth silver New King, 1968’s Borgani Professional, 1968’s Grassi Silver Jade Roller, 1958’s SML RevD, 1968’s Buffet SDA,1970’s Grassi silver soprano , Borgani Jubilee 24K, yanagisawa WO20 and so on. Many vintage horns were designed in big bell style. Therefore the tone colour is always big, deep and round. Some people may say the sound is tenor-like. And I think alto is rather easy for the player to perform in good intonation rather than tenor, especially for the beginner
If I eventually want to play a sax but can't afford it, is it a good idea to learn to play a clarinet first?
Just starting to learn playing saxophone I am 6.3 tall 70 years old what should I buy tenor or alto thank you..
Your voice is so calming 😋
I play clarinet and I'm joining my school's jazz(7th grader and 8th graders) band next year so I needed to switch instrument, I wanted to switch to Alto or baritone sax But a girl won over bari and there were to many Altos already so I got a tenor But I'm totally new to saxes and I'm 12, we'll I'm not that new to the saxes bc I learned how to play saxophone, Still at beginner level tho
keep trying for bari! next year when you try out you have a better chance since you can play better and you will have good air support after a year! i play bari and it’s super cool
1000 subs challenge without any videos its a great instrument! i play tenor and i just switched from alto yo tenor last week , I’ve been playing sax for 3 years . It gets easier as you learn , you got this .
Im 12 also and i think im doing tenor
Do both alto and tenor sax have the same note fingering?
Hi, I’m a complete beginner, but thinking of buying a sax , simply because im well into 80s synth wave music. Which one would you recommend to buy ?
Im 13, average size and i like the tenor a lot more then the alto, do you think i can start on tenor?
Sir does it mean that i have to write the piece in Eb in order to solo over it with the alto saxophone ?
Hey Saziz, no it doesn't :) You can write a piece in any key, it just has to be transposed to the alto saxophone if you want to play with other instruments. To do that, take the original key of the music and put it down 3 semi tones (half steps). For example, if you write a piece in Bb on piano, on the alto saxophone it would be in G. I hope that makes sense!
So which one did you use when you were writing the theme tune for family guy?
cheers for the video mate, im starting a ska band and been looking at saxophones because i want to get started, and noticed that a lot of ska bands use tenor saxophones and this video confirmed it. thanks.
also are gear4music saxes any good? cheers
No worries, thanks for checking it out! To be honest, I've never heard of gear4music saxes, so I can't really say. Could be a good option if you're just starting out though. I reviewed a super cheap eBay saxophone next to my professional sax here if you're interested in getting a rough comparison: ua-cam.com/video/HFOEwOBTgYU/v-deo.html
SaxTuition oh okay cheers fella. will check it out
Hope that band worked out for ya. Keep waiting for the 4th wave
I need it too How much does it cost?
So for 7th grade witch one is best
Im 13 years old I've been playing alto sax since I was 7 but Im not the tallest guy do u think it's ok to make the switch
Howdy, I'm looking at purchasing a Jupiter JTS889SG would this be a good purchase. Started playing the alto last year and I wish to sway over to the tenor. Im still pretty bad. Any advice?
Hey Moss, I don’t know that particular model but generally the Jupiter saxes are a good option for beginners, they’re an established brand 👍 You might enjoy checking out my Beginner Saxophone Buyer’s Guide: ua-cam.com/video/GHVdR8nkcvE/v-deo.html
thank you for this video!! btw you look like Seth McFarlene the creator of family guys which is a compliment :DD
Best model to start on?
what do you think of the John Paker JP046V Eb altogether Saxphone. Is the John Parker Saxphone any good.
Sorry Kyle, I’ve never heard of it! 😬
Was playing an alto for a few months (I’m 10) my teacher finally said I could move up to tenor
Itz_ Cookie that’s what I’m thinking my jazz band needs more tenor saxophonists so how different is it to alto?
I have an odd question for you first of all good evening when I was younger in school I started taking saxophone in band back then I had two strong lungs so on and so forth now I'm 50 years old I had half of one lung cut off so I got alung and a half how hard is it going to be for me to attempt to play the saxophone after major surgery that I took they had to do it thank you for your help and God bless sam
Hi Sam, please take this with a grain of salt as I'm not a doctor - however, a general rule of thumb is if you can comfortably blow up a balloon then you should have no trouble with the saxophone :)
So I am a clarinet player in the key of b flat. I want to switch to an e flat alto. What is the difference and how do I learn to switch the concert pitch from b flat to e flat.
Lesandro Gonzalez It’s just transposition. A G on clarinet will sound like a D on alto and the tuning note goes from G to F#. And for key signatures you will have one more sharp or one less flat when you go to alto. The scales are the same notes with different names. The clarinets Bb scale is the same as the altos Eb scale.
How about buying one on Amazon?
I'm new to this saxophone scenario. The thing I'm trying to understand that boggles the heck out of me is not just the price difference that don't effect me, but the fact that Tenor saxophone is more costly do it have some type of extra sounds or more keys to it then the alto. That's where I'm trying to get is that where the price difference come into play. I do feel the tenor does have a better sound quality.
Hey Maurice! I think the price difference comes comes from 2 things:
1 - The tenor is larger, therefore it uses more metal and other materials (more costly to produce)
2 - Alto is a more popular choice for beginners, therefore there's more in circulation, and easier to find on the 2nd hand market.
Unfortunately there's no extra keys or sounds on the Tenor, but it does sound lower due to the larger size.
@@SaxTuition thanks for the breakdown info appreciate it
My pleasure!
I am 14 and almost end of my middle school and going on in to High school. If I am in beginning band I am going to switch to the tenor sax. Right now I play the clarinet.
How’d it go? That’s what I’m doing
Thank you very much! But just a question, if I am an absolutely beginner, but I can play the recorder very well, can i play the saxophone? Please, if someone can answer
Hi Daniel - the embouchure is different on the saxophone (mainly due to the reed), but the fingerings are very similar, so you should pick things up quickly! Check out the basics here: ua-cam.com/video/HMleowiZhk8/v-deo.html
I want to learn how to play sax. Im already an adult. What do you recommend? Thanks.
Hey there, I've created a complete course for learning the sax from scratch on the SaxTuition website - it's perfect for adults! Check it out by visiting www.saxtuition.com
me,haven’t touched the saxophone for a year:
that’s a normal saxophone and his husband
Ok, so I’m in my 8th grade band playing Horn for the last 3 years. I wanna also play sax. The alto seems nice to play more melodies and fun parts. But I’m in love with the low sound of the tenor and it being like the backbone to the band. What do you think????
I think you should play tenor sax I’ve played alto tenor and bari sax (im playing bari at the moment) but i think tenor is the best sax it’s right in the middle and best sound in my opinion but you have to choose
No Name I’m decided I’m going with the alto just to start off. Thank you tho!
Jesus Trujillo thats good alto is the best for beginners
I’m in the exact same situation
TENOR
thanks for this, although I'm disappointed you didn't discuss the diff in sound between the two. for adults considering taking this up, that is huge.
Hi Joe, you can check out the sound comparison video here: ua-cam.com/video/tfp7fbrCfgM/v-deo.html
I started on alto but in 8th grade i switched to tenor
I don’t have one but know I’m aiming to start with alto cuz I’m between the range
The Dual Gamer great! The alto’s a great choice for beginners.
I started on tenor
Which is more difficult to master? And which is more versatile ?
The alto is easier for beginners but much more difficult to master, the tenor is easier to master but is a big leaning curve at first. If this makes any sense
I started on the tenor when I was about 12. Never got a decent sound out of it, partly because the amount of air it took to play the instrument. Also I had less discipline. I restarted on tenor aged 45, after half a year I also bought an alto. Improved my embouchure mainly on the alto (jumbo java mouthpiece with java red 2.0). Now I am back on the tenor (BL 110/1 mouthpiece with a java red 2.0 for tenor) and prefer it to the alto. But occasionally switch it up. So yes, in retrospect I should have started on the alto, as I relived the learning curve on a ripe old age😅
Tenor - is the easiest to achieve fluency on. The bore/tapering is less conical - making the low register a lot easier master. The upper range - altissimo requires less embouchure-pressure than alto and soprano. In total = the easiest for beginners. Sadly, parents tend to think a small horn is easier - and sometimes even buy a soprano for their kids - to start on
What is the brand model number of the tenor sax on your left hand?
Hey Matthew! That’s a 1958 Selmer Mark VI
What soprano would you recommend if i buy use in. Church. 30 years old
Whatever sax this guy ISN'T using: ua-cam.com/video/He-sYfNGsv8/v-deo.html
In all seriousness I would look at the Keilwerth sopranos, they offer a good mix of quality and affordability for beginners in my opinion. Thanks for your question 😊
Hi sir. I am 34yrs,now deciding to start learning sax. Should I then go for the tenor?
Totally up to you Delali 👍 Perhaps have a listen to some alto / tenor saxophone clips on UA-cam and think about which sound you prefer!
How would you know if it tenor or alto? I’m using a borrowed sax from school, and I don’t know if it’s tenor or alto.
Look at the neck - if it’s got a kink in it, it’s a tenor 🙂
I have a confusion sir, In alto it is Eb4, then why are we reffering to it as a C ?
It’s a convenience thing, when an alto sax fingers a note c, an eb comes out, similarly on a tenor the fingering c comes out a bb. It makes it easier for players to transition between voices of saxes. Because of this music written for the saxes has to be transposed from the key of C, to Eb or Bb.
Can someone tell me if I should play the alto or tenor??? I’m in 7th grade and been playing a clarinet but now I want to try the saxophone.help
If in doubt, start with alto 😊
Is that Alto easier or harder to actually blow than the tenor i.e. does it put more pressure into the head?? I have been trying the tenor but find it very heavy (but don't mind having to put lots of air through it,but worry that the aAlto needs too much more 'pressure' to blow, as I am getting old and feeble (sadly)
Great question! Yes, in general the alto does require less air than tenor. Using softer reeds (max size 2.5) and mouthpieces with a smaller tip opening (4 or 5) will help also.
@@SaxTuition Thanks Jeremy_
Hi I'm looking to buy an alto sax as my first ever instrument I'm 29 and from Ireland...I'm looking at a thomann tas 180 alto sax...do you know if this would be a decent purchase?
Or a windcraft WAS 110?
I’m sorry I’ve never played either of those saxophones (I’ve never even heard of the Windcraft…) - I have a beginner sax buyers guide here: ua-cam.com/video/GHVdR8nkcvE/v-deo.html
Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks bro alto is for me
Hey mate, what's the tune in the intro?
That’s a recording of me playing One Finger Snap by Herbie Hancock 👍
Sooo. I currently play alto (and have for about 4 years now). But there’s soooo many altos in my band. There’s more than clarinets. Which is just sad 😂. I also like the sound of the tenor much more. Should I switch? If so: any tips for switching?
Absolutely Alaina, make the switch! When switching to tenor, try experimenting with using more / less mouthpiece in your mouth, to find the sweet spot where you get the best sound. After playing alto for so long, you might automatically play closer to the tip (as that’s more similar to the size of the alto mouthpiece), but that might not get you the best sound. Also, play with an open throat! Other than that you should find the switch pretty straightforward 😊 let us know how it goes!
SaxTuition thank you. I’m finding that I’m having problems with any note that doesn’t require the octave key.. They all keep coming out an octave high 😂 it’s really frustrating. I need help
Alaina Bailey same with me. I recently switched to tenor too and can't play any lower than an F (I can't play E or D or any other now lower than that without having it to be an octave higher)
Alaina Bailey i play tenor and i find that blowing warm air through the instrument can help to hit those low notes and by practicing to get more comfortable with your saxophone to see what works for you
@@alainaab31 Here's a trick you can try Alaina!
1. Take the mouthpiece off the saxophone
2. Get a tuner (either a physical one or one on your phone, like 'Cleartune')
3. Blow in and see what note you get!
For tenor sax, you want to aim for a G. If you're getting anything higher than that (i.e. G#, A, Bb, B etc) it means you're squeezing too hard on the mouthpiece. If you squeeze too hard, you basically force the saxophone to leap up an octave, even without pressing the octave key.
To fix this, simply drop your jaw slightly, and try not to pinch the reed too hard with your lip. This will make the pitch drop. Once you're able to comfortably get a 'G' on the mouthpiece, put it back on the sax and see if that fixes your octave issue.
If for some reason that doesn't fix the issue, chances are you're dealing with a leaky saxophone, and it's probably best to take it to a repairer.
Let me know how you go with that :)
- Jeremy
dankeschön für die gute Erklärung
I wanted to buy a saxophone as a beginner which one has the deeper sound .
Generally speaking the tenor sax has a deeper sound - check out this video: Alto vs Tenor Saxophone: The Sound Comparison - ua-cam.com/video/tfp7fbrCfgM/v-deo.html
If I play the clarinet, would I benefit from playing tenor saxophone at all, or would it be the same learning curve?
You'd definitely benefit from your clarinet experience! Check out this video, it talks about some of the differences between clarinet and saxophone: ua-cam.com/video/2E1gXEA5noo/v-deo.html
thank you!!!
No worries!
Ok question I am currently a alto and I played for 1 year because at my school you have to start with alto now my band director is giving us the choice of being a bari a alto of tenor and I don’t really wanna be a bari which one should I choose I watched the video but I still don’t know which one to do
Hey, thanks for watching! I wouldn't go straight to bari from alto, but you could definitely try out tenor and see what you think. Often in school bands you'll see way more altos than tenors, so you might find that going to tenor gives you more of an opportunity to stand out. Let us know what you decide to do!
SaxTuition well i didnt make it inyo symphonic band because i was nervous and i cant play tenor in concert so gonna have to stick with alto but thanks for replying im only seeing this now
Started on the alto in sixth grade, been playing tenor since seventh. Haha!