Alto Saxophone Vs. Tenor Saxophone
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- No other instrument quite captures the imagination like the saxophone. The saxophone permeates multiple genres, ranging from Jazz to Rock to Pop to Classical, with a menagerie of different playing styles, moods and emotions. In this video, Jim helps answer the very first question every saxophonist must face, which type should you begin on? Alto or Tenor?!
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Something that I never see mentioned about these two instruments, is the music you play on them. I remember the music for tenor being really boring from 5th grade through high school. You almost never got any exciting parts. No melody, or cool low brass parts. I remember thinking, "why would anybody want to play tenor sax". But when you start playing music you hear sung on the radio, the tenor is the sax to play. The lower range fits the human voice better. Also it's easier to go up into altissimo on tenor, which ends up making the tenor more versatile. I would now recommend tenor over alto, especially if intend to play more than just school band.
You are so right I had that same issue right up until our varsity band director given the amount of talent that was present in our school band. He individually asked and hand picked 15 of us and put together a jazz band. We technically was not affiliated with the school and operated as a semi professional jazz band. But the money we did earn all went toward our school band boosters to purchase equipment and instruments for those who couldn't afford their own. Those were some great years for me I sure do miss them. But that was when being the only tenor sax really paid off. The opportunity to be able to get and play professional arrangements and man what great solos I got. One even better was having the ability to switch up right in the flow play tenor solo reach over grab my trumpet and pump out a great high brass one the two together was pure heaven.
Ain't that the truth. I played alto in 4th and 5th grade, and then switched to tenor from middle school to high school. Alto always had the better parts. No comparison in that respect. But listening back now, I really do enjoy the tenor sax sound more than the alto. I find the alto too high at times, and it doesn't have the deep jazzy feel I want. I just wish we had some good parts in school
@@dr.heinzdoofenshmirtz3507 couldn’t agree more with you. Nicely said
So true. I played tenor in the band and only got the bass lines. I used to be jealous of the alto bits, but I still believe it sounds better.
I was thinking of changing to a tenor as i've never played anything but an alto, but would I regret it? I think tenor sounds way smoother and an interesting thing to start but I would still like to have parts in band and be a part of my section. Any advice?
I'm going to be getting a saxophone after not having played since high school.....reaallllyyy looking forward to it. 😌
Let's practice together! 😁
Me too!
@@kiarnamakoare1584 wait what you go to college at 13 in NZ??
@@kiarnamakoare1584 oh ok
I just did it. Haven't played in 17 years. It was like riding a bike after about a day of getting back in the swing of things.
Both great, I characterize tenor as "smoke" and alto as "lyric".
I like that. A band I play with calls my tenor "the gravy".
Bari player here. when I walk into jazz band practice, one of the alto players always says "the bottom is here" hahaha love it!!!!
Couldn’t agree more
My preference from a player is alto for classical and tenor for jazz because it seems like there are just better parts vice versa for each side of genre
ive played tenor since 2022 and i absolutely love the instrument. my friend plays alto and ive tried it but it just doesn’t give me the same happiness as tenor does
The answer is yes.
I’m thinking about switching the tenor because I play the alto and I feel like it’s just a high-pitched scream/ screech all the time
Yeah me too
I play percussion and I really don’t like anything but snare and I just want an instrument that sounds like an instrument not a child’s xylophone so I’m switching to tenor sax
Just play lower notes lol. Tenor you’re only getting like 5 notes more. Concert C# on alto down to G# with the tenor. Not a super dramatic difference
You just can’t play….
You just can’t play….
I've recently become really interested in learning the sax in order to play it in the context of goth rock and goth metal for a project I'm starting up. A lot of my favorite sax solos and players in non-metal genres use tenor, but I think alto sax might actually be better when it comes to sitting in the mix with a bunch of heavy rock instrumentation around it.
Kinda doing the same lol but also midwesty involved
I’ve played trumpet for 4 years and I’ve decided to start learning alto sax. I’m so excited!
I am SO EXCITED to learn how to play the tenor this summer! this video was very helpful for me to pick! Thanks!! (That careless whispers was amazing!)
Tenor for sure. I also love the baritone and soprano.
In orchestras, tenor sax has the most interesting parts to play - at least that's my experience. Wouldn't it be amazing if there would be a sax right in between the alto and tenor though.. that would probably be perfect :)
Tenor and alto are the middle
Does the C Melody Saxophone count?
That would be a Db sax since the alto is in Eb and tenor is in Bb
@@BBone212 I don’t think it exists though
@@BBone212 not quite Db but one semitone down and you have a C Mel sax
PINK PANTHER......yes.........thanks for the video loved your explanation.
I just started on alto because I was intimidated, but now I'm kicking myself for not getting a tenor, knowing the keys and fingering is the same..
Great video, thanks!
Wrong the tenor saxophone is in a Key of Bb not Eb like Alto Saxophones
@@Unwashed_Cabbage87 think they meant the actual keys on the saxophone
the thing about the tenor is that they always get the boring parts so you did the right pick
@@tankchen3114 but one can't play the same music with both? I mean, in a band you will play the "boring parts", but when you are playing alone, it's totally possible to play any song with alto or tenor, isn't?
I've been playing the alto for 5 years then moved to the soprano for a year now, I cant wait to play the tenor 🎷this was very insightful, thank you ❤😊😊
as an alto/ bari player, tenor all the way
++++++
I played the saxophone. I played the alto in school and was so good at it that I got moved to the baritone. I rocked that bari sax with my soul and then I moved, so I returned it and got an alto, I had to sell it because of loss of money and my living situation but now I'm able to get the tenor. Wish me luck, it's been a while
I feel Bb Tenor Sax to be more smoother and easier to play than Eb Alto.Especially when you go on Lower .I prefer the Tenor Sax.
I’ve played both. Especially throughout high school. Including jazz and classical. I prefer alto.
why is that?
I have both (and a soprano, but that's a different story) and it's a question of mood and song......for the classical jazz and swing parts I like the Tenor, for the smooth jazz, pop, classic stuff Alto works better for me
All true and great but what is even better I first learned on alto went too tenor then added trumpet. Being able to play both woodwind and brass let me say it don't get any better. I practiced constantly on both and learned to master both putting that skill to use not only in marching band but I played in a semi pro jazz band and often had solos on both tenor and trumpet in a single piece. That is real versatility but takes dedication to learn.
Can I ask why you like the tenor more? I'm switching from clarinet to saxophone next year for a jazz band, but I'm still making a decision on which one I'd like more.
@@_glowstickeater same here mate. Have you made your decision already?
@@nunomorais5048 not yet, but i'm leaning more towards alto since i have a few people that can help me.
Agree.
That's why I do not like tenors-because I don't like jazz
So many things to take into consideration, mouthpiece, reeds.... But to have a good sound on either has a lot of dedication needed. Having an excellent sound on Alto is more demanding. Its embouchure and tuning is more demanding and you never know how it is going to sound in the hands of different players in a greater range that what happens with tenor.
Smaller makes it easier to hold, but alto is also easier to sound awful. But a beginner might not notice that.
@@saxefoner ...agree..!!!!
Well I am not a beginner nor am I a amature or pro. It's been many years since I use to play but when I did I played both alto and tenor as well as trumpet. They all have a unique place and I in 4th grade learned first on alto. But I have since an early age had a preference for the tenor sax simply because there is just not a better horn for solo playing. It's such a versatile range of sweet sound for most any genre of music. I am retired now and seriously thinking about seeing if I can get a horn and get back what I once had and start playing again. I use to be a pretty fair player as I played in a jazz band and did an audition to get into a prestigious university and was accepted majoring both sax and trumpet. Unfortunately that life was changed because of other personal reasons and ended up in the family buisness. But that's life but at 62 that life is past maybe I can restart the old one in some way. Who knows
You go for it Ken.
Did you do it? 🙏
Do what makes you most hapoy, you only live one life, don’t waste thinking of what you could have or should have done, just do it, whats the worst that could happen?
@@brucesheaves7115 that is very true and still planning to try just dealing with a messed up back. Currently getting injections and gradually getting better years working on heavy equipment takes a toll on a person's back.
I know. Get to it, good sir! I thought learning the bass was a loser gig-until I started writing music and realized a good bass player always has a job. I’m looking into learning alto because, as my license plate says,”YTHLNOT.”
Thanks for sharing that explains perfectly the difference between the two.
Based on how each saxophone plays, the alto needs a lot of embouchure while the tenor needs a lot of wind. Of course, I only played tenor for a day, but these are first-day impressions.
Also, alto and tenor music tend to be extremely different in marching and concert band. Alto will play generally the same music as stuff in F horn and even trumpet or clarinet, while tenor will play the same or similar parts of baritone/euphonium.
I started the alto when i was 10, stopped when i was 14 and just picked it up again at 17. I love my alto but when i have adult money ill get a tenor too
I watched to see how you present the saxes to new players. You are very good at it!
Baker Street Take 5 Careless Whisper Pink Panther 🎷🎷🎷🎷
😍
Thank you so much for this amazing, informative video. I haven’t played Alto in 18 years but getting into David Bowie really got me Interested in playing again. I’m almost tempted to pick up a tenor but i think I’ll still with Alto for now. Thank you again.
The four whole tones thing is awesome.
I play Alto right now, I'm thinking of moving up to tenor. it seems really cool!
Nicely done! Thoughtful and well presented.
For anyone in high school bands, my exprience is that with tenor, you get to play cool melodies with the trombone and baritone but with the alto its usally a counter melody with the high woodwind/brass
Taught myself the pink panther solo off of ear in 7-8th grade. Definitely going to rekindle my love for music.
i really want to learn the saxophone and i don't want to give this up, so wish me luck! i'll work hard to learn as much as i can
Brilliant, thank you, very useful , love the ending too ;)
Thank you so much. This was quite helpful. I play the clarinet and piano.
Which one should you play? Baritone Sax, the most perfect musical instrument ever invented. I have 5 saxes ranging from Bari to Sopranino, a flute and alto flute, a clarinet and bass clarinet. My main instrument is, has been, and will always be bari. Just an amazing instrument. btw, whenever I hear a new song that I like, most of the time it turns out that the song or piece is in E-flat. I think E-flat is the resonant frequency of my body or brain.
Bari is great, the main obstacle being they cost more than my car.
Alto is very popular with people playing Bollywood music and south Indian classical music.
Tenor is good for all types of music and really good for western music and sad songs .
I love tenor and always played it
Most people start playing because they want to emulate a certain famous player which is as good a reason as any to lean toward either alto or tenor. I don't think it matters; you can always swap horses later on if you want (or play both!).
While I somewhat agree, I would point out it's rather important to consider which to get first. Some people can't afford both. I would personally encourage more people try out tenor sax. My experience with High School band, my director asked me to switch to tenor since he heard I had one and he didn't have someone on it. He did not really like having a baritone sax, since he didn't want to buy music for them. I imagine there is almost always a few Alto saxophones.
@@gacrazy65 Yeah this is so difficult, can't really wrap my head around which one to get, have anymore experiences?
@@IDK-bg6im There will be times a tenor sax part in a band goes from playing the melody and then switch to playing with the tuba. Volume control is important, and while I think everyone agrees that that's key for everyone, Tenor can sneak up on you and you'll need to pay particular attention to when your voice sits in the ensemble for each part of a song. A good director will point this out to you and encourage you to 'speak up' or quiet down. A bad director won't notice when you stop playing to appease the choir (true story, I was miffed. Debated drowning the choir out single handedly just out of spite).
But damn do I love playing the lower octaves on Tenor, Baritone, and Bass (that one time I got to try one out). It sounds amazing and *feels* good. If you like those low sounding parts, Tenor. You'll feel it in your chest. I somewhat imagine it's like a runner getting a high when they jog. That physical exertion just... feels like an ego boost to my scrawny self-esteem.
However if you like a sax that screams, Alto can demand attention. Note that your embouchure needs to be spot on for that, or you will sounds like an ugly wheeze, but that holds true for everyone.
If you're just playing music for yourself and not a band, realize Tenor and Alto are two different keys. If you end up playing with both to try them out and use the same music, not only do the instruments sound different, but tonally it'll be off. Kinda uncanny valley. A b-flat on a alto and tenor and fingered the same, but will most certainly sound very different. An Alto's G will most closely match a Tenor's C within the same octave. If I like a alto song in one of my books, I have to consult a chart and rewrite the entire song to play it on tenor. There are even some saxophones that are in atypical keys, so keep an eye out if you don't buy from a store. If you are in a school band, don't worry about it. They usually buy music for you.
Alto's do not look fun to march with. You have to hold those straight up in front of you while ya go. Tenor's are big enough that you can kinda let it rest on your hip. Baritone sax would like to see you try to hold it up straight. Bass is asking why you are not sitting.
Anything else? I will answer what I can, and as always.... this is the internet and I'm nobody. Take everything I saw with a grain of salt.
@@gacrazy65 Dude trust me, you are special to me, instead of making a lazy reply you took your time and made a well depth reply for which I am very thankful for, I think I will get the tenor, I really like deep rich sounds, I've heard somewhere that alto dominates classical music but tenor is good for jazz and I will love to do jazz, anymore information will be appreciated! Thanks!
playing alto for a number of years and added a tenor to my collection. Played for a short period and quit, feared i might end up eventually with back trouble which i didn't need at my age. My teacher was able to sell it on to one of his students. Love the alto, very melodic. A huge Paul desmond fan.
Great explanation of the two instruments
I started on the tenor because I was playing on the clarinet and I was told by my music teacher that the tenor and clarinet are both in the same key. Not long after, I moved to the alto because I liked the look of the alto and the sound. I still like the tenor, though. Altos are much easier to carry than the tenor.
Nice video, good comparison. I’m not musically inclined, but I liked the sound of the tenor the best. However the alto is probably easier to learn to play and is smaller so it would be easier to transport and probably more budget friendly than the tenor. I’m looking at learning to play a sax.
There's just something about that tenor sax😍😍😍
Coming from clarinet I got an alto and tenor, both Yamaha YAS/YTS 32 (used). A good reed on either will tip the balance, but a good reed on the tenor is pretty sweet. Alto is easier on your neck.
Thnx. That was very informative.
Thank you. Very informative
I'm really having the motivation to have one!!
I love the way you play the Pink Panther.
Excellent comparison!
Quick update - I ended up getting a Tenor around 9 months ago and have been playing ever since. I'm not very good, but it's lots of fun to learn although it is very challenging!
Thanks very nice video 👏🏻
Had learn alto for 5 years already, wanna try tenor and explore a new instrument for me🤤
I really appreciated your video. I used to play the Trombone and trumpet in high school and looking to getting into learning the sax to add to my comedy style.
Interesting video. Thank you.
I find tenor much more pleasing to the ears as a listener.
I play alto in band but I am ready to switch to tenor thanks
I like both
That Tenor sounded just great.
I play all saxs. I play the tenor and bass the most.❤
Is the fingering the same for all the other ones too?
Tenor has always been my favorite. 😍
Started on alto in school as a kid my dad got me a nice MKVI still use it on some gigs if its copy pop tunes with so called "signature solos" like the tunes I love the Nightlife. Ican't go for that,Instant replay etc. but interesting my dad told me when I wanted to get into working bands that Tenor was preferable and blended better with the trumpet player much easier to transpose with concert key sheet music or Real Book tunes too.. He then gave me his old MKVI tenor and bought another ( which I have now also because he is 91 and does not play anymore) I mostly play tenor and am more comfortable with it overall. If i do a jazz gig and they calla Bird tune I always switch to my alto :) * By the way some of the altissimo finerings are different on alto and tenor.
In my opinion, starting on the alto is a pretty good choice becuase it's a lighter instrument, it's a weird way of putting that but, the alto doesn't require as much air as the tenor sax, where as the tenorsax you have to plenty of stronger air to really get those low notes, the alto is a smaller instrument that is easier to carry, it really will like, get you introduced to the weight of it, because believe me, at first, the alto seems heavy, but after a while, you get used to it, then it feels like the tenor is also sort of easy on your neck. Seemingly, the tenor ax seems like like you'e really gotta flex your abs hard to get that full tone quality sound, the alto is kind of one where you do that, which I say flexing your abs because you push the air with yuour diaphram, and make like a kinda "O" shape with your mouth so the tounging is like "Doe" so that your throat is open and your pushing with the diaphram and your not using your throat for air being put into the sax. Trust me, you don't want to do that, otherwise your throat will be sore as hell.
This is interesting and it'll help me justify switching to tenor. However I believe the pitch gap between alto and tenor is 5 semitones, that is, a perfect fourth, and not 4 full tones as mentioned.
If you’re going to march, alto if you’re just going to be playing, tenor. If you’re small, alto. If you’re bigger, tenor. If you like playing the melody and high notes, alto. If you like mid range, tenor. That’s just my opinion
The professional Master Class in Sax 👍💪❤️🙏
They’re both beautiful
Has anyone who is saying soprano or baritone in these comments actually watched the video?? It's about which to choose if you are an absolute beginner. I asume nobody is ill-informed enough to be saying sop or bari would be a good first horn for a beginner.
Bari would be an excellent choice for a beginner! Lol you master playing the bari and all others are easy in comparison! Womp womp
I played tenor for a year or two and then went straight to bari. The tenor never really felt quite right and I almost quit. However, when my band teacher asked me to switch to bari, it immediately felt like "home".
@@djbred18 Actually no, bari is almost as different from alto and tenor as soprano is. Voicing is even more important on bari than on tenor and alto. But beginners should always start on the saxophone they want to play.
@@saxophonerman1239 I agree wholeheartedly that’s why I wrote the womp womp at the end…sarcasm
Hello.
So.. I have a question. Which sax should I try to learn first, if I used to play clarinet years ago in high school? I wanted to learn saxophone, but the music teacher told me to learn clarinet first, cause it'll be easier to transfer to saxophone. Any suggestions?
I am starting band classes and am hopping to speaclize in the alto sax
I play both👌
As a person I’m willing to try out the saxophone and buy one on my birthday.
Thank you...........
I feel like size wise I prefer the Alto since my hands are so tiny but I highly prefer the sound the tenor, I play Alto saxophone hopefully one day I'll be able to play tenor. Hell just even the bari or a soprano sax 😭💖
sameeeeee
I have played both but I prefer the Tenor!
I used to play trumpet back in middle school lol I know totally different but I’ve always wanted to play Sax I remember regretting not picking Sax when I joined band lol but i’m hoping to get a Sax soon and start learning now. I’m 21 now it’s crazy i’ve been wanting to play for so long just never did.
I'm 25 playing alto 1 1/2 yes self taught don't buy into thinking u have to have a teacher just get a good lesson book & learn to read notation & practice daily 😉
@@jackcraven7979 Do you have any recommendations to a good lesson book for self taught !?
@@Balou.-. standard of excellence or essential elements
@@jackcraven7979 thx because last time I played sax it's was like in 2018 or 2019 and it's was only for one year.
@@Balou.-. also there plenty of UA-cam channel to learn extra scales & call & response exercises
I’m going into 6th grade so this will help thanks.
I'm a studio musician focused mostly on pop-ish music and I have no idea which one of these two would give me more mileage in that context. I'm gonna guess it's the tenor.
Go for alto. Tenor is more classical jazz.
What about volume? Is the tenor louder - useful to know e.g. when considering practising at home
which mouthpiece and reeds do you play on the alto in this video?
1:23 HE DID THE THING HE DID THE HAHA FUNNY MEME
I would have liked to hear the same solo played on each so that we could actually compare the sound of each, that would have been far more useful. You've basically said "which solo do you like best? That's the sax you should get". Not that enlightening.
calm down dave
Yeah Dave, you need to chillax
Shut up Dave
@@tommywasilik7219 he's speaking facts though
I have been playing tenor sax since the 5th grade. I love its sound. But after 4 years, i thing i want to try something different
if i had to choose between alto and tenor i would choose bass sax
or bari sax!! bari rules, the most perfect musical instrument ever invented imo. from what i have read, the low A bari basically killed the bass sax.
I believe in playing both tenor and alto, as opposed to favoring one over the other.
For anybody here who is considering starting to play the saxophone and get a recorder first. Cost you 2 to 5 dollars at the dollar store, $20 if you want a good one.
Recorder is a very easy instrument to play, you can learn 2 to 3 songs in a day And even after a month of playing you’ll be so much better equipped for the saxophone. The recorder gives you a good idea of the sound hierarchy, The notes the functions of a lot of instruments like Saxophone piano Xylophone trumpet flute clarinet so on so on.
By playing the Recorder you save the effort of trying to figure out How do you play a note You will come to you automatically Easier, You’re already gonna understand how it should sound and how the songs should sound So instead of your main focus being looking at your fingers and reading each note incredibly carefully you already have a general idea and you can pick up the paste. Also especially if you’re playing the tenor it’s not exactly ideal to be trying to learn while holding that big thing and it does get pretty tiring when you’re first starting out.
Never played an instrument. But i really wanna start playing the alto saxophone. That's it boys I'm gonna learn to play the alto sax 😎
No no bad idea! You should really play the recorder first. Before playing any band instruments at all it’s really good to play the recorder. The recorder basically gives you the fundamentals of literally any band instrument I guess besides drums. For example if you can play hot cross buns on recorder you can play it on the saxophone as well. if you understand the sound hierarchy of the recorder you will understand it for the saxophone and you’ll pick it up really easily. Your not gonna be struggling holding this big saxophone to find out which key is which and trying to memorize OK This note is for this key. you’re already gonna know it As you learn the functions from the recorder already.
A recorder can cost you about 2 to 5 dollars at the dollar store Or you can get a more higher quality one online for maybe about $20.
You can learn about 2-3 recorder songs in a day or two, Possibly even more and even after a month of playing the recorder you’re good to go.
It’s just some advice And I think this is something that a lot of people need to hear but yes it is certainly possible to just jump to the saxophone but it’s much better if you don’t just jump into it
I wish you good luck
i can't afford either but i love the Tenor
I miss my tenor we had to sell it cause times were tough but I wish i could have gotten better with it. I could play a lot, but I was no where near professional
I have absolutely NO understanding of music theory (yet), so please excuse me if I inevitably get things wrong here: As far as I understood the Video, the two instruments play the same (from a motoric point of view) and have the same notes available to play, yet the Tenor sounds four notes deeper than the Alto. First off: is that assumption correct or did I misunderstand the part about them playing the same?
Because if both instruments have the same notes available, could you maybe play these four Solos on both instruments back to back?
The reason I am asking is that I love both Baker Street and Careless whisper, have a preference for more base-y Power pitched Instruments in general, but also heard a lot of amazing stuff played on an Alto. Hence I am still on the fence which one would be the right choice for me.
Thanks in advance!
please can you do a video also on soprano saxophone (the sound from Kenny G' s saxophone is so unreal)
I have played a alto sax for about a year now and im ready for a tenor. The only problem is im a fragile little boy and can barely cary the alto around in its case so i cant even imagine the tenor.
So, im deciding to buy an alto or a tenor, and I definitely prefer the sound of the tenor. However, im just woried that there are going to be a lack of lessons. To play the tenor, do you play it the exact same as the alto, and it just sounds different, or do you have to play it differently? My favorite songs have plenty of lessons that use an alto, so im just worried that there wont be any lessons for tenor if you have to play it differently
Learn on an alto, graduate to a tenor. I used to play alto, stopped and am currently relearning. I will buy a tenor one day though.
nice lanterns!
I’d say he has more of a tenor voice than an alto.
How can you not want both?
I’m thinking about asking my parents if I can get a tenor for Christmas. I already play the alto and can play pretty well. Is it a good idea for me to get a tenor. From the research I have conducted they share fingerings but I need to know about the other differences and that’s why I’m here.
What tenor brand is that, I might consider buying it!
I always wished that i had a tenor. One day il buy one. My 2 altos sound different. One is about 90 years old and the other 30
I got the Soprano Saxophone. So I prefer the Tenor Saxophone
We temporarily called the alto saxophone just a saxophone and we often called the tenor saxophone just a saxophone.