Get Playing NOW !!!!!

As with any instrument it can take years to become a really good saxophone player. However its one of the easiest instruments to get started on and most people have great fun playing tunes within a very short time. The basic fingering is very similar to the standard school recorder and the natural playing position is very comfortable. Don’t be put off by the complicated look of the mechanics - IT’S FAR EASIER THAN IT LOOKS!

Unlike a recorder or clarinet the sax has pads to cover and seal every hole so it is very forgiving if you are a little inaccurate at first. Unlike guitar or violin most adult size hands fall naturally in to the correct position without feeling the need to have double jointed wrists! Unlike the keyboard there is hardly any finger stretching on the saxophone. Unlike the trumpet you do not have to produce an initial sound and then adjust your mouth to produce other sounds. On sax you simply blow air over the reed which is attached to the mouthpiece and then use your fingers to produce the notes.

The Mouthpiece and Reeds
It takes a little while to get used to the mouthpiece and build up your lip muscles. This is called the embouchure. Everyone can blow a sax but initially your mouth aches after just a short time. Regular practice soon builds up your embouchure and you can then play for longer periods. Life is made easier at first by using soft reeds which are easy to blow but give a thinner tone. Moistening the reed by sucking it for at least 30 seconds makes it much easier to play and prevents unwanted squeaks. Most people start on a one and a half strength reed and soon progress up to a number two. Reeds then continue up in half steps to produce more volume and a stronger tone. It is good to move up to harder reeds as soon as possible, but not so soon that it cuts down on your ability to practice properly. The quality of reeds, even within the same box can vary greatly so if you are struggling to get a good sound, try another reed. Beware that the strength of reed varies between different makes, even though they have the same numbers.

 The Saxophone.
Try to avoid getting a relative to buy you a sax on Ebay for £60 it wont be very good and could even be totally useless. By useless I mean it plays out of tune and then you just cant use it in the band. Go to a good shop and get them to recommend one to you for the budget you have. You dont need to spend a fortune. A good secondhand one would set uo back £250-£300.

What saxophone should I chose