Playing the SAX - its easier than you think !

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.

Reading Music

It doesn’t matter if you can’t read music. Most teaching systems teach you the written notes one at a time as they show you how to play the note on the sax. This will then be followed by a short exercise using the new note. If you are unsure of the written music you can hear how it should be played on the tape, video, CD and then copy it. This way you will find that very quickly you will learn to read music without ever consciously having a music theory lesson.

Lessons

Modern teaching systems on tape, video and CD mean that it isn’t essential, but it is always best to have lessons.  Most teachers will advertise in local papers or can be contacted through music shops. Even if you can’t make a regular weekly lesson, make contact with a local teacher for occasional lessons and advice as and when you need it.

The majority of our customers are complete novices who have never played an instrument before and cannot read music. Last year over 90% of our rental customers bought their instruments within 6 months - a sure sign of just how well they were getting on.

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