The saxophone is a truly magical instrument. Perhaps it can be called one of the most important musical discoveries of the 19th century. How much beautiful jazz and classical music has been performed over the years on this wonderful instrument created by Adolf Sachs! It is simply impossible to be indifferent to saxophone music. If you decide to master this wonderful instrument too, then before you start learning some tips that will help you learn how to properly handle the saxophone.
Instructions
Step 1
Decide on a saxophone: The sound characteristics of saxophones are not the same. The sopranino saxophone in E flat is very good. This is the highest variety of saxophone and it gives a very good sound similar to that of a small clarinet. The alto saxophone in E flat has a very expressive and noble sound. Perhaps, this saxophone contains all the best characteristics that are in the family of saxophones, but the baritone saxophone in E flat is not very convenient due to its size and inconvenience when playing.
Step 2
Learn the correct breathing technique for playing the saxophone. Correct breathing is incredibly important to playing the instrument well. One might even say that the main instrument is not the saxophone itself, but the breath. When playing the saxophone, abdominal breathing is used, in which the abdominal muscles bulge forward when inhaling. Breathing involves the diaphragm, which is active during inhalation, and the abdominal muscles, which are active during exhalation. During your normal breathing, the abdominal muscles are not involved, but here their work is necessary for the correct sound extraction.
Step 3
In order to master the breathing technique, perform special exercises. Stand up, fully straighten, take a sharp breath so that the abdominal muscles come forward. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Control the force of exhalation with your palm - bring it to your lips and make sure that the air comes out in a thin elastic stream.
Step 4
Familiarize yourself with the basic techniques of playing the saxophone. The so-called Glissando game is very popular. This kind of play is acceptable in two cases: the first is at long intervals of play, in this case, the play is carried out with the help of the valves with relaxed lips, the second is on one note, in this case the play is carried out only with the lips.
Step 5
The "Sound Click" or Slap-tongue technique is also popular. With this technique, the instrument's reed is clamped by the middle part of the tongue, and when the musician sends a stream of air into the instrument, the tongue is taken away from the reed.
Step 6
There is a rather interesting technique called "Laughter". With this game, the usual aspiration of "fa" or "ha" is made in those places where it is noted in the notes. After you have mastered the theoretical part, you can proceed directly to learning. I wish you success!
