Getting Your First Sound On The Saxophone!

Congratulations! You’ve decided to play the saxophone - one of the coolest sounding instruments out there. Although it doesn’t always sound so great right away. Not to worry.

This lesson covers the three steps you need to get your first sounds.

Of course, it helps to put the instrument together correctly. Here’s a great video from my friends at Paul Effman Music that demonstrates how to assemble the sax.

Now to make a sound! I’ll be using just the neck and mouthpiece for these first steps.

Step 1. Double check your equipment!

Tip: Always gently twist back and forth to assemble saxophone parts. Never slam, jam or punch it! If your mouthpiece refuses to go on the neck cork easily, you may need to apply a small amount of cork grease.

Tip: And when it comes putting on the ligature, slide it over the narrow tip of the mouthpiece and reed, keeping the screws on the right hand side .

Step 2. Learn How to Make the Saxophone Face

TIP: Practice your saxophone face in front of a mirror.

Step 3. Make Some Noise

Tip: Hold the neck close to the mouthpiece, but be careful not to move the small lever mechanism on top of the neck. Moving it will uncover a small vent, and you’ll get a much different sound!