Different TYPES of SAXOPHONE that exist

The wind instruments They have the quality of being interpreted by breathing, that is why we find great similarity in their sound and interpretation sensitivity with the human voice. One of these, the saxophone, has been chosen by various musicians throughout history, creating wonders and influencing history to come. Thanks to this, today it is an easy to recognize instrument. In this lesson from a TEACHER we will talk about this melodious instrument and its family, the types of saxophone.

The saxophone is a musical instrument of the woodwind category, since although most of the instrument is metallic, the part in charge of producing the sound (the "reed") is made of wood. It was invented in the 1840s by Adolph Sax (hence its name). The saxophone is played in an upright position, attached to the performer's neck so that he can play it with both hands. It can be played while standing or sitting and is made primarily of a metal called "brass".

The saxophone is a versatile instrument, its sound is warm and has wide nuances in volume, allowing it to be played in various musical genres

from pop to jazz, funk and Latin genres. It can also be performed as a soloist, as well as in small or large groups.

Being a wind instrument, the saxophone works by means of the wind that the musician inserts in him and thanks to the vibration of the air that collides with the parts of him, inside his body. It has holes that have keys, mechanisms operated with the instrumentalist's fingers to cover or release the holes and thus alter the passage of the wind and change the notes.

The saxophone has a reed-powered mouthpiece, which is where the musician blows. The sound is expelled through a hole in the end of the instrument, which is shaped like a bell. In this other lesson we will discover all the saxophone parts so that you get to know this musical instrument better.

All types of saxophone work under the same concept and are made of the same materialss. For the most part, they share the same parts or pieces. The main difference lies in the tessitura and register that they have the ability to interpret and this is achieved thanks to the variations in size and shape. The most common types of saxophone are the following:

Soprano saxophone

This is one of a kind of saxophone. Unlike most saxophones, the baritone saxophone is straight in shape. It is the highest of its family, it is in the key of B flat and it is an octave higher than the alto saxophone. Historically the soprano saxophone has become more popular in the jazz genre.

Notable musicians who have played this type of saxophone: Sidney Bechet, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Kenny G, and Dave Koz among others.

Alto saxophone

It has a “J” shape, like most saxophones. It is in the key of E flat, one octave higher than the baritone saxophone. Of the saxophones it is one of the most common, it is easy to transport and an easier to play in contrast to some. He had a wide influence on the BeBop genre, being played by Charlie Parker.

Tenor saxophone

It is another of the main types of saxophone. It has the same shape as the alto saxophone but is larger in size, therefore its sound is also lower. It is in the key of B flat. Its neck is longer compared to the alto saxophone, so it is more prone to damage. Many saxophonists alternate between this and the alto saxophoneas they have the same fingerings. However, the tenor saxophone is a bit more difficult to play as it requires better breathing control.

Notable musicians who have played this type of saxophone: Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins among others.

Baritone saxophone

It is the largest and heaviest of the common saxophones, it is found in E flat. Apart from the size, it differs by having a fold in the upper part of the instrument, which connects with the mouthpiece. It is also very delicate as its parts are prone to breakdown.

Musicians who have played this type of saxophone: Pepper Adams, Gerry Mulligan, John Surman and Harry Carney among others.

Less common saxophone types

Among the less common types we find mezzo-soprano, alto and sopranissimo saxophone. Also, thanks to technology, now not only do traditional saxophones exist but a electronic saxophone, which allows saxophonists to play their instrument and record their notes on the computer. This is very useful for simulating the sound of a saxophone directly in digital sound editing programs.

Since you know about saxophones and their different variants, you may have been left wondering to know even more or even learn to play some of them. Fortunately, it is an easily accessible instrument and you can find them in various music stores.