How to Play the Saxophone - Free Lessons and Video Instruction
Beginning Topics:
- Putting together the sax, reed, mouthpiece, etc.
- How to swab and clean your saxophone
- Adjusting the sax & neck strap for comfort & control
- Suction test of reed & mouthpiece
- Making your first sounds
- Mouth shape (embouchure)
- Tongue & articulation technique
- Power breathing (diaphragm breathing)
Intermediate & Advanced Topics:
Pitch Bend and Vibrato
Rulon Brown shares his “Wah Wah” sax exercise to improve tone, flexibility, vibrato, scoops, bends, falls and more.
A Beginner's Guide to Tone Production
Download this PDF on Tone Production.
Check out this video from Alexia Perez on a beginner's approach to Tone Production.
SAXOPHONE EMBOUCHURE: CLASSICAL VS. JAZZ
Dr. Wally describes the three functions of the saxophone embouchure!
ALTISSIMO
Download this great Altissimo Fingering chart for saxophone
Then watch these two Lessons about how to play saxophone altissimo, by Key Leaves Artist Emma McPhilemy
Lesson #1
Lesson #2
Marc Russo is AWESOME and definitely one of our favorite sax heroes. Check out what Marc has to say about overtones, altissimo, growling and more.
Slap Tongue - How to play slap tonguing on the saxophone
Derek Brown is a world leader in the advanced technique of slap tonguing and his youtube channel this and other great tutorials.
How to Slap Tongue on Sax - Taught by Emma McPhilemy
Harvey Pittel about the saxophone teachings of Joe Allard. Allard deeply inspired many sax players and we think every serious student should at least be familiar with the Joe Allard approach to the saxophone.
Low Bb/B Speed Trick by Derek | Sax Spy