Saxophones

The saxophone is a rewarding instrument that is featured in all kinds of music. A sax player can create a breathy moody saxophone sound or a harder growling rock saxophone sound. The different sax styles are created by using different playing techniques, especially the way the saxophone reed is controlled, and also by using different types of saxophones. The smallest saxophone is the sopranissimo or soprillo, followed by the sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass, and the largest is the subcontrabass.

By far the most frequently used saxophones are the soprano sax, the alto sax and the tenor sax. Most beginner saxophone players start with either the soprano saxophone or the alto saxophone. The soprano sax is slightly smaller and a little easier to handle than the alto. The soprano is able to play higher notes than the alto (Kenny G is a soprano sax player) while the alto can play lower notes than the soprano. The alto sax is probably slightly more versatile, although it is larger to handle.