Saxophone: Exploring One of the Most Distinctive Musical Instrument 

The saxophone is one of the most beautiful and unique musical instruments which was built in 1846. It is named after the creator of the instrument Adolphe Sax. This dynamic musical instrument was originally created as a piece of classical music and military bands. However, its wide use in music made it a part of different musical genres Jonas like Jazz and, blues as well as avant-garde works. It is considered a woodwind musical instrument even though its material says that it could be a part of the brass family. While many are in doubt, the saxophone has always thrived through years of musical practice and development and has become an instrument that is used in almost every music genre. Let’s find out why there is confusion.

Why a Saxophone is Considered a Woodwind Musical Instrument?

Considering the instrument is made of brass, it is only common for people to categorize it as a part of the brass family. However, it is a part of the Woodwind Family. Musical instruments are not named or identified based on what material they are made of, but rather what kind of sound they produce. Some of the other examples of woodwind instruments are piccolo, clarinet, bassoon, and different types of flutes. It is a conical bore instrument that helps to create a rich yet mellow sound. Usually, brass instruments create a sympathetic vibration of air which region in sympathy along with the lips of the musician. Woodwind instruments on the other hand are capable of producing shard sounds with the exhaled air stream. Saxophones are capable of producing warmer sounds that touch the hearts of the listeners. However, there are different types of Sax and each of them has individuality. The most common types are, 

    • Bass

    • Tubax

    • Sopranino

    • Mezzo Soprano

    • C Melody

    • Connosax

    • Slide Saxophone

    • Contrabass

    • Saxello

    • Sopranissimo

    • Subcontrabass

However, the playing techniques of the instrument can differ from one saxophonist to another. 

Important Playing Techniques for Saxophone 

The playing techniques might differ from one person to another but the styles are mainly based on two main techniques. There are other key factors like culture, musical genre, style of instrument, style of the sax player, and many others. Learning to play this instrument might take a person very long or very short, based on their skills. There are a few things to keep in mind such as how to hold the instruments, learn how each key works, how the airstream goes, and how embouchure is formed. In a nutshell, you need to know the physics behind the instrument to play it like a well-versed saxophonist.

Growling is such an extended technique that is utilized by many saxophonists. In this case, the player hums or growls at the back of their throat and the raspy essence amplifies through Saxophone, offering a rich and enjoyable sound. Similarly, Glissandro is a well-used technique where the sax player utilizes the method of voicing in order to create an ethereal essence. The manipulation allows to shift by changing the finger notes from one to another. There is another technique called multiphonics, where two different tones are simultaneously used to create something unique, new, and engaging. Only a few sax players have mastered this technique. 

If you want some percussion like essence with a pop, Slap tonguing is the technique you need to know. In this case, the saxophonist creates a slapping sound with their tongue on the reed of the sax. Similarly, there is another technique called Flutter tonguing which helps to create a rolling ‘rr’ sound. Last but not least, there are breathe tones that offer a breezy effect. 

Some of the Notable Saxophone Players in the Modern Era

Even though legendary Saxophonists are timeless, their works have inspired the modern era to work on something and come up with something new. 

    • Angella Christie

    • Branford Marsalis

    • Aakash Mittal

    • Wayne Shorter

    • Sonny Rawlins

    • Mindi Abair

    • Nelson Devereaux

    • Sunny Rollins

    • Christopher Blossom

    • Coleman Hawkins

    • Edith Lettner

    • Kadri Gopalnath

    • Kenny G

    • Rudresh Mahanthappa

    • Vi Redd