The Tenor Saxophone

The tenor saxophone is one of the most widely used saxophones today. The other most often used is the alto saxophone. The baritone and soprano are also popular but in no way are they as popular as alto and tenor saxophones.

tenor saxophone

Speak about Jazz music and mention must be made of this saxophone. In fact most times when people think of Jazz music they think of the tenor sax. It is popularly believed to be the signature instrument of modern Jazz, just as the guitar is to country. Many people don't differentiate between a regular saxophone instrumental, and a Jazz track in which the tenor is the solo instrument.

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One of the first important tenor saxophonists in Jazz was Coleman Hawkins.

It's as if Adolphe Sax invented the sax just for him. John Coltrane was one of the most influential, along with Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins.

The tenor saxophone is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of B-Flat. So when a player plays C on the instrument the sound that is produced is not the note C, but B-Flat. The instrument is very popular in ensembles such as marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, and even symphony orchestras.

Most students learn to play the saxophone on the alto. Many of them later switch to tenor. If you're a student who wants to learn how to play saxophone, this is probably the way to go. Switching from alto to tenor is not difficult. Both instruments use the same fingerings. The tenor is larger than the alto saxophone, so a slightly larger mouthpiece, ligature and reed are needed. It is the fifth in the saxophone family. From smallest (highest) to largest (lowest), they are: sopranissimo, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass, and subcontrabass.


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    Conn 10M Tenor sax 
    Hello, I have a Conn Sax that I've had for 30 plus years now. I've contemplated giving it to a friend's sone who plays numerous instruments, but am …

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    Does anyone know the notes for sade smooth operator for tenor saxophone?

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    Saw a used Holton Tenor at a local music shop. Need to look up serial # but was told it is an early 60's model owned by a local jazz musician. The instrument …

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    I have been playing a 1932 buescher tenor (re-laquered) for the past 18 years. I play trad.jazz/bossa/trad.rock n roll/ pop/funk/ and everything inbetween. …

    Majestic Tenor Saxophone? Not rated yet
    i've had my tenor since 1970, got it used (6th grade). stamped "Majestic", made in italy. Is it 'Rampone & Cazanni'? what can you tell me?

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