Learn and Practice Saxophone

New to saxophone? Start by learning how to make your first sound and play a few notes. Then work on a clear tone, fix squeaks, and practice with free interactive tools. Everything here works for alto, tenor, and bari.

Practice in the Woodwind Trainer

Speed Match
See a note, pick its fingering from four choices.Start
Key Builder
See a note, press the keys to build its fingering.Start
Play the Note
See a note, play it on your instrument. Uses your microphone.Start
Scales
Play a whole scale in order, up and back down, by fingering.Start
Practice Reading NotesGet faster at recognizing notes on the staff. Opens in treble clef.
Charts and sight-reading
Alto sax sight-reading
Play along and see what was right
Alto sax fingering chart
Lowest to highest, with alternates
Alto sax scale sheet
12 major scales and chromatic, printable
Tools
Tuner
Uses your microphone
Drone
Tune by ear
Transposer
Concert ↔ written
Metronome
30 to 240 BPM

Start here

WoodwindsHow to make your first sound on saxophoneLearn how to make your first sound on saxophone.WoodwindsSaxophone fingering chart: beginner notes and full referenceLearn the fingerings for your first notes on alto, tenor, or bari.WoodwindsHow to get a better sound on saxophoneSteady air and embouchure checks for a clear tone.WoodwindsWhy your saxophone squeaks and how to fix itFind what causes a squeak and fix it.

What should I practice first?

  1. 01Adjust your neck strap so the mouthpiece meets your mouth, then make a steady sound on B, A, and G. Keep sessions short at first.
  2. 02Learn the fingerings for your first few notes, then practice them in Woodwind Trainer.
  3. 03Play those notes in simple rhythms, like four quarter notes on each one.
  4. 04Once you can play a few steady notes, try matching your pitch with the tuner or drone. Your tone will keep improving a little at a time.

More to explore

For developing playersWhen do you press the octave key on saxophone?Know when to press the octave key and cross from C♯ to D smoothly.Band skillsConcert pitch and transposing instruments, explainedWhy your C sounds like a different note on piano.Reading notesTreble clef lines and spaces, and faster ways to read themRead the notes in your music faster.Band skillsPlaying in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchHear and fix notes that are sharp or flat.WoodwindsBreathing exercises for woodwind playersBreathing exercises for steadier air and longer phrases.

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