Beginning the saxophone can feel overwhelming; you’re holding a shiny instrument, your fingers feel like they’re in entirely new places, and that beautiful instrument doesn’t always sound the way you think it will. Truth is: every saxophonist you love sounded like you did when they first started.
Knowing what to do when you begin is the only difference between staying stuck, and actually improving. The more you know from the start, the easier it will be for you (and much more satisfying).
Step 1: Learn the Instrument
You aren’t expected to know any songs at this stage! First, you need to get comfortable with the instrument! How to hold it, how to put it together, and your first tone. This stage is all about getting comfortable. Getting a nice tone is already a huge step for a beginner! Often, people start with songs right away, when they haven’t even played a nice single note. This leads to much frustration.
Step 2: Learn the Notes
You now can start to learn your first notes! With those notes you’ll play almost all songs and exercises. Instead of learning it all in one day, you should take your time and repeat the first few notes! You won’t be memorizing them quickly, you need to practice and repeat to develop your muscle memory.
Progress might be slow at this stage, but you’re starting to get real control of the saxophone now!
Step 3: Learn the Rhythm
Many people think saxophone is about learning notes, but it’s the rhythm that makes the music! Even simple things, like clapping rhythms or just playing along to the track (no saxophone!) help with this. Rhythm training is very important, and as soon as you start to get it, you will start to make more progress with your playing. Improvising, playing songs, and more all depends on your rhythm!
Step 4: Play Melodies!
You can start playing songs when you know a couple of notes, and have a good rhythm. Simple melodies are important because you’re learning how to play music and not just notes!
At this point you’ll start having more fun, because you’re no longer stuck in a loop of the same notes. You’ll start hearing real songs and be able to play them!
Step 5: Build a Good Routine
As a beginner, the hardest thing isn’t the music, it’s practicing. A short daily routine is far more effective than long, rare practice sessions.
A good beginner practice is:
- 5 to 10 minutes of tone practice,
- 10 minutes of basic notes,
- 10 minutes of simple melodies or exercises!
Your practice should be balanced with different areas. Otherwise you’ll just focus on some parts that you like, and neglect others!
To Finish
Playing saxophone is just about knowing where to start! If you know what you need to practice and why you’re practicing it, then you have a direction to start making progress with the saxophone! Every pro once played those same notes. The only difference is they kept playing them long enough to hear the results!