Can you self teach saxophone?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 20, 2026
You CAN teach yourself saxophone, yes, but without some kind of help it will be difficult and time consuming. You can access online saxophone lessons at any time of the day or night that suits you. If you don't feel like playing today, then don't.
How hard is it to teach yourself the saxophone?
How Easy Is It To Start Learning Saxophone? In terms of learning the saxophone, it's one of the easiest instruments. What is this? The scales run up and down the keys, making it perfect for beginners or people who are switching from the piano or other woodwind instruments with similar technique.
Is it easy to self learn saxophone?
Like many instruments, the saxophone isn't too difficult to begin playing but challenging to master. Many people say that it's easy to make a sound on the saxophone but harder to make a good sound. However, self-discipline and a few other tips can make all the difference and have you playing like a pro in no time!
How long does it take to learn the saxophone?
Realistically, playing the sax should take between six months to a year to really learn. That means maintaining the skill long after you have stopped playing regularly. However, once you start, you won't want to stop.
Is it too late to learn saxophone?
It is NEVER too late to learn how to play the saxophone. I have a few students who are over the age of 70. One of these students has never ever had anything to do with playing music in her entire life. She has wanted to learn saxophone for the last 60 years and finally has summoned up the courage to start.
33 related questions foundIs saxophone harder than guitar?
They are both equally "hard" to play. I would say masters of both instruments have a similar level of skill. Don't forget though that a guitar player has a whole load of substitutions and passing chords that come in to play a lot earlier on when playing jazz, not at all easy.
How much is a saxophone for beginners?
Beginner saxophones usually range in cost from $800 to $2,700. Intermediate, or step-up saxophones usually range in cost $2,000 to $3,000 and entry level pro saxophones (still largely played by advanced students) around $3,000 and up.
Can you play the saxophone without reading music?
The saxophone is actually fairly playable without learning how to read music, and more than a few famous players (including some trumpet players) made careers without learning to read properly.
How can I practice my sax quietly?
Tuck your lower lip over your bottom teeth and raise your tongue to reduce airflow for a softer sound. You can take in less mouthpiece to lower the volume of your sound. The position of your mouth will reduce the gap between the reed and mouthpiece, which will lower the volume of your playing.
Is saxophone good for your lungs?
Sept. 7, 2010— -- That saxophone player can sure play the blues, but his instrument may be getting green. Brass musicians may unknowingly inhale mold and bacteria from their instruments, which may lead to the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), according to a study published today in Chest magazine.
What's a good beginner saxophone?
The alto saxophone is by far far the most popular choice when it comes to learning saxophone – especially for younger players who might find the tenor too heavy.
Are there Tabs for saxophone?
Tablature is not used for anything other than fretted string instruments. Any professional sax player will look at you like you have six heads if you ask them about sax tabs. Tablature was created for fretted string instruments, and nothing else.
Can anyone play the saxophone?
It is not hard to play the saxophone compared to other wind instruments. Most beginners can get a sound out of the saxophone on their first try with proper instruction. Starting out with quality equipment and a teacher who specializes in the saxophone can make learning easier.
Can you learn the saxophone online?
The online saxophone lessons are structured as Three months, six months, and one-year lessons. Students can enroll for the basic lessons, intermediate or the advanced online saxophone lessons. What is this? Udemy provides a platform for experienced saxophone players to teach students from all over the world.
What do you need to play saxophone?
Essential Saxophone Accessories for Beginners
- Reeds.
- Mouthpiece.
- Cork Grease.
- Neck Strap.
- Sturdy Case.
- Metronome.
- Music Stands.
- Cleaning Supplies.
What's the easiest instrument to play?
The 11 Easiest Musical Instruments to Learn
- Keyboard. ...
- Castanets. ...
- Harmonica. ...
- DJ Controller. ...
- The Harp. ...
- Drums. ...
- Guitar. ...
- Ukulele. The ukulele is one of the most popular instruments for people to start with.
Is tenor or alto sax better?
Beyond the aesthetics, the size of the two instruments makes a difference in the notes that they produce. Since the alto sax is smaller, its notes are higher and brighter than those of the tenor sax. The tenor sax produces a mellow, rich, and deep sound.
What is the hardest instrument to play?
The 7 hardest instruments to learn, play, and master
- Oboe. Even if you don't think you know what an oboe sounds like, you've heard it more than you realize. ...
- Violin. ...
- French horn. ...
- Piano. ...
- Hammond organ. ...
- Drums. ...
- Accordion. ...
- 3 reasons learning ukulele is hard (or easy) + FAQ.
Does singing help with saxophone?
Registered. Singing might help your ear and maybe help you play in tune better. If you're learning solfege in choir that could be of some benefit. It won't hurt, but it won't help your technique (fingers, embouchure etc) very much.
How many keys are on a saxophone?
Saxophones can have a different number of keys. There are around 21 standard keys found on every saxophone and a few extra keys that some models may use. Whether your saxophone has 20 or 23 keys, it can still make lovely music!
Should I learn saxophone or trumpet?
The saxophone is widely considered easier to play. Although it requires special skills to expertly master its woodwind mouthpiece and has more keys, it usually needs less effort to produce on-pitch sounds. The trumpet requires more difficult mouth and lip positions to produce different notes.