Any Sax Players here?

[Caractacus]

Hi All,

As mad as it sounds, I want to learn to play the Saxophone. Mad? Yes. I have never learnt to play anything ('cept the fool).

I can't read music. I can read though. Just.

So...where the hell to start? Type of Sax? Online tutorials, 1 2 1 lessons???

Any advice appreciated (apart from give up now...I'm hell bent on learning).

TIA :-)

C.

[rednotdead]

Lessons. Prevents all sorts of bad habits forming.

Don't skimp on a good mouthpiece and reeds. Tenor probably easiest to start with, or Alto. Soprano more difficult, Baritone not that popular.

Practice, practice and practice.

[Big_Dog]

You can only play one note at a time. How hard can it be.
Alto is probably easiest. Alto is in Eb and Tenor Bb.
Relatively easy to get a tune out of and therefore quite rewarding to learn to play.
They are available to hire at reasonable prices. I used http://www.uksaxhire.co.uk/ when I started and if you can get to Reading then Richard will throw in a lesson to get you going.
I would suggest you start with a decent sax. Can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

[Caractacus]

Guys, thanks very much for your input. It's much appreciated.
All the best,
C. and as time goes by, more notes!

[rich83]

Where are you based?

[Caractacus]

rich83 said:

Where are you based?

Hi Rich.

Between Welshpool and Shrewsbury.

Cheers,

C

[rich83]

Cant say I know any sax players/teachers around there

[Elderly]

Caractacus said:

Any advice appreciated (apart from give up now...I'm hell bent on learning).

Make sure you live in a detached house!

We lived in an end of terrace in London and a new neighbour decided to learn
the sax. After a few days of 'Summertime' coming through the wall, I could take it no longer.
I invited a friend who was an excellent saxophonist to come and play at ours for an hour or so
and after that, the person next door never played again,

Edited by Elderly on Wednesday 10th September 12:05