That's when a person knows what they're talking about, can teach it, and puts in the hard work to pass on their knowledge selflessly. The video is very valuable, but more valuable is the person who made it.
After 50+ years I have decided to pick up the alto sax once again. Retirement deems the necessity of doing something worthwhile and enjoyable with your time-I played the sax in jr high and high school and enjoyed my time with the instrument. So, for Valentine's Day this year my sweetie bought me a Selmer SAS301, not quite a beginner student horn, but a 1/2 step up maybe. Anyway, I have come across your video to help me refresh the skills I have probably long since forgotten. It is said, this is like riding a bicycle- to will come back to you once you get started-and it is starting to do just that. Thank you for your willingness to walk through getting to know the sax, getting started with the sax, and thoroughness in the instruction.
Hi. I wish you every success as you get back into playing the saxophone. There are so many great channels now that it is easier than ever to learn the saxophone. Thanks for the comment.
I am going to have a go at 64 years of age. I play other instruments but after three days I am still not getting any great sounds . However, having just watched this tutorial for the first time I can say I now have fresh hope. This is the best introductory breakdown lesson I have seen. Thank You so much. Tony from Liverpool.
this helps break down steps and tips! i have been playing flute for 2 years during middle school and i am deciding to play alto sax for jazz band this year (aka my freshman year) so far its very fun to play! the fingerings are very similar to the flute so that makes it so much easier!
My God, what an awesome video, I’m retaking the saxophone after 20 years and I have forgotten everything. You going to the very basics definitely helped me remembering what I’d learned years ago. Thank you
Hello from Rwanda! It was my birthday yesterday and I bought an alto sax. I was a trumpet player in my teens and I'm a piano tuner now, but the sax is completely new to me. This video was absolutely brilliant. Loved having so much information in one place, and really clearly explained. Thanks so much!
You are a great teacher. I'm an exciting newbie at 61 age. Purchased an alto saxaphone just before one week. And watching your videos with pleasure and learning much. Thank you!
I had a saxophone for years,was getting better,but convit19 set me back, haven't practice since than, trying to get back into it, I'm 71 been playing congas 🪘all my life, wanted to play another instrument 🎷,so I'm starting over Thanks this is .helpful
35 here, just bought my first alto sax. I've been playing guitar for more then 20 years, but always also wanted to play sax. Let's go, can't wait for it to arrive :). If you have some tips for us newbies, please share!
@@jamesdarylthomas3684 just this, never give up! You will always be fine. Hug your horn. It’s best friend . Listen the cats too much they will inspire you good luck 👍
I just started playing saxophone and your video was the best I found so far, I started late I'm 66 years old and this video help me a lot thank you and keep teaching looking forward for all your videos,😎😎👍
Such a great video. You are a wonderful teacher. I know nothing about the Saxophone at the beginning of this video by the end I feel feel like a professional sax player. Of course I still sound like trash but I look great. 😂😀
Thank you, so very helpful. Absolutely Brilliant, everything l have been asking my self has been answered. Condensation ! Who knew ! Caring for the mouthpiece ? Mould on reeds 😳omg ! Ive learnt soooo much, l will have to revisit this video a few more times… Thank you sooo much.
This video is amazing!!! I just got a saxophone and you literally answered every single question I have. I am no longer scared of it, because I know what to do! Thank you :)
New Saxophone player here! Thank you SO much for this video! I've been struggling with tonguing the reed since it was introduced to me during my last lesson, but now things are going smooth doing it in your method.
Brother, a million thank you for your time, calmness and generosity for sharing your knowledge and love for the sax. I think all Kens are service oriented😄
I'm a new beginner. I'm so glad to come across your video. Super comprehensive, super useful. Gives me enough knowledge to have the confidence to start and even maintain the saxophone in good condition. Super valuable video. Thank you
Thanks so much man, you really delivered a great teaching here and was all I needed to know right now that I've bought my first sax yesterday, now all my initial doubts are gone, even some points that I wasn't aware of so thanks a lot and wish you the best.
Wow what a great video! This is not only for beginners but it is for people playing for awhile. Thank you for such comprehensive information about playing the saxophone. I’ve been playing for a long time and you showed me things that I have never known. 👍
I just want to say thank you. Your video was classic. I learned a lot today and it is just day two. You are an excellent teacher. Saving this for future purposes. God bless you.
I am a complete beginner and have been looking through every video and beginner series I could find that would answer all of the questions I have had and also new questions that kept coming up. Happily, I came across your video which is complete for me as a total beginner, and you have answers to all of my questions, and more. I want to thank you for sharing and teaching and imparting the confidence to learn and play the saxophone. I have always wanted to play, and you have given me a good start and direction on my alto sax. I am looking forward to more videos from you. You are a great communicator and teacher.
Thanks for asking. The learning is going great. The biggest stumbling block for me was learning how to get used to the reed. How to get my mouth used to holding it for any amount of time to play on it without making my lip sore. I thought I could start out on a 2 1/2 strength, but for me I had to order some 1 1/2 strength and start building my embouchure without hurting myself. I've been using D'addario 1 1/2 royals (as well as D'addario 1 1/2 ricos) and I like the royals and I am still playing on them until I feel I have outgrown them. I am practicing scales C, D, F, & G, which I can play while reading them, and I am learning to commit them to memory while building muscle memory to finger them on the sax as to where the sharps and flat keys are located so I can play smoothly without fumbling for them. I am able to play songs because of learning the scales but I am focusing on the scales and fingering and embouchure. I love the sax and what I have learned so far. So, yes I would say you can learn the sax in 2 months, it's the playing like you want to that takes patience and practice, and that's where I am and really enjoying it. Good luck and happy saxing.@@greenLungs-
@@frankdittmer8540 that’s great! I was just wondering because I was seeing if I could catch up with the band before I join them in the freshman year (middle school band for us is 7/8 grades, so only 2 years behind, even then, they really just practice for their concerts) so I’ve been seeing if it’s possible, I have 5? Months, so I go from there
@@greenLungs- Yes! I know you will do really well because you are already setting goals and you have the desire to continue to reach them. That will keep you practicing and motivated on your sax journey. Let me know how you do. 🎷🎶
Thank you so much - one can see you love to play, and the details are really helping med understand. Feels like one is there with you in the room. Thank you!
Useful information! I try to play Xaphoon and Clariphone - and there’s always something new to learn. However - I’ve just started with digital saxaphones and that’s going to be a period of ‘swings and roundabouts’ as I get used to the mechanics!
thank you for all this very interesting information... I'm picking up the saxophone again after years of stopping! and getting back into it, reading the notes, finding your bearings is not so simple! And your video really helped me and reminded me of the right basics! On the other hand, I'm French and I'm not used to reading notes with letters hahaha and then, too bad you didn't give us a little demonstration of your muscical playing ;-)
Hi. Thanks for the comment. I am just like you. I'm trying to learn how to play the saxophone better while making videos during the process. I have lots of intonation problems with my horn and need to get it overhauled this year or buy a new one. Thanks for watching and happy new year.
At least someone who explains what every beginner would like to know. I started playing 3 years ago, but have been questioning things no one really explained. I wish I had seen this earlier. It's answered some things I wasn't too sure about. But I still have a question which I can't find the answer anywhere. And when I asked a few sax players, everyone seem to be surprised and I got no answer. I know we leave saliva moisture in the saxophone when we play. But why is my left hand's middle finger and index getting wet about 10 minutes that I start practicing? Is this normal? Where is the moisture exiting the sax from? Thanks for that.
Hi. The moisture comes out of the tone holes. The warm air makes contact with the cold metal saxophone and causes condensation which runs down inside of the saxophone. It gets in the tone holes and as we open and close the keys, the moisture is flicked on the outside of the saxophone. Sometimes when I practice everything is fine but at other times my fingers get wet. Sometimes after a long practice when I turn my saxophone upside down and lot of liquid runs out of the bell. Sometimes when I clean my saxophone after a practice there are droplets of liquid on the body of the saxophone. If you hold your saxophone so it's leaning into the body the moisture will run towards the tone holes but if you hold it more straight or away from the body less will flow to the tone holes. Maybe try to hold the saxophone at a different angle. There are other factors such as how you blow into the saxophone and some people's breath may have more moisture. Probably practice for 10mins so that the saxophone warms up then give it a wipe down and it should be fine since the saxophone is no longer cold. This is just my opinion but I know others experience wet fingers so you are not the only one. Thanks.
@@Saxcomprehensive I didn’t realize the cold sax could be the cause and it makes sense. I will also try hold the sax differently apart from warming the sax by playing 10min. I seem to have a wet mouth when playing so there will be more to control but it’s making sense now. You have confirmed so many things in this video as well of what to watch for. Like something you said which made me realize why I am having my right hand’s thumb knuckle hurting with I didn’t even think ‘could’ be caused by how I hold my new tenor. You are amazing, thanks for everything. Jacques
Thank you. Just wondered about the condensation - maybe place packets of silica gel (or even cat litter inside stockings) inside the bell to soak up condensation.
Hi. Anything placed in the bell will muffle the sound and change the intonation. Condensation is something that we just need to put up with. We just need to remember to swab out the saxophone after every practice session to reduce the pads sticking. Also not to leave pad savers in saxophone for a long time. All the great players have to deal with condensation, so I guess we should be able. Thanks
@@exwhyz33 Sure. There are lots of products designed to do that. There are 2 pad savers for the body of the sax and another for the neck. Keyleaves have spit sponges and other products to keep the keys open when drying. Lots of people rate these products but personally using a good swab and leaving the saxophone out to air dry works fine. Thanks for the comment.
That's when a person knows what they're talking about, can teach it, and puts in the hard work to pass on their knowledge selflessly. The video is very valuable, but more valuable is the person who made it.
Best beginner lessons by a mile. This is the way to teach adults!!
What a great lesson. So much covered in one lesson with absolutely no fillers and no nonsense. Very practical material. Thank you so much!
After 50+ years I have decided to pick up the alto sax once again. Retirement deems the necessity of doing something worthwhile and enjoyable with your time-I played the sax in jr high and high school and enjoyed my time with the instrument. So, for Valentine's Day this year my sweetie bought me a Selmer SAS301, not quite a beginner student horn, but a 1/2 step up maybe. Anyway, I have come across your video to help me refresh the skills I have probably long since forgotten. It is said, this is like riding a bicycle- to will come back to you once you get started-and it is starting to do just that. Thank you for your willingness to walk through getting to know the sax, getting started with the sax, and thoroughness in the instruction.
Hi. I wish you every success as you get back into playing the saxophone. There are so many great channels now that it is easier than ever to learn the saxophone. Thanks for the comment.
I am going to have a go at 64 years of age. I play other instruments but after three days I am still not getting any great sounds . However, having just watched this tutorial for the first time I can say I now have fresh hope. This is the best introductory breakdown lesson I have seen. Thank You so much. Tony from Liverpool.
Thank you, thank you, thank you sir.....
this helps break down steps and tips! i have been playing flute for 2 years during middle school and i am deciding to play alto sax for jazz band this year (aka my freshman year) so far its very fun to play! the fingerings are very similar to the flute so that makes it so much easier!
You sir are a wonderful teacher! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! New subscriber! X
Hands down THE most useful and helpful video in RUclips for 🎷 thank you 🙏
My God, what an awesome video, I’m retaking the saxophone after 20 years and I have forgotten everything. You going to the very basics definitely helped me remembering what I’d learned years ago. Thank you
You were very thorough! I’ve been playing the sax 3 years. However, I learned additional things from you. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤
Hello from Rwanda! It was my birthday yesterday and I bought an alto sax. I was a trumpet player in my teens and I'm a piano tuner now, but the sax is completely new to me. This video was absolutely brilliant. Loved having so much information in one place, and really clearly explained. Thanks so much!
You bought yourself a birthday present?? So sad 😢
You are a great teacher. I'm an exciting newbie at 61 age. Purchased an alto saxaphone just before one week. And watching your videos with pleasure and learning much. Thank you!
omg you inspired me, im 25 but too afraid to start coz I thought im too late, but now im motivated coz of you. thank you
@@vendakansya6382Its great age to start. And its great instrument also easy to learn believe me.
I had a saxophone for years,was getting better,but convit19 set me back, haven't practice since than, trying to get back into it, I'm 71 been playing congas 🪘all my life, wanted to play another instrument 🎷,so I'm starting over Thanks this is .helpful
35 here, just bought my first alto sax. I've been playing guitar for more then 20 years, but always also wanted to play sax. Let's go, can't wait for it to arrive :). If you have some tips for us newbies, please share!
@@jamesdarylthomas3684 just this, never give up! You will always be fine. Hug your horn. It’s best friend . Listen the cats too much they will inspire you good luck 👍
I just started playing saxophone and your video was the best I found so far, I started late I'm 66 years old and this video help me a lot thank you and keep teaching looking forward for all your videos,😎😎👍
How’s the playing going? Is it going well, asking to know if I can learn well in about 5 months
Such a great video. You are a wonderful teacher. I know nothing about the Saxophone at the beginning of this video by the end I feel feel like a professional sax player. Of course I still sound like trash but I look great. 😂😀
I am just starting out and learned a lot thank you I appreciate your time you put in this video thank you
You are a great teacher 👍
Excellent explanation
Absolutely fantastic teacher, frankly gifted teacher.many,many thanks Derry M
Awesome video!
Thank you so much for all the details, for explaing the embocure and for actually ecplaining the fingering.
Now it's time for practice!
Thank you, so very helpful. Absolutely Brilliant, everything l have been asking my self has been answered. Condensation ! Who knew ! Caring for the mouthpiece ? Mould on reeds 😳omg ! Ive learnt soooo much, l will have to revisit this video a few more times… Thank you sooo much.
This was COMPREHENSIVE! Thank you! By far the best 101 introduction I've ever seen. I've really benefitted from your knowledge. Thank you again!
This video is amazing!!! I just got a saxophone and you literally answered every single question I have. I am no longer scared of it, because I know what to do! Thank you :)
How’s the saxophone playing going after a month?
I can't stop watching you. Well done. I will keep watching. Thank you.
New Saxophone player here! Thank you SO much for this video! I've been struggling with tonguing the reed since it was introduced to me during my last lesson, but now things are going smooth doing it in your method.
Hope things go smooth for you! 😊
Wondering how your progress is going so far?
This is a super introduction to saxophone for beginners. I teach saxophone to beginners and I always follow this model. Thanks.
This video is so good
Brother, a million thank you for your time, calmness and generosity for sharing your knowledge and love for the sax. I think all Kens are service oriented😄
I just bought mine and I'm going to follow ur instructions 🎉
A thorough and easy to follow and understand video👍….
Im going to watch this, thank you so much.
Thanks
I'm a new beginner. I'm so glad to come across your video. Super comprehensive, super useful. Gives me enough knowledge to have the confidence to start and even maintain the saxophone in good condition. Super valuable video. Thank you
Amazing, thank you.
I’m so happy I found your video! Thank you so much!!!😀
Fantastic information. Thank you so much.
Lots of information thank you, Best all encompassing video I've seen.
This man is fenomenal with all the details explaning..Does anyone could recommend same quality teacher for trumpet?
You have done very good explanations on every small points
This class is detailed with great research,thank you for doing this Sir.
You're a. Excellent teacher
Thanks so much man, you really delivered a great teaching here and was all I needed to know right now that I've bought my first sax yesterday, now all my initial doubts are gone, even some points that I wasn't aware of so thanks a lot and wish you the best.
Great video. Thank you! I am only just starting out with the sax, and this was a tremendous help.
Brilliant video, just started learning the Alto sax
This lesson was fabulous. I’ve been playing 3 weeks. This was great for me. I’m looking forward to your other videos
This is way better than the one on one class that I am taking atm.
Thank you so much. I got mine a week ago so I am very grateful for this information.
Outstanding effort and wisdom to help beginners, thank you!
i wish i knew all of these tips when first starting on sax.. good video!
Wow what a great video! This is not only for beginners but it is for people playing for awhile. Thank you for such comprehensive information about playing the saxophone. I’ve been playing for a long time and you showed me things that I have never known. 👍
I just want to say thank you. Your video was classic. I learned a lot today and it is just day two. You are an excellent teacher. Saving this for future purposes. God bless you.
This was really excellent, thank you. I'm a raw beginner to the saxophone (though not to music) and this was extremely helpful. Again, thank you.
Thank you!
I am a complete beginner and have been looking through every video and beginner series I could find that would answer all of the questions I have had and also new questions that kept coming up. Happily, I came across your video which is complete for me as a total beginner, and you have answers to all of my questions, and more. I want to thank you for sharing and teaching and imparting the confidence to learn and play the saxophone. I have always wanted to play, and you have given me a good start and direction on my alto sax. I am looking forward to more videos from you. You are a great communicator and teacher.
How’s the learning going? Asking so I know if you can learn a sax in 2 months
Thanks for asking. The learning is going great. The biggest stumbling block for me was learning how to get used to the reed. How to get my mouth used to holding it for any amount of time to play on it without making my lip sore. I thought I could start out on a 2 1/2 strength, but for me I had to order some 1 1/2 strength and start building my embouchure without hurting myself. I've been using D'addario 1 1/2 royals (as well as D'addario 1 1/2 ricos) and I like the royals and I am still playing on them until I feel I have outgrown them. I am practicing scales C, D, F, & G, which I can play while reading them, and I am learning to commit them to memory while building muscle memory to finger them on the sax as to where the sharps and flat keys are located so I can play smoothly without fumbling for them. I am able to play songs because of learning the scales but I am focusing on the scales and fingering and embouchure. I love the sax and what I have learned so far. So, yes I would say you can learn the sax in 2 months, it's the playing like you want to that takes patience and practice, and that's where I am and really enjoying it. Good luck and happy saxing.@@greenLungs-
@@frankdittmer8540 that’s great! I was just wondering because I was seeing if I could catch up with the band before I join them in the freshman year (middle school band for us is 7/8 grades, so only 2 years behind, even then, they really just practice for their concerts) so I’ve been seeing if it’s possible, I have 5? Months, so I go from there
@@greenLungs- Yes! I know you will do really well because you are already setting goals and you have the desire to continue to reach them. That will keep you practicing and motivated on your sax journey. Let me know how you do. 🎷🎶
Thanks a lot.
the best out there, thourough and clear to understand. A gift to those trying to learn!
you are a great teacher, thank you for your effort to teach sax to people who loves to learn to play the sax.
the most kind and detailed tutorial for beginners ever i seen. 👍👍 thank you so much!
Thank you are the best I haven’t started yet , but the way you explained all the steps it’s amazing.
Thanks a lot!
Oh my goodness you are very detailed in your demonstrations. Thanks.
Very thorough and in-depth. Thanks for sharing this wealth of knowledge.
best explanations all over youtube ! thanks a lot I suscribe
Thank you very much for this good sir. You are a great teacher.
Thank you so much - one can see you love to play, and the details are really helping med understand. Feels like one is there with you in the room. Thank you!
New sax enthusiast here 😊 And ofcourse a new subscriber 😊 Thanks for your video,I learned so much just for 1 hour. Cant wait for next :) bless you!
Merci pour toute cette pédagogie. Voire différents aspects me permets de corriger plusieurs choses
Brilliantly presented video. I'll be watching this a few times when my new sax arrives next week. Thank you Sir.
Wish I could like this video more than once - very great intro and lots of functional tips. Instant subscribe
Thank you so much!!! I am just going to start learning!! You can imagine how helpful your video is!!!
Fab video, I learnt so much watching this, really well delivered and eay to understand
10/10 video no notes. Amazing and informative.
Wow!!
Excellent information for me as a brand new reed player.
Very clear instructions on the saxophone, many thanks for the videos you share.
I express gratitude and thanks for your RUclips video channel. To which I subscribed immediately ❤❤❤❤❤.
Thank you very much. So much helpful to me. Thanks again.
Useful information! I try to play Xaphoon and Clariphone - and there’s always something new to learn. However - I’ve just started with digital saxaphones and that’s going to be a period of ‘swings and roundabouts’ as I get used to the mechanics!
So much work to make this video possible. Really appreciate it. Thanks a lot
Thanks for this very thorough and easy-to-follow instructional video. You're a good teacher.
Thank you so much for a very comprehensive tutorial.
Congratulations for the content! Every beginner should watch it!
WOOOOOOW IAM A BEGINNER THIS HELPS ME SOOOOO MUCH THANKS .. FROM NOW ILL WATCH ALL YOUR VIDEOS .. I DID SUBCRIBED♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so so much,this will help me big time,blissings to you🙏☺️🪷💚im so happy with this video,this made my day,Thank you again😁🙏
thank you for all this very interesting information... I'm picking up the saxophone again after years of stopping! and getting back into it, reading the notes, finding your bearings is not so simple!
And your video really helped me and reminded me of the right basics!
On the other hand, I'm French and I'm not used to reading notes with letters hahaha
and then, too bad you didn't give us a little demonstration of your muscical playing ;-)
Hi. Thanks for the comment. I am just like you. I'm trying to learn how to play the saxophone better while making videos during the process. I have lots of intonation problems with my horn and need to get it overhauled this year or buy a new one. Thanks for watching and happy new year.
That was an excellent video and easy to watch. Learnt a few things there. Thanks
Thank you very much for such a detailed videos. You have a great skill to deliver your message.
God bless You my friend!
All best from Poland, Your Videos are the hammer!
Great video! Thank you so much! 😊
This was extremely informative!!
Thank you so much 🤩
Great video thankyou! Covers everything 👌
Fantastic video, very comprehensive indeed. Thank you very much!
Really good video man. Appreciated.
very useful
At least someone who explains what every beginner would like to know. I started playing 3 years ago, but have been questioning things no one really explained. I wish I had seen this earlier. It's answered some things I wasn't too sure about. But I still have a question which I can't find the answer anywhere. And when I asked a few sax players, everyone seem to be surprised and I got no answer. I know we leave saliva moisture in the saxophone when we play. But why is my left hand's middle finger and index getting wet about 10 minutes that I start practicing? Is this normal? Where is the moisture exiting the sax from? Thanks for that.
Hi. The moisture comes out of the tone holes. The warm air makes contact with the cold metal saxophone and causes condensation which runs down inside of the saxophone. It gets in the tone holes and as we open and close the keys, the moisture is flicked on the outside of the saxophone. Sometimes when I practice everything is fine but at other times my fingers get wet. Sometimes after a long practice when I turn my saxophone upside down and lot of liquid runs out of the bell. Sometimes when I clean my saxophone after a practice there are droplets of liquid on the body of the saxophone. If you hold your saxophone so it's leaning into the body the moisture will run towards the tone holes but if you hold it more straight or away from the body less will flow to the tone holes. Maybe try to hold the saxophone at a different angle. There are other factors such as how you blow into the saxophone and some people's breath may have more moisture. Probably practice for 10mins so that the saxophone warms up then give it a wipe down and it should be fine since the saxophone is no longer cold. This is just my opinion but I know others experience wet fingers so you are not the only one. Thanks.
@@Saxcomprehensive I didn’t realize the cold sax could be the cause and it makes sense. I will also try hold the sax differently apart from warming the sax by playing 10min. I seem to have a wet mouth when playing so there will be more to control but it’s making sense now. You have confirmed so many things in this video as well of what to watch for. Like something you said which made me realize why I am having my right hand’s thumb knuckle hurting with I didn’t even think ‘could’ be caused by how I hold my new tenor.
You are amazing, thanks for everything. Jacques
Very well explained ,👍 thank you
Thank you. Just wondered about the condensation - maybe place packets of silica gel (or even cat litter inside stockings) inside the bell to soak up condensation.
Hi. Anything placed in the bell will muffle the sound and change the intonation. Condensation is something that we just need to put up with. We just need to remember to swab out the saxophone after every practice session to reduce the pads sticking. Also not to leave pad savers in saxophone for a long time. All the great players have to deal with condensation, so I guess we should be able. Thanks
@@Saxcomprehensive Yes of course. I was meaning place the silica gel packets after every use, not while performing. The same as after using trainers.
@@exwhyz33 Sure. There are lots of products designed to do that. There are 2 pad savers for the body of the sax and another for the neck. Keyleaves have spit sponges and other products to keep the keys open when drying. Lots of people rate these products but personally using a good swab and leaving the saxophone out to air dry works fine. Thanks for the comment.
thank you! very informative and useful.
thanks I am child and you are my role model
Thank you so much… 🙏❤