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Understanding the Saxophone as a Breath Instrument

The saxophone is a wind instrument. So what does that mean?

It means it's a breath instrument. In fact, I'd really prefer it if they would refer to it as a breath instrument because it focuses you on what the essential thing is:

Learning to control your breath is absolutely key to playing the saxophone.

Common Experiences

Well, maybe some of you have had the experience where your friend says, "Oh, can I play your saxophone?"

They try to blow it and they do something like this:

They go...

And that's a very common experience. The reason they don't get a great sound, of course, is because they're not controlling their breath.

The Balloon Analogy

Think of it like a balloon:

• You blow up a balloon. What happens if you let it go?
• Within a few seconds, the balloon flies around the room and then lands on the floor.
• Now imagine blowing up the same balloon and putting your fingers on the neck of the balloon so the air comes out really slowly.
• Then the balloon gradually, gradually, gradually deflates.

So what we're looking at here is learning to control the breath.

A Common Misconception

A big misconception about playing the saxophone, or any woodwind instrument for that matter, is that you need a large volume of air to make a good sound.

No, you don't need a large volume of air. What you need is to learn to control a small quantity of air.

Don't forget, the sound is being generated from the reed vibrating on the mouthpiece. So even if I take the crook off of the saxophone, I'm still going to get a sound. w

Helpful Imagery

I think there are a couple of images that I tend to use to help people with this idea of controlling small quantities of air:

1. The Birthday Cake

Imagine a birthday cake with 20 candles on it.

• How are you going to blow so that you can blow the candles out in one go?
• This won't work because the candles will flicker, and many of them will still be lit.

What works effectively is this kind of breath. Even a small child can learn to do that.

2. The Floating Feather

Another image I use is imagining a small feather floating down from the ceiling.

• You're blowing to try and keep it in the air.
• It wouldn't work to blow hard.

What you need is a steady exhalation of a small quantity of air.

3. Air Escaping from a Tire

Finally, another image is air escaping from a bicycle or car tire.

• If you press on the valve, it can help you realize that although a small quantity of air is escaping, it's coming out under pressure.
• Imagine pressing on that bicycle tire's valve and getting that little, very concentrated escape of a small quantity of air.

In conclusion, understanding how to control your breath will greatly improve your saxophone playing experience!