What transposition is a saxophone?

transposing instrument
The saxophone is a transposing instrument. This means that notes played on a saxophone will sound different from a note of the same name played on another instrument such as the piano or guitar. We refer to those instruments that don’t transpose as being in “Concert” key or the key of C.

What key is alto saxophone in?

E♭
Since alto and baritone saxophones are in E♭, (meaning they produce an E♭ when playing a written C), in order to produce an actual C, they must play an A, which is a perfect third down from C. In this case the key becomes A major, meaning that there are three sharps.

Is alto sax treble clef?

Saxophone music is thus always written in treble clef, but they don’t sound like a piano treble clef when played. Sopraninos, altos, baritones and contrebass saxophones are in E♭, meaning that their C is a piano E♭.

Does alto sax transpose up or down?

Yes an alto is in Eb and a tenor is in Bb so your Eb on alto sounds the same pitch as C on a piano. This is because they are what is commonly called a “transposing instrument”.

Is alto sax in the key of C?

However on a tenor, which has a slightly longer tube, the note that comes out with that fingering is a Bb, and on the alto it is an Eb. So we write the music for alto saxophone in a key 6 steps higher than concert pitch. If the music is in the key of Eb concert pitch, we write it in the key of C for the alto saxophone.

Why are saxophones tuned differently?

The reason for this is due to concert pitched instruments like piano or guitar. If you were to play a middle C on a piano and then play a C on your sax you’ll get two different pitches. Thus when transposed you’ll get a concert B flat from a sop or tenor, and a concert E flat from an alto or baritone.

What does the reed do in a saxophone?

Making sound by vibrating the reed The sound of a saxophone is generated by vibrating the reed attached to the mouthpiece, which the player puts in his mouth. Instruments that make sound in this way are called reed instruments.

What note should an alto sax mouthpiece play?

Mouthpiece Exercise For the soprano saxophone, a concert C#6 (two octaves above middle C) should naturally come out when the mouthpiece alone is played. Similarly, the alto mouthpiece should produce a concert A5, the tenor a G5, and the baritone a D5.

What are the best alto saxophone brands?

Yamaha YAS-280 ​. The amazing,most beautifully sounding woodwind instrument Yamaha YAS-280 student saxophone.

Is alto saxophone higher or lower than baritone saxophone?

Likewise, while the alto and baritone saxes transpose to the same key – they are both E-flat instruments – they sound in different octaves, with the baritone sax pitched exactly one octave lower than the alto. Again, note that saxes – even the baritone which sounds in bass clef – are always written in treble clef.

What is the best alto sax?

The Alto AS-100BG is considered an intermediate saxophone that is durable and stylish at the same time. It has nickel-plated gold keys, holds and a gold-lacquered finish. This saxophone is considered the best value in saxophones for intermediate players.

What is the best intermediate saxophone?

Yamaha. One of the most popular brands for young beginners,the Yamaha brand produces fantastic options for kids and students who are starting off and finding an interest in