Beginner Saxophone Lesson 1 - Mouthpiece and Reed Setup Guide

THANK YOU JAY!! I guess it’s crazy but I I was taught it’s never to late to learn. I’m 76 years old and just bought a sax. I play the drums but always loved the sax. Your beginner videos are very detailed and easy to understand. Will follow your videos. Thanks again!! Paul Tognetti

This was fantastic! Exactly what I needed! Well paced, well explained, clear explanation, no bullshit, no fillers - THANKS.

Thank you so much , this helped me a lot. Excellent information .

Very good information. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much, my son just just his saxophone from the school band and I'm lost 😅

I click on the video and see the bari, and then the alto. I thought it was a bass lol

Hey, so I have a little question. Do I need to wet the wood piece for every single play or just for the first time when I get a new one? Great video btw. I ordered my first saxophone yesterday

Thank you so much my son literally learned how to do this from your video

I learned some thinks i should have learned 40 years ago in band ( but my band director was lazy just binding his thim to retirement)
They suggested private leesons but they were too costly , kids now canlook at you videos .😊

Wish i watched this video before i bought my reeds. My uncle gave me his sax and i put it down fkr a couple years then bought some 3.0 reeds and had a way harder time getting any sound out lol

I played clarinet and tenor sax way back in high school. I've been looking at your videos since last night and have a couple of questions. What would be the reason or benefits for choosing a plastic, hard rubber, or metal mouthpiece? Also what does it mean when you state its a 7* ? If its the size how do I know what size mouthpiece reed combo i would need to work best for my lungs. How does reed material affect the sound? Is there a difference between a tenor and a b-flat tenor?

How much

I got a question. I am 12 years old and I’ve played alto for 3.5 years. I’m playing on a Yamaha 4c. I want a syos because they look cool. But some people recommend Jody Jazz HR with 5 tip opening.
Do you have any recommendations for me?

I bought a used alto sax and for hygiene I bought a new mouth piece and reeds. I couldnt get one decent sound out of it until I discovered they had sold me TENOR sax reeds - PLUS I was setting up my mouthpiece wrong - thanks for the tips.

Jay, what can I say? Totally surprised by my wife with an early birthday present being an alto saxophone - this journey started when I was 17...now hitting 54 and picked up my 1st saxophone yesterday. Your lessons and other tutorials are "spot on". Followed your expertise and yep, got myself a note first time. Hang tight, this journey is only going to get better with your help - thank you! Chapeau and all the best

Thank you so much! This is the first time knowing that the reed has to be wet entirely to the bottom.

Thanks for your video it is very useful.I watch all of 5 videos

Can this test be done with a soprano mouthpiece? I tried and have had trouble.

Sorry to tell u that u did not show how should be the distance between the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece Jay please

Thank you so much!

I really want to learn to play this sax that’s been hanging on my wall for years!

I don’t even know how to tell if it’s an alto or tenor. That’s how much of an absolute beginner I am.

Excellent intro - well done!

Question: Does it matter if the screws on the ligature are on top?

Hi i am just starting to play but i have a problem doin the suction test it never works ,what could i be doing incorrect ,,thanks

Thanks for making this freely available. When you're starting out it's very helpful. :) :)

Thanks brother. I love your vibe.

The reed's taste is growing on me, kinda sugar cane

Really enjoy your videos, you mentioned that you use ear protection in your practice session and I was wondering what kind you are using as I would like to get some. : - )

Should this suction test be working with a bari mouthpiece as well? just got back into it after 10+ years

Hi, I found my way here because I bought an instrument called a Xaphoon AKA a "pocket sax". It is a very basic and inexpensive reed instrument and is similar to a recorder but it uses a reed and a ligature and I thought it might help me get a sense of how reed instruments are played. I bought it just for fun and I am just starting to play around with it. I have been able to get a sound out of it and I have been able to finger the holes on it and produce some different tones. But I have to blow VERY HARD to do this. I have no prior experience with reed instruments and I was hoping someone here might be able to give me some advice. I can see that one must develop an embrochure which as far as I can tell involves a combination of reed placement, teeth on the top of the mouthpiece and teeth covered by lips on the bottom exerting pressure on the reed (since I am a beginner I could be completely wrong about all of this!). I imagine that experienced players are not blowing with all of their might like I am so I assume I am doing something wrong. If anyone could give me a suggestion on something I can adjust I would be very grateful. Oh and it came with a 21/2 reed from a clarinet (I think)

Hey Jay, great lesson! I’ve found with new students with new or rented saxophones that have a new cork that it’s better to have them put the neck on first so they don’t damage the octave key or the neck while they’re putting the mouthpiece on even with the cork grease I’ve seen kids squeeze and almost bend the neck and octave mechanism. Do you agree with this approach as well? I feel when the neck is on the saxophone they can put the mouthpiece on with their right hand, while holding the saxophone with their left on the body of the saxophone using the bell, or lightly fingering a G just to hold to hold the saxophone secure while they add the mouthpiece please let me know your thoughts. Knowing that you’re a repair person as well is another reason, I want to know your thoughts on this. thanks for taking the time to read this.

Fantastic instructions ! I, for one prefer wetting the reed in a glass of water because one might easily damage the tip with the teeth if it is wetted in the mouth. For a child learning the saxophone, putting the reed in the mouth doesn't seem like the best of ideas to me. Otherwise, these tips have been of great help to me. My gratitude.

Thank you for this. I last played bari sax in 1994, and your videos have got me re-started on better footing already. :)

Suction Cup test is so underrated...Ty!

Thanks a lot for this quality of your infos….I was wondering what to do with your reed after playing….I guess it needs to dry…do you rincé it?…do you dry it ?…do you store it in their plastic case it came in?….
Thanks

Thank you for teaching me I just got my sax today

You know, I'm such a moron. I got my sax a couple months ago and have been following a few apps on my phone to try and find the best way to play. I've been subscribed to Jay for months leading up to buying a sax and to be honest, his videos made me want to start playing because I'm quite musical by nature (I play guitar, drums, and sing), and have always loved the sax. The reason why I'm a moron is because I should have just come straight here from the start. I've been unsure if I've been doing things 100% right and Jay explains everything perfectly, walks you through everything, and makes you feel totally at ease, even for someone completely new to the instrument. Thanks for the fantastic video, Jay. I'll be using all of your guides going forward and I'm really excited to start my sax journey and have already signed up for your lessons.

I have a 1956 Conn 14m Director sax with an Otto Link, 5, Reso-Chamber mouthpiece which I used for four years in high school band. About 20 years ago I got my sax back out, got it overhauled and played a little before losing interest and setting it aside until recently. I'm nearly 70 years old now and really want to get back into the groove with my sax. My issue is I get a lot of "squeaks" while playing. I don't think there's anything wrong with the instrument except, possibly the mouthpiece and/or ligature. I cannot get a seal using the suction test in your video. I know there are a lot of variables, but do you think the mouthpiece is a likely source of the squeaks and if so, would you recommend I try flattening the surface of the mouthpiece with emory cloth and/or trying a new mouthpiece? I intend to play for my own enjoyment. If I get a new Yamaha mouthpiece should I got with the 4C or 5C?

I've been playing for I years and have taken private lessons, but your channel has made me realize that I'm doing a lot wrong. I've improved a lot because of it. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing. 😉👌🏻

Can anyone recommend a good reed for a beginner using a Yamaha yas-480 and 5C mouthpiece?

My first saxophone will be arrived tomorrow! And your tutorial helps me to be ready wish me luck on my saxophone journey!

Love you man, for making our lives more possible.

What type would you prefer to buy(saxophone)

Thank you. I had bought a mini sax with an awful reed. Today I bought some alto sax reeds. This lesson helped me to set up the reed.👍

Hi Jay, just starting this beginners course. Wish me luck?

you are a good man

Sorry I didn't mean crappy mouthpiece I hope that was not just disrespectful.I think I just meant budget-friendly economical, more screws . But I got it to work. Hindsight is 20/20 it's not about the equipment.