Saxophones are available in different sizes and types, all part of the same family.
In fact, there have been many versions, but 4 of them have established themselves as the main saxophones used today. This is a quick guide and chart of these main saxophones:
The 4 Main Saxophones
- Soprano Saxophone Bb (concert pitch from Ab3)
- Alto Saxophone Eb (concert pitch from Db3)
- Tenor Saxophone Bb (concert pitch from Ab2)
- Baritone Saxophone Eb (concert pitch from C2)
Soprano Saxophone
The highest range of the most common saxophones, which can sound lyrical and beautiful if played well, but is also famous for being very tricky with intonation and embouchure. The instrument is written in Bb (transposing instrument), with a concert pitch starting from Ab3.
Alto Saxophone
The most common of all saxophones, the diva and melodic spotlight in this instrument family. A good starting point for anyone who wants to pick up learning the saxophone because it’s not too big, and embouchure is fairly easy to learn on it.
It’s written in Eb (transposing instrument), but with a concert pitch starting from Db3. This is very close to a human singing voice, and spans both the male tenor and female alto voice range.
Tenor Saxophone
The jazz and rock saxophone, with a mellow, warm and “smokey” tone that makes it more laid back and sweet in sound. Instead of shining, it most often give the main melody and spotlight to the singer or another lead instrument.
It’s written exactly 1 octave below the soprano sax in Bb (transposing instrument), with a concert starting at Ab2. Just below a standard male tenor in range, but can go quite high if the player can control the embouchure well.
Baritone Saxophone
The lowest of the main saxophones, almost in the bass line territory. It has a more low, raspy voice, which is great for growling and an overall more gritty tone.
It’s written exactly 1 octave below the alto saxophone in Eb (transposing instrument). Modern baritone saxophones have a low A key and high F♯ key, and a concert pitch starting all the way down at C2.
Which Saxophone should you Play?
In most cases, the alto saxophone is a great starter saxophone. The reason is that it not too big or heavy, has a fairly easy embouchure and lung capacity needed, and you can play the melodies of any song on it with a great singing like range.