The baritone is the lowest-pitched member of the saxophone family. It is known for its warm, rich, and mellow sound. Playing the baritone can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is larger and heavier than the alto saxophone or tenor saxophone, so it requires a bit more physical strength to play. However, as you will learn, it has a wider range of notes and a more mellow sound that makes it a great choice for playing in a variety of genres, including jazz, classical, and rock.
To start playing the baritone, you will need to first assemble and adjust the instrument. Once you have assembled the instrument, you can begin by practicing the embouchure, which is the way you hold your mouth and lips on the mouthpiece. Once you have mastered the embouchure, you can practice playing scales and exercises. As you progress, you can start learning to play songs and eventually join an ensemble or band.
There are many resources available to help you learn how to play the baritone. You can find books, videos, and online lessons that can teach you the basics of playing the instrument. You can also find teachers who can give you hands-on instruction. If you are dedicated to learning, you can master the baritone and enjoy a lifetime of making music.
Understanding the Baritone Saxophone
The baritone saxophone is a member of the saxophone family, known for its deep, rich sound and substantial size. It is the second-largest saxophone, after the bass saxophone, and is pitched in the key of E♭.
### Construction and Keywork The baritone saxophone typically consists of a brass body, with a curved neckpiece and a flared bell. It has a range of approximately two octaves and a half, from the low A♭ to the high F♯. The keywork is similar to that of other saxophones, with a full complement of keys and levers for playing all the notes in its range. ### Ergonomics and Handling Due to its larger size and weight, the baritone saxophone requires a specific playing posture and hand position. The instrument is typically supported with a neck strap and a floor peg or endpin, and players often use a stool or chair for comfort. The fingering is similar to that of other saxophones, but the larger size and spacing of the keys can require some adjustments. ### Sound Characteristics The baritone saxophone produces a warm, mellow sound with a full, resonant tone. It is often used in jazz, classical, and concert band settings, where it provides a rich bass foundation. The low notes of the baritone saxophone are particularly powerful and evocative, while the higher notes have a more lyrical and expressive character.
Assembling the Instrument
Mouthpiece and Reed
- Align the mouthpiece’s flat side with the reed’s flat side and slide it onto the cork tenon.
- Moisten the reed by dipping it into water or by running it over your lips.
- Slide the moistened reed onto the mouthpiece and push it firmly into place, ensuring it is centered and covers the flat side of the mouthpiece.
- Tighten the ligature around the mouthpiece and reed to secure them.
Ligature and Neck
- Slide the ligature over the mouthpiece and tighten it to secure the reed and mouthpiece together.
- Hold the neck vertically and insert the mouthpiece into the tenon at the top of the neck.
- Rotate the mouthpiece slightly to align its flat side with the flat side of the neck.
- Push the mouthpiece firmly into place until it fits snugly.
Body and Neck
- Position the body horizontally and insert the neck into the tenon at the bottom of the body.
- Rotate the neck slightly to align the tenons and push it into place.
- Secure the neck by tightening the thumb screw or bracket that connects it to the body.
Bell
- Position the bell vertically and insert the body into the tenon at the top of the bell.
- Rotate the body slightly to align the tenons and push it into place.
- Secure the body by tightening the thumb screw or bracket that connects it to the bell.
| Component | Assembly Sequence | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouthpiece and Reed | 1. Mouthpiece2. Reed3. Ligature | ||
| Ligature and Neck | 1. Ligature2. Mouthpiece3. Neck | ||
| Body and Neck | 1. Body2. Neck | ||
| Bell | 1. Bell2. Body### Embouchure ###The embouchure refers to the way you hold the mouthpiece of the baritone in your mouth. It is crucial to develop a proper embouchure to produce a clear and resonant sound. Here are some tips for establishing a good embouchure:* Placement: Position the mouthpiece in the center of your lips, just below the natural curve of your upper lip.* Pressure: Apply even pressure around the mouthpiece, using your lips to seal the air inside.* Chin Position: Keep your chin slightly tucked in, as if you were saying the letter “O."* Teeth: Keep your teeth apart and relaxed, leaving a small space between them.* Tongue Position: Place the tip of your tongue just behind your lower teeth, forming a small, arched shape.* Lipshape: Shape your lips as if you were whistling, with the corners slightly drawn back.* Jaw Position: Keep your jaw relaxed and slightly open, allowing the mouthpiece to rest comfortably in your mouth.* Airflow: Direct the air from your diaphragm through the mouthpiece, using your abdominal muscles to control the flow.Producing Sound on the Baritone———-Producing sound on the baritone requires a combination of proper technique and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:### 1. Assembling the Baritone ###Before attempting to produce sound, ensure your baritone is properly assembled. Insert the mouthpiece into the receiver and tighten the screw. Check that the slide is clean and well-lubricated.### 2. Embouchure Formation ###Position the mouthpiece about 2/3 of the way into your mouth, with your lips wrapped tightly around the rim. Create a small aperture between your lips, allowing air to flow through.### 3. Initial Buzz ###With your embouchure in place, gently blow into the mouthpiece while increasing the air pressure gradually. This will cause the reeds inside to vibrate, producing an initial “buzz” sound.### 4. Note Production ###Once you establish the initial buzz, you can begin producing notes. Adjust the slide position to lower or raise the pitch. Here’s a detailed table of common notes and their corresponding slide positions: | Note | Slide Position |
| Note | Slide Position | ||
| Low B♭ | Fully extended | ||
| C | Partially retracted | ||
| D | Further retracted | ||
| E♭ | Halfway retracted | ||
| F | Mostly retracted | ||
| Note | 1st Valve | 2nd Valve | 3rd Valve |
| Bb | Down | Up | Up |
| C | Down | Up | Down |
| D | Down | Down | Up |
| Eb | Down | Down | Down |
| F | Up | Up | Up |
| Technique | Inhale | ||
| Diaphragmatic | Abdomen expands | ||
| Intercostal | Ribs expand | ||
| Clavicular | Shoulders raise | ||
| Note | Fingerings | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| D | 1 2 3 | ||
| E | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| F | 1 2 3 | ||
| G | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| A | 1 2 4 | ||
| B | 1 3 4 | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| Note | Fingerings | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| D | 1 2 3 | ||
| E | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| F | 1 2 3 | ||
| G | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| A | 1 2 4 | ||
| B | 1 3 4 | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| Note | Fingerings | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| D | 1 2 3 | ||
| E | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| F | 1 2 3 | ||
| G | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| A | 1 2 4 | ||
| B | 1 3 4 | ||
| C | 1 2 | ||
| Technique | Description | ||
| Glissando | Sliding from one note to another, adjusting intonation along the way. | ||
| Embouchure | Adjusting the shape of your lips and mouthpiece to control pitch. | ||
| Vibrato | Creating a slight oscillation in pitch to add depth and expression. |