The Saxophone Family

Written Range

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Comfortable Range for Ensemble Writing

Altissimo

( ) Low A only on baritone

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Range for each saxophone in concert pitch

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B b Soprano

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B b Tenor

E b Alto

Used mainly in solo passages. Around D or E b is a good cutoff for writing unless you are familiar with the saxophonist(s) for whom you are writing.

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E b Baritone

Additionally there are the E b Sopranino and B b Bass Saxophones. The Sopranino has a range one octave higher than the Alto and the Bass has a range one octave lower than the tenor. Flutter tonguing is sometimes notated by writing FLT. 1. Resonance Trills/Key Tremolos Growls, multiphonics, alternate tonguings, Resonance trills are not possible quarter tones, key clicks and other effects Notated as such below this A. will be written with words or will have fingerings notated. Some of the pieces in the saxophone repertoire have a key for the extended techniques showing how each different Slap Tongue Throat Gliss effect is notated in that piece. Flutter Tongue (combination of throat and keys) Saxophones can also be muted. The mute is or slp basically a ring covered with fabric. It is most effective in soft passages and is used by a number of classical saxophonists. Effects

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For a more complete listing of extended techniques for the saxophone consult: Hello! Mr. Sax by Jean-Marie Londeix Published by Alphonse Leduc, Paris

The saxophone can also be played without the mouthpiece like a brass instrument with the lips buzzing the neck. The fingerings produce different pitches than they would with a saxophone mouthpiece.