Hi, I`m just starting to learn tenor saxophone. When I tried to blow into it today, I could play a few notes, but certain notes just would squeak very loudly. It`s really hard to play this saxophone (all the notes are squeaky) and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting those squeaky notes to stop squeaking.
Thanks!
-K.S.

Hi, I play a bunch of instruments and alto saxophone is my main. Some of the main reasons that you squeal is becase 1. your reed might not be wet enough. 2. Your embouchure (the way you put your mouth on the sax) may be wrong...i don`t like to say that cause everyoens is different but...more like it might be not the way you need it. What i do is I bite my lips, and put them on but some people only bite their bottom one. My friend rests her upper lip well i bite both. 3. your teeth are touching the reed. 4...ummm...when you get to the higher register you have to cramp down on your mouth piece a little more and when you go down low loosen up a bit. Thats all I can think of for now. Fix those and if the problem still presists, post back or e-mail me at K.Myani@gmail.com.

It`s more like the note doesn`t want to come out. It happens with high and low G, and it is really irritating.
Thanks!
K.S.

It sounds like you have a problem when switching from octave 1 to octave 2 it switches to octave 1 at G. Oct. 1 should open as oct. 2 closes they cannot be open at the same time or you will get a squeak. Check this by holding high A then playing G you should see top oct. (oct. 2) close and the side oct. (oct. 1) open. If not take it to a repair shop for an adjustment. Also as Virtuoso said make sure reed is wet and you are not touching it with your teeth, but do not bite with both lips, only curl your bottom lip, and make sure your top teeth touch the top of the mouthpiece, and don`t cramp down when you play higher this will cause your sound to be thin (although this can be a technique you may want to use). Check out the book "The art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal it is a must have for students and teachers of the sax. Also get a private teacher to help you break anybad habits before they get started, or they will be harder to break later.


Keep Playing

If you`re JUST starting, unless you`re some insanely prodigal gifted musician, you`re either going to sqeak, or have no sound come out. When I started on alto, no sound came out, but on clarinet, I squeaked. Keep trying, and don`t give up, even though it`ll get frustrating at times.