Can We Play Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophone Together?

When someone asks if a saxophone learner can play alto, tenor, and baritone together, they’re not asking in a literal sense of praying (as in a spiritual context) but in the musical sense. The question often translates to whether a student can pick up and play all three types of saxophones without much difficulty.

The Universality of Saxophone Fingerings

The answer is a resounding yes, and this is even more true for saxophones compared to other instrument families. All saxophones, whether alto, tenor, or baritone, share the same fingerings, and they are notated in the same way. What might differ are the mouthpiece sizes, but this is actually a much easier adjustment than transitioning between a flute and a piccolo, for example.

Imagine a scenario where a veteran saxophonist could take their alto saxophone to a bar and start playing immediately on a different saxophone of a different size right next to it. With just a bit of adjustment to the size of the mouthpiece and possibly a change in embouchure, a seasoned player could seamlessly switch to a tenor or baritone saxophone. This level of adaptability is incredibly unique and advantageous for keyboard and string instrument players, who might still face difficulties when switching from a piano to a harpsichord or a violin to a viola, but not for saxophone players.

The Saxophone Section in Jazz Big Bands

To understand the practicality of playing all three saxophones together, it’s essential to look at the composition of a jazz big band. In its full configuration, the saxophone section typically includes 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, and a baritone saxophone. Smaller sections might omit one or two players, but the foundation of the section remains supplementary yet distinctive.

The players in a jazz big band are highly versatile. They don’t just stick to one instrument; they often double on different saxophones based on the musical needs of the piece. It’s not uncommon for a tenor player to take on the alto part when needed, or for a baritone player to cover a tenor line. This flexibility not only enhances the sound of the ensemble but also provides a sense of interconnectedness among the players, as they can adapt and support each other easily.

Why Learn All Three Saxophones?

While it’s possible to excel in playing just one type of saxophone, learning all three—alto, tenor, and baritone—offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it expands your versatility, making you a more adaptable and valuable member of any musical ensemble. Secondly, it provides a deeper understanding of the saxophone family, enabling you to appreciate the nuances and possibilities unique to each size. Lastly, it opens up more performance opportunities, as you can fill in for other saxophonists when they need a break or are unavailable.

Conclusion

Learning alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone together is not only feasible but also highly enriching for any saxophonist. The universality of fingerings and notations between the different saxophones makes the transition smoother than in many other instrument families. By mastering all three, you open up a world of possibilities in jazz, classical, and even in a secular context, as you can literally play alongside other saxophonists without much trouble.