The saxophone is a fantastic instrument to learn to play, but it is not the easiest by any means. While anyone, within the physical requirements, can learn to play the saxophone, you will need to overcome a few challenges along the way.

Here are five of the biggest challenges you must conquer when learning to play the sax.

1. Finding the Right Gear

Learning to play any instrument can be made easier or more difficult by the gear. This is especially true when it comes to playing the sax, as you need to find a selection of parts to suit your own unique playstyle.

Once you’ve made the decision between alto and tenor saxophone, you need to start looking into mouthpieces and reeds. Take your time finding the right model, as it can completely change your playing experience.

2.Looking After Your Saxophone

While your guitar or piano won’t need much attention in terms of looking after, the saxophone is quite a ‘needy’ instrument. You need to learn to clean it properly after each use to ensure your new instrument isn’t damaged and the sound remains the same.

Looking after your saxophone might seem like a laborious thing to do, but it isn’t. The online guides will help you get started and once you know the tricks and tips, cleaning the instrument will come naturally to you.

3.Finding the Correct Posture

When it comes to creating the right sound, the posture plays a crucial role. It is important that you start paying attention to your posture as soon as you pick up the instrument.

It’s also a good idea to practice the finger movements even when you aren’t actually playing the sax. While this might sound strange to others, it will help you remember notes and create a memory of the right posture and movement to your brain.

4.Hitting the Right Notes

Learning to play the notes correctly is a difficult aspectof learning to play any instrument, but it is especially tricky with the sax. You can easily play one note perfectly in tune and suddenly hit flat with your next note.

Finding the right tonal centre with your notes won’t be easy and it will take a bit of practice. The key is to focus on how the note is supposed to sound and to learn to understand how the tuning behaves with your chosen instrument.

5.Continuing to Challenge Yourself

It’s easy to be lulled into thinking you are able to play the sax, after you learn a few songs. But mastering a few songs or grasping the basics doesn’t necessarily mean you are progressing as a player.

On the other hand, if you hit a brick wall in terms of learning the sax, it might be because you aren’t challenging yourself enough. The secret to overcoming both problems is in mixing your practice routine, as well as the songs you play.

When you are learning to play the sax, you need to stay positive and persevere through the difficult times. Find the right tools to help you and check out our saxophone lessons for more tips. There will be challenges on your way, but the hard work will be worth it in the end!