Tenor saxophone

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Tenor saxophone

The tenor saxophone is a medium-sized woodwind instrument in the saxophone family. It was created by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s to help woodwinds blend with brass in bands. It is pitched in B-flat and is a transposing instrument, meaning what you read on the page sounds one octave and a major second lower in real pitch.

Sound and range: The tenor has a warm, powerful tone that blends well with other saxophones. It uses a larger mouthpiece and reed than the alto or soprano, and has a curved neck. Its usual concert range is from A♭2 to E5, with many players able to reach high F♯ or higher using altissimo.

How it’s played: Playing the tenor needs more air and a slightly looser embouchure than higher saxophones. Its sound is shaped by the mouthpiece and reed; classical mouthpieces give a warmer tone and jazz mouthpieces a brighter, edgier sound.

Where you’ll hear it: The tenor is common in jazz, concert bands, and saxophone quartets. It’s famous for solos and for blending with other saxophones. Notable players include Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, and Michael Brecker.

History: Sax designed fourteen saxophones in the 1840s; the tenor is one of the best-known and was meant to bridge woodwinds and brass in military bands.