Beginner (playing) Beginner Books (Tenor)

[Corgimi]

Hey everyone! 🙂

I understand that this question has probably been asked countless times, but I'm 19, an absolute beginner, and starting to pick up tenor sax, (Jupiter JTS500A), after not playing an instrument for a few years.

I was wondering what sort of resources would be good to pick up/read for tenor, as I see a lot of books mainly just labelled "Sax" and worry that it's mostly or just for alto. I haven't been to any lessons yet, as I've only had the sax for about 3 days, but I'm planning on working that out soon as I want to make sure I'm not developing any bad habits when practicing on my own daily.

I love jazz, and being able to play jazz music is what I'm mainly trying to get out of picking up the tenor, so anything related to jazz would be a huge plus, though I know I should probably learn all I can about the fundamentals first.

Thank you!

 

[greenstripe]

Hi, You're right, the majority of beginner books are aimed at alto saxophone. A lot of tenor books seem to be aimed at the advancing student. Using alto books is only really a problem if you want to play along to backing tracks - which I would strongly recommend doing as it will help develop your playing.

The Jazz Method By John O'Neill is a good book and is available for both alto and tenor as the backing tracks are recorded in keys to match but the written notation is the same if that makes sense.

 

[mizmar]

not playing an instrument for a few years.

So what is your experience/level, wrt music playing?

 

[Corgimi]

So what is your experience/level, wrt music playing?

Whoops, I meant to mention in the post but I forgot to put it in there.

I played guitar then bass guitar growing up until about 15, can't read sheet music though so I'm definitely working on that.

Essentially, I'm basically an absolute beginner since I've forgotten quite a lot since I last studied anything music theory/playing related.

 

[Pete Thomas]

The books we do here are for either ASTB + others

 

[Corgimi]

Hi, You're right, the majority of beginner books are aimed at alto saxophone. A lot of tenor books seem to be aimed at the advancing student. Using alto books is only really a problem if you want to play along to backing tracks - which I would strongly recommend doing as it will help develop your playing.

The Jazz Method By John O'Neill is a good book and is available for both alto and tenor as the backing tracks are recorded in keys to match but the written notation is the same if that makes sense.

Thanks! I'll be sure to check it out.

I'm definitely going to be practising to backing tracks if/when I can, I'll try to keep an eye out for any tenor books towards my sort of skill level, but I should probably just get the basics down first.

 

[mizmar]

I'm sure your sense of rhythm and "ear" will have benefitted from that background.

There are two starting points:
1. Just learning where the fingers go for which notes on the line is neutral between alto, tenor etc. a good place to start, and Pete's books are worth a look.
The other starting point is how to make a sound without developing bad habits... Without prior experience (often clarinet) or a teacher... YouTube might be your best bet.

 

[wakyct]

If you're planning to take lessons perhaps hold off on buying any books. The teacher might have a preferred method book, and/or the teacher might be able to give you copies of the exercises you'll be working on.

After almost a year of lessons and daily practicing I have yet to really use a book.

They are handy as a reference if it's in the budget. Also many of the older classic books are available as PDFs.

 

[Pete Thomas]

and Pete's books are worth a look.

If you're planning to take lessons perhaps hold off on buying any books. The teacher might have a preferred method book,

The books we have here do not need a teacher, I wouldn't advise holding off on buying them as it helps support us and keep the lights on!🙂

 

[J for Jazz]

I've just got a lovely book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal, which was published in 1963. It is a very ground up view of what it takes to become a saxophone player and very interesting to read for a beginner like myself.

 

[Pete Effamy]

The books we have here do not need a teacher, I wouldn't advise holding off on buying them as it helps support us and keep the lights on!🙂

To be serious for a moment, I’d like to say that Pete’s written material is both well thought out and extremely useful, quickly addressing the core of what is needed.

I said a while back that I was unaware of this site and Pete’s material until 2019, long after I stopped teaching. It wasn’t mentioned to me either by any colleagues so in that small part of the world it didn’t have good visibility unfortunately.

Opposed to classical clarinet (much of my teaching over the years), there was a sad lack of great material for sax players 25/30 years ago and maybe it is relatively lacking still.

It’s a shame I didn’t know Pete and the Cafe when I was teaching and was able to introduce a good many students and teachers alike to it.

Disclaimer: I’m not related in any way to Pete Thomas and don’t have occasional drinks down the local boozer with him. He’s never given me any work.
(What a miserable bugger) 😀

 

[skeller047]

I've just got a lovely book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal, which was published in 1963. It is a very ground up view of what it takes to become a saxophone player and very interesting to read for a beginner like myself.

AKA “The Bible”. You just bought the very best saxophone book there is.