Alto vs Tenor Saxophone: The Sound Comparison!

[@SaxTuition]

🎷 Thanks for watching! Want an entire course to learn the saxophone from scratch, taught be me? Check out the SaxTuition Beginner Series: www.saxtuition.com/beginner-series

[@SaveOurSamples]

Tenor sax is like the guy she tells you not to worry about.

[@skye6574]

This is my favorite comment 💀

[@tisik743]

This comment convinced me to get a tenor

[@loganbutler6437]

I switched to tenor because one of the things I hated about my alto was how discussing the low notes like low c, d, and e sounded. And that I didn’t get to play those low notes as often as I would want to. The tenor may have some melodies but most of the time it is either to counter melody or support. Which I don’t mind.

[@loganbutler6437]

I love my tenor it is a cannonball stone series in the color brute.

[@MzLullaby7]

😂😂😂😂

[@denther16]

Not going to lie, he makes both sound amazing and he’s a legend for responding to comments 3 months later... Thanks man keep it up!

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks a lot for your support! I’m trying to reduce my comment responding time 😂

[@denther16]

Ahh don’t worry about it man, you are a great help to me! Most youtubers don’t respond at all, so props to you! Have a good day or night depending where you are, cheers!

[@zrxcoil]

​@SaxTuition does he still respond?

[@rockydennis311]

what about now

[@missryanswers]

It's nice to hear just the saxophone playing again. My daughter, back when she was in school was in Jazz band, played tenor sax. Went on to marching band in high school. I love the sound of the tenor sax, always have. But now, it's nostalgic for me. I miss hearing her practice down the hall. (She was a singer too.. miss all the music she provided the house.) Thanks for playing. ~Empty Nest Mama

[@michaelkosak1300]

The tenor has a more refined sound. I love all saxophones but the tenor is my favorite

[@bluelotus9654]

The tenor feels slower and more contemplative

[@ricpad8871]

That was some beautiful playing, i used to have someone in my neighborhood play sax late at night, never knew who it was or why they dont anymore. But now i think id like to be the new mysterious saxophonist

[@craytonbuchanan]

I think they both have their uses! The alto had a very warm, sweeter mid-ranged based sound, while the tenor had more treble, was brighter, and, if this makes any sense, had a bit more of a bite to it! Both sound amazing, I guess it just depends on what serves the song best...

[@Liz01749]

Never thought I'd say this as an ex-brass player but the alto sounded so damn smooth compared to the tenor. Surprisingly preferred it

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Alto sounds like that “nice guy always happy and polite” Tenor sounds like “that cool tough guy every girl is looking at even if she is walking with her husband”

[@jeremyrogers6179]

You're probably an alto guy

[@christianhenry4173]

Tenor has that breathy tone to it.

[@hyphen343]

😅👌👌

[@ssslayer]

A very helpful comparison for the tone. Alto sounds more like brass section and tenor sound more reedy

[@kohlinoor]

That's a great description. The alto seems like the French horn of saxes.

[@mojo9291]

Alto sounds clear, direct, warm, smooth, youthful, eager. Tenor sounds like it's been doing that for 50 years and calls you son.

[@bluelotus9654]

Ìt feels like tenor is suited to medium or slower music because it takes more effort with the breath.

[@kreagan4826]

Been playing guitar for almost 20 years, but I am by no means a pro or even pro trained. Lately, when I hear the sax it almost brings a tear to my eye. I have no explanation for this, but I feel like I need to try it out. I am still not sure what kind to start on, but your video really clarifies the sounds. Thank you very much! 😀🙏

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks for the comment, that's very touching to hear! If you'd like to know more about the differences between the two saxes, check out this video on the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooG8iGCohrZqoLM

[@kreagan4826]

@@SaxTuition I watched that one also, and subscribed! I will be watching more in the future too. thanks so much for your reply!

[@alexc5408]

Same I’m a guitar player but I wanna ty sax.

[@americancitizensagainstcov8920]

I'm a guitar player and I'm experiencing the same lol the sax is just in a league of it's own. I'm hoping to start by the end of this year. Good luck to you and your journey!

[@eliandavidochoarodriguez6164]

I been playing 10 years too, everyday . Once day, i bought a recorder, later i dicovered the sax, i forgot the guitar forever

[@c.syde65]

I prefer the alto saxophone, but I prefer the lower notes on the alto more than the higher notes. Also the kind of music I listen to is more suited for the tenor saxophone, but despite that I still prefer the alto saxophone. I prefer the size of the alto saxophone as well, as it is closer to what I think of a saxophone.

[@waramni]

Thank you so much for demonstrating the difference between the Alto SAX sound and the Tenor's.

[@michaelalexander3927]

You are a great saxophonist. I love your Alto Sax sound! At the end of the day it comes down to your natural fit. Try both of them & pick the one that you can express on and sound like you want to sound. For me, the Tenor Sax is a more natural fit. But I love hearing a great Alto sound by players like yourself.

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks Michael, much appreciated! I totally agree, and to be honest, I usually feel more comfortable on the tenor too.

[@dhatchbernier]

Thank you for that, I was undecided on which sax to start with, but I prefer the sound of the tenor sax.

[@Forgemno]

Tenor in my opinion is better for slow more pronounced songs. Alto is better for faster and scale heavy. Like Billie H for Tenor and Ella for Alto.

[@SaxTuition]

An old saxophone teacher of mine used to say the alto was the voice of madness and the tenor was the voice of reason.. Not sure how I feel about it these days, but it does make me laugh when I think about it!

[@ChristosNikolis]

@@SaxTuition Good one! :-)

[@Tellis1720]

I'm not even going to pretend, I'mjusta sax fan. You made the alto sax sound better than I've ever heard an alto sound. I could really hear and feel the difference. The tenor had such rich tones romantic even. I believe tenor is my favorite but you made the alto tones last long enough to make me a fan.

[@xxczerxx]

I must be the only person on KZbin that just prefers the timbre of the Alto sax over Tenor. I notice a VERY strong preference for the latter on forums etc. Maybe it's just years of Parker and Cannonball has informed my ear that's just what I view as the perfect sax 'sound' but man I just love something about alto. Muffled isn't the right word but the sound on alto is more 'bunched up' than the tenor's blowy openness. I'm sure that can be affected by mpc/reed strength etc. though. Really interesting to hear them side by side.

[@truthismyreligion6391]

Nope. Me too♡♡♡

[@comprendoo]

I have alto, but I want tenor saxophone 🎷❤️

[@WillyGelsoft]

Code of Sounds hey I wish I could learn a alto but I have the tenor

[@EmanChuks]

Interesting. Tbh, Alto sounds better in my opinion

[@agneseditsstuff]

same!

[@riotstarz5502]

@@WillyGelsoft I think if you know the fingers for one you know it for the other. You'd just have to learn a new scale but the fingers are the same fingers same note names.

[@WillyGelsoft]

Riot Starz oh cool

[@joe-vz6hx]

thanks for this, am considering giving the sax a try, just what I needed to hear - these sound closer than I expected, although of course you're not exploring the tenor's better "darker" side. I always liked the tenor better, but it seems the alto sax is more practical/easier to learn, and the considerable diff in size I can't ignore.

[@td4yd154]

Video starts at 1:05

[@kristindowner9897]

Thank you! That’s just what I was wanting to HEAR more than “know”! 👍

[@overlightth]

Between the two I would prefer to learn the Tenor. Because I'm pretty tall. And even because of the fact that I like the sound more than that of the alto, because the tenor tends to go lower and I like that

[@IndigoDerg888]

They both sound incredible! They both have different tones, and have different feels depending upon the type of music that is being played.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey everyone, do you have have any questions about starting the saxophone? Make sure to leave them in the comments section below!

[@theace110013]

Question my good man. I'm inspired by Moody's mood and would like an alto but I wouldn't be happy with a student model. Would you consider making a video diving into professional models, maybe touching on what the Legends played i.e. Trane, Prez, Hawkins, Bird, moody, cannonball, etc.

[@revocolor]

Tenor sounds great ♥

[@sadeklab]

what is the difference between E flat and B flat ?

[@shealinbanta4169]

How do you make that bright jazzy sound? I can do a little bit of it, but I want to know how to do it more when I’m playing.

[@MrS2jack]

Do they have the same key mapping and same number of buttons?

[@alexanderamann4602]

Expected to like tenor more, but the clarity and sensitive tone of the Alto is my vote!

[@andrewwright6893]

Great playing, if only I knew what you was doing there, scales, chord tones, song. Brilliant.

[@domiraleapscosplay6313]

About 10 months ago I started to try and get back into playing music again (after 10 years of not playing.) I started on the clarinet in 6th grade and was given permission to take a school alto sax home the summer between 6th and 7th grade to learn (and I got my own horn for christmas that year) I love both instruments, but since I've started trying to play again I'm struggling slightly with the desire to learn even more instruments. (It's both a blessing and a curse sometimes to be a multi instrumentalist, lol!) A part of me would love to add a new sax to the family some day, but 1) not sure if it'll happen and 2) if I should go with tenor or bari assuming I can better train my breath support techniques and such to make the most out of the bari

[@noubaddi8567]

The minute I buy a Saxophone I'll get your tuition course. I love the way you explain things, never stop!

[@Izzylinn13]

Thank you! I’m thinking about buying a saxophone to learn after renting one, so this was really helpful :)

[@sie7en_10]

Played alto saxophone for 6 years but damn the tenor sounds so much better, big fan!

[@otakusora4214]

Ahhh I can decide! I am in middle school and I chose band class as an all year elective. I can't decide which one is best for me and whether or not I should go with Treno or Alto.

[@samdinnan3351]

Me neither! I think I need both 😅

[@shototodoroki4044]

I’d go Tenor if you plan to go into jazz band in the future

[@hyphen343]

@@samdinnan3351 what have you done???😊👌

[@That_Guy_Says_Hi]

I didna come here to subscribe, but you're such a great player and a gentleperson, to boot, I did. The player on "Toulouse Street" by the Doobie Brothers makes me cry. I hear questions being asked of me in a language I can't understand. Something about "coming home." Tenor, I believe. What a voice that particular instrument has.

[@jmgazxer1216]

I'm so proud of my 16 yrs old sister a tenor sax player i want to buy her her own sax but it's so pricey 😅 She always plays on her borrowed school sax this is the reason i got interest on this kind of content 😍

[@gustavorlore]

Alto, thank you. Sounds more sharp and crisp

[@caroljenkins5912]

I play alto sax( first chair every time!) But I want to try tenor sax next year. We're allowed to since it's a saxophone

[@cutedogsweetsugar]

This is going to help me so much on my listening exam coming up. I can finally tell the difference!

[@ma77i7yahu]

Really good just to play both side by side! Thanks. Personally I like the alto more and will go with this one.

[@davidmadle5007]

great playing you certainly are able to capture all the nuances of jazz saxophone many thx

[@jefpty71]

it's like comparing a 6 cylinder engine to an 8 cylinder, you need more fuel in the 8 (breath) for the same power !

[@lukestorm6042]

@When you read the comments I will be there . The tenor because it’s larger :)

[@ryanm7777]

For me love the alto sound. Thanks. Pls can you post a link for it ? Wanna see if it's affordable. Thanks for the vid love it

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Ryan! I don’t have a link unfortunately but it’s a Selmer Super Action 80 Series III, it’s a professional sax. Check out this video I made on the Yamaha YAS-23, which is a great beginner sax: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6Gpc6uHe8mFo68

[@joebiscit]

Better Sax on youtube has a good video about a cheap sax. Check it put if you haven't got one already!

[@martinjohnson2549]

Mate, You sound efyn amazing on both, great frazing!

[@thedarkgamer689zwickl]

Thank You for this video. I am about to switch from clarinet to tenor sax and I wanted to hear how it sounded. Thank you so much for this👍

[@SaxTuition]

You're welcome! Glad it was useful 👍

[@ultimaeli5109]

To me the tenor is like for jazz music and alto sounds for songs or for like band something like that

[@toys2work]

I havent jumped up to a tenor yet...but if a real bargain comes my way im all in. Love the sound of those tenors.

[@ajc94]

I really wanna learn tenor or even baritone sax but I'm weak with fairly small hands so probably best to start off on the alto 🥲 not to mention tenors and beyond are way more expensive!!

[@vigneshsubramanian2511]

I haven’t touched my alto sax since eighth grade (sadly it broke 😢). It’s been a decade since I quit band but I wanna go back into playing sax. I still remember how to play as I still practice fingering in air and embrochure. I wanna play tenor as I always wanted to and never made the tryouts for it.

[@flocurtis1504]

So much hate for the alto sax in the comments. I just bought an alto to learn on. One day I may get a tennor. But dang I didn't expect so much dis like and terrible comments for an alto.

[@frank.m8447]

I prefer Alto. Check out Mindi Abair on UTUBE. She's the reason I picked up Alto a few years ago.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

I play normally tenor, but i feel both are great! Good video, many thanks.

[@godzillapowerpufffan8142]

Both saxophones the alto and tenor with their sounds I love both of them are my favorite from the saxophone family

[@NailsByShelby]

I love the first music .... so fun ! Have you the partition?

[@jackiea.7971]

Dude you're the best thank you!

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks Jackie!

[@craigrock5014]

I have a alto sax ,I've learned all the notes but really haven't done much else with it ,,it's a little loud I need a better spot to practice ,I was thinking I should have bought a tenor ,but after hearing the comparison I like the alto better ,those lines you played with the alto sounded nice and jazzy ,really crisp ,trumpet like ,,what key was the second part of the comparison in ? And what was it you were playing ? I like to practice guitar 🎸 and got a sax to add to it to try and make some of my own music ,but noticed quickly that after learning the notes I would have to transpose everything to play in key w the guitar ,so I guess I can look at it two two ways ? From alto to guitar three semi tones down ,or think of the guitar to alto three semi tones up ,, trying to find a easy way of thinking about it

[@jimini2419]

What I would like an answer to is: what is the difference in Note Range between an Alto and Tenor Sax ? Does The Tenor Sax reach a range of lower notes that The Alto does not ? I.E. What is the lowest note on a Tenor compared to an Alto ?

[@peterdemarchi4359]

awesome video Jeremy they just sound amazing !!! too hard to pick one

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Totally depends on repertoire and role in the ensemble.

[@GamerSkibbe]

Question: Can you get that crisp sound that you hear on this Tenor on an Alto? I feel like, everytime I hear an Alto (which I‘m also playing) it always sounds quite soft. Not airy, soft. And when I‘m listening and looking for this crisp sound (like in the Detective Conan theme) it always turns out to be a tenor sax. Is that a thing? Or is it an issue that can be solved with the right Reed, mouthpiece, over-/underblowing?

[@craigrock5014]

Good job ,you made some jazzy sounds with that alto ,nice playing ,I going start practicing thank you

[@dorcasia109]

Omg I played saxophone for 10 years and moving to an apartment put an end to my playing. I just bought a house, and first thing I did was buy a bass. Now I’m bringing back the alto so we will see if it’s like riding a bike 15 years later!

[@luke9947]

I don’t play the sax but just curious on the topic. It seems like the alto has a cleaner and definite sound while the tenor is more “growling”. Am i right with this observation?

[@syap8888]

Thanks, love the Tenor....

[@erik1993]

Alto is mysterious, a lone wolf. Tenor is in your face and tells you theres a new sheriff in town, they are both legendary.

[@norajasim7291]

i always see the altos in my class playing a lot of melody or loud big parts. are the tenors the same? or do the have more of trombone parts/less relevant parts?

[@LEARNHOMEOPATHY]

Surely I like the tenor best but does anyone supply helium balloons to lessen the weight? (obviously not a serious question-just moaning that my necks too old for the weight)?

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Tenor is louder. Alto can only go so low but Tenor can go as high as you can figure out. For me it's Tenor unless the neighbors are complaining. You can hear my Tenor down the bloody street!

[@xk3051]

Looks like music is coming easier out of the alto

[@PuppetGene]

Alto a bit similar to clarinet (approximate) to my ears at least.

[@bevtooth]

I like the lightness in sound of the alto

[@mermaidoceanmystery]

This was so helpful, thankyou!

[@LupeSunglass]

I've taken tuba for 4 years and I'm tired of carrying the damn thing. I want to switch to a saxophone and I'm looking to see which is best.

[@LupeSunglass]

@Fun Facts Since writing this comment, I have bought an alto saxophone and have been practicing

[@weeeeeeee945]

@@LupeSunglass how has it been coming along? I played trumpet but I've been thinking about mastering saxophone as well. Maybe tenor since it's already in b flat

[@SelectCircle]

Excellent demonstration!

[@curt_on_wh33lz]

Which one is Brendan ross playing tenor or Alto?

[@shelbytekiilax9452]

I love the 2 songs beginner ! Do toi Know partition ? I Want iiiiiit

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

What are the difference between P.Mauriat,Selmer,Yanaisawa,Yamaha and Jupiter ( I know Jupiter is more of a beginners sax's brand)?

[@matthewstarr9887]

Great playing, you make it sound smooth with great tone! Way better than I can do haha.

[@sadeklab]

thanks for the nice video, you are intelligent to make this wonderful video, because many videos compare between easy and difficult and beginners or advanced, but you make in a wonderful way, the sound difference , Thank you so much, but please , now I want to get a Tenor saxophone, but I found E flat and B flat, so, what is the difference between these two? Thank you, and good luck

[@sebastiansanz7361]

Melissa Aldana, seca, la más grande de chile y de las mejores del mundo lejos . one of the greates sax player of this time

[@SaxTuition]

Agreed! I was fortunate to see her live last year, incredible 👍

[@ammi_10]

They are both awesome

[@mohdshidi8090]

Thankyou from Malaysia

[@jazzhomemade4219]

Hello man, great video ans great sound. I’m an alto player and I really love how you sound on it. Could you tell me what kind of Meyer is the one you’re playing? It’s a 1948-60 vintage Meyer Bros New York? Thanks!

[@SaxTuition]

Hey there! It’s actually just a Meyer 6M - a new one, nothing too fancy 😊

[@morethandeepmtd]

I would love a sax battle between the two

[@davper8619]

Does a tenor is alto sound better from your personal opinion?

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Dav! Honestly, neither sound 'better' in my opinion - I love the sound of both. When it comes to my personal sound, I gravitate more towards the tenor, because it feels more natural to me to play. Perhaps because it matches my speaking / singing voice 😊

[@zazzle777i]

I want a tenor really bad because I like the way it sounds and looks but I am 13 and my hands are small

[@davepierremusic3974]

Excellent review as always and really love your channel. I was wondering what you thought about the pmauriat horns especially the system 76 dark lacquer alto?

[@SaxTuition]

Hi Dave, I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks for the feedback! I’ve never played the system 76 Alto, but I played the 66 R tenor for years and absolutely loved it. The system 76 seems like a modern take on the Mark VI. I’d be curious to give it a try one day! Let me know how you get on. Regards, Jeremy 🎷😊

[@davepierremusic3974]

@@SaxTuition thanks soo much for your response. Really helpful 😊💪🏾👍🏾

[@gianlucarossi38]

Hi Jeremy, could you send me the music sheet of the alto you play in this video?

[@christianmonturanoii6539]

The tenor is richer I live both I have an alto the tenor is probably my favorite though I want one. Gato barbari rich tenor Europe is an amazing example. I think u can start on either If I had to pick I'd say start with alto that the most common on and it's straight down the middle. Soprano is cool too that a little harder it looks like a brass clarinet. Or play alto and tenor at the same time learn on both but I'd say buy an alto first if u buy one it's also probably a little cheaper it's smaller.🎷

[@MrSamkots]

Am I the only one who liked the alto sax more?

[@JWhiteboii37]

what song was the first one you played on the alto saxophone at 1:05?

[@lanphanh]

What mouthpiece do you think it will give us the easiest and best sound on this Yamaha?

[@SaxTuition]

For a beginner - a Yamaha 4C 😊

[@stevenmyers3647]

I notice that Jeremy is using a silver color alto this time. Is there a preference in color with professionals? It looks like most use the gold color. I haven't seen any black, blue, red ... etc. being used by professionals.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Steven! Great question - the bright, multi colored saxophones you see online are generally only available in beginner models, professional saxophones don't normally come in those colours. The common options for professional saxophones are: 1) Clear lacquer (brass colour) 2) Silver plated 3) Gold plated The lacquer / plating can affect the sound, but opinions are a bit divided about how much affect it actually has. Personally, I got a silver plated saxophone because my old saxophone teacher used to play one, and I wanted to be like him!

[@oreodog]

His tenor playing is great, but his alto sound is pretty amazing.

[@mikkkeh]

So,alto has smoother sound?

[@jillxz9424]

I could not tell which was which. You should said which one you are doing then the other one

[@renatadacostaoficial]

Please what saxophone is indicate for a child 11 years old beginner to play in a band in school? He plays piano, recorder, drum and guitar.

[@SaxTuition]

Go for the alto saxophone 😊

[@cmiller66677]

So basically the Tenor sounds more jazzy??

[@iggyd324]

Alto

[@VideoNash]

thanks

[@Barfsack101]

I really like the saxophone and I would really want one but I'm afraid that I might get bored of it after some time...any tips?

[@SaxTuition]

Listen to as much music with saxophone in it as you can. Find the music you’re passionate about and use that as inspiration as you learn!

[@dragoncaptain678]

For me I'd love to learn how to play the sax myself. I think tenor would have to be for me