Saxophone players: I've noticed that many tenor sax players also play flute. Is the fingering the same? (read)

Question

Many also play baritone and soprano sax as well but I have rarely noticed this with alto players. (Maybe it's not as popular?)
I guess what I'm asking is if one learns to play the saxophone, would he/she be able to play any and all of them?

Answer 1

The fingerings are very similar, but not entirely the same (between flutes and saxophones.) All saxophones have generally the same fingering except for the occasional specialized keys. All flutes have the same fingerings, except for placement of trill keys.

The biggest reason why alto players don't delve into baritone sax is because the register is different - they have to switch from treble to bass clef. Also, your breath control and strength are really brought out by the baritone and soprano regions.

Example: A weak flute player will not be able to play a piccolo without making it squeal, and they won't have enough breath to hold notes on a bass or alto flute either. The basic idea is that they lack sofficient control over their breathing to make a smooth, constant pitch note. (The other flute players liked to try playing my piccolo and bass flute, but it usually sounded painful.)

Answer 2

I don't see why you can't play both. I am a sax player and love it and I wish that I had taken the time to learn other instruments when I had the chance. You band teacher should respect the fact that you are a talented musician and be willing to help you grow your knowledge base. Just because you would be playing the Sax in Band does not mean that you give up the flute. Keep up your flute playing and learn as many other instuments that you feel comfortable with. I say take the opertunity while it exists but NEVER give up the flute as it will always be your true instrument. "In order to compose, All you need to do is remimber a tune that nobody else has thought of." -Robert Alexander Schumann

Answer 3

Most of the time---people learn flute and then switch to sax because it's relativly easier to learn.