I already play a few instruments, namely piano and guitar, but I'm looking to try out something new. I was thinking either the clarinet or saxophone. Which one is easier to pick up and learn, and would renting one for a little while be a good idea?
2007-02-26 07:27:29 · 9 answers · asked by jet555mc 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
The saxophone would definetely be the easiest of the two. The person that said making good tone on a clarinet it easier is smoking something. If you are only planning on trying an instrument and not really (or even sure of) pursuing it to an advanced level, definetely rent first. Why spend good money on buying something and then trying to sell it again, when you can return it when you either don't like it or can't get it?
2007-02-26 12:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the saxophone would be easier for a beginner because a saxophonist usually plays with a relaxed embouchure.If you play the clarinet you will have a tighter embouchure than you would if you played the sax. Personally if you are interested in the sax. I would not recommend playing the clarinet first because you will be more likely to tighten up when you play the sax. and that is not what you want to do when you play the sax. Personally I think both instruments are easy to learn. I play both the clarinet and the saxophone but I started playing the clarinet first. I had more problems learning how to play the saxophone because I played the clarinet first. As far as renting goes I think it would be a good idea because you do not know which instrument you want to play for sure. If you rent an instrument for a while you will get an idea of whether you want to play it or not.
2007-02-26 15:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by clarinetist 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Getting out and trying different instruments is great! My main instrument is the saxophone but I double on clarinet, bass clarinet, and oboe. Renting is a good way if your not sure of what instrument you want to play. Make sure you get a good student model so your not trying to fight learning on something that was found in an attic. Most of the time it takes a lot of money to get the instrument in working order. Don't buy cheap stuff like band now. With clarinet, good brands are Selmer, Yamaha, and Leblanc. With saxophone I recommend Slemer, Yamaha, Jupiter. There are other brands out there but I really like these. Now which instrument is easier to play. The saxophone you can get immediate results on technicality but tone is something that takes awhile to work on. With clarinet the embouchure is very different and tone takes a lot of work. Look at the size of your fingers. If you have small pads on your fingers, clarinet might not be for you because of the open tone holes. It's also hard to keep all your fingers covering them at first. You don't have this problem with saxophone although the saxophone is a little awkward to hold at first, but a neck strap aids in this. In my opinion the saxophone is easier to play at first, but both are not easy if you want to continue on playing.
2007-02-27 23:08:41 · answer #3 · answered by Lelly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe all these answers from players and no one mentioned the "break" in fingering the clarinet. Although both instruments are woodwinds and very similar in many regards, the break makes the clarinet harder to play!
It is also MUCH MORE DIFFICULT to get a musical, ear-pleasing tone from the clarinet. In a career of about 50 years, I have played piano, drums and/or bass behind many a woodwind player. It was much easier to work with the saxophonists. Few people can play a clarinet well enough for me to listen to it for more than one song. Unless you are gifted, start with the sax.
2007-02-26 19:10:58 · answer #4 · answered by David A 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Renting is always a good idea.
Clarinet is a little tougher than sax, BUT if you feel like you would like to play both EVENTUALLY, start on the clarinet because once you develop even a basic sax embouchure it's really tough to tighten it up for clarinet! (Embouchure is how you put your lips around the mouthpiece.)
2007-02-27 13:00:56 · answer #5 · answered by Katrina M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn clarinet first, then you have groundwork for sax. Playing a mouth instrument will be a hurdle at the beginning, especially because of the reed and breathing, but you can do it if you are determined.
2007-02-26 15:35:30 · answer #6 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sax!
Actually, both are quite similar. My husband plays both. I play both oboe and sax.
I find the Sax to be more fun, personally. They are really about the same as far as learning, though.
Renting one should be fine. I've done so many times. :)
2007-02-26 15:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by Souris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
clarinet because it earier to get the right tone out and you have to work harderon the sax. i play the clarinet
2007-02-26 15:36:30 · answer #8 · answered by S.E.A. 0021 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Saxaphone all the way. woo.
2007-02-27 18:57:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋