Do you have to be a big guy in order to play tenor sax?!
Question: All the tenor sax jazz players are big. Coltrane, Sonny Rollings, Stan Getz, Dextor Gordon. I guess a set of big lungs are prerequisite.
Answers: All the tenor sax jazz players are big. Coltrane, Sonny Rollings, Stan Getz, Dextor Gordon. I guess a set of big lungs are prerequisite.
I don't believe that being a 'big' guy has anything to do with playing a tenor sax - just ask Johnny Griffin or Benny Golson.
Personally, at 6'4" and 275 lbs, the only advantage I see to my size in comparison to the tenor is that it doesn't look quite as big on me. That means nothing in regard to lung power and air speed, which is what keeps the horn playing correctly. The key to playing any horn is to have the correct embouchure, mouthpiece and reed to suit your personal technique.
Now, I would admit that playing the Baritone is easier for a big guy, specifically due to its size and weight. I marched with one during high school and that was a challenge! But that didn't stop Gerry Mulligan, did it?
You just need to be bigger than the Sax. ;)
well, you need 2 be big enough to hold it up...
;)
no , i changed from tenor to Baritone Saxophone . which is heavier than tenor due to lack of people. but basically you just need to be able to breathe in alot, increase your lung capacity. to produce nice sound. though the baritone often makes my neck ache.
ps! my seniors who played tenor and just normal girl's size .