Hi — I'm Harris from LMT Music Academy in Fitzrovia, W1. If you're new to the saxophone, this beginner-friendly guide will take you through the essentials: the parts of the instrument, how to assemble it safely, how to position your neck strap and body correctly, how to form a solid embouchure, and how to play your first three notes. No prior experience is required — simply bring curiosity and a little patience and start learning to play the saxophone today.
My profile on LMT: https://www.lmtmusicacademy.co.uk/teachers/harris
Overview: what you'll learn
- How to fit the mouthpiece and reed correctly
- Why you should attach the mouthpiece to the neck before the body
- How to set up the neck strap so the saxophone sits comfortably
- How to form a neutral embouchure and produce your first sound
- The fingerings for your first three notes: G, A and B — the perfect first step for beginner saxophone players
The saxophone: main parts and safe assembly
Start with the mouthpiece and reed. Align the tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece — this is essential for a clear tone and consistent response. Once the reed is positioned, slide the mouthpiece onto the crook (the neck) of the saxophone. This is a key step every new saxophone student in London should master.
Important safety tip: always attach the mouthpiece to the neck first, then connect the neck to the body. This helps to protect the octave key and prevents bending or misaligning delicate mechanisms.
Quick assembly checklist
- Check the reed alignment on the mouthpiece (the reed tip and mouthpiece tip should line up).
- Slide the mouthpiece securely onto the neck.
- Attach the neck to the body carefully — avoid forcing the octave key.
- Fasten the neck strap before lifting the saxophone fully into the playing position.
Neck strap and posture: play without pain
Adjust your neck strap so the saxophone comes up to meet you — not the other way round. A saxophone that hangs too low will make you strain your neck and shoulders, particularly during longer practice sessions. Adjust the strap height until the instrument sits comfortably against your body at a natural angle — one of the most important tips for beginners starting saxophone lessons in London.
Good posture is essential: stand or sit tall, keep your shoulders relaxed, and let the saxophone rest gently against your chest. This will greatly assist with breath control and tone production, helping you play confidently from your very first saxophone lesson.
Forming the embouchure and creating your first sound
To produce your first clear tones, we use what I call a neutral embouchure. Here’s how to form it:
- Place your two front teeth gently on the top of the mouthpiece.
- Create a soft cushion with your bottom lip by rolling it slightly over your bottom teeth.
- Keep your jaw relaxed and avoid biting down — the goal is gentle support, not tension.
"Place your two front teeth onto the top of the mouthpiece and create a supportive cushion with your bottom lip."
Use your diaphragm to push a controlled, steady stream of air through the instrument — think of it as a smooth flow rather than a sudden puff. With the neutral embouchure and proper breath support you should achieve a strong, full sound. If the sound is thin or airy, check your lip position and air support first. These are the same techniques I teach in my beginner saxophone lessons here in Fitzrovia.
Playing your first three notes: G, A and B
Once you can produce a steady tone, it’s time to start playing notes. Here are the fingerings for G, A and B (right-hand and left-hand numbering follows the standard beginner approach, where 1 is the index finger):
- G — place fingers 1, 2 and 3 (left-hand index, middle, ring). This will produce a G.
- A — lift your third finger (left-hand ring) while keeping the rest of your embouchure and air support unchanged.
- B — lift your second finger (left-hand middle), leaving only the first finger down.
Play each note slowly, listening for a clear tone and stable pitch. Use your diaphragm to keep the airflow steady and make small embouchure adjustments if the pitch wavers. These first three notes are the building blocks of every beginner saxophonist's progress.
Practice tips and common troubleshooting
- Start with short practice sessions (10–15 minutes) focusing on tone and posture.
- If the reed squeaks or buzzes, check the reed alignment and ensure the mouthpiece is properly on the neck cork (but not forced).
- If the sound is thin, relax your jaw and strengthen your airflow from the diaphragm.
- Experiment gently with mouthpiece placement — even slight adjustments can affect tone and response.
- Keep your neck strap at the correct height so the saxophone doesn’t pull your head forward.
Final thoughts
Getting started with the saxophone is an exciting journey. Focus on safe assembly, a neutral embouchure, steady breathing from the diaphragm, and simple fingerings to build confidence. With regular, mindful practice you’ll improve quickly — and if you're in central London, I teach beginner saxophone lessons at LMT Music Academy in Fitzrovia where I can guide you step by step.
Enjoy the process, be patient with yourself, and above all — have fun making music.
Ready to begin your journey? To get started with your saxophone lessons in London, please contact us here and book your first beginner saxophone lesson today.
