Most music shops have a section with a variety of woodwind instruments. This list will typically include flutes, clarinets, and saxophones. If you're interested in learning to play the saxophone — perhaps because it's present in one or more genres of music that you enjoy listening to — then you'll likely have a few options to consider. What you might not know is that there are many different types of saxophones on the market, so you'll be able to evaluate the different models, ask some questions to an experienced salesperson, and decide which model is right for you. Here are three options that you'll typically find at a musical instrument store.

Soprano

A soprano saxophone is noteworthy because it doesn't have the usual shape of other saxophones. Instead of having a bent shape, it's straight — much like a clarinet. Soprano saxophones produce a higher sound than many of their counterparts, which can be appealing to some players. If you've previously played the clarinet, even if it was a long time ago, you may experience a degree of familiarity when you pick up a soprano sax. This instrument can also be appealing because it's light and small in size, which makes it easy to store in your home and carry with you.

Tenor

If you're looking for a medium-sized saxophone that will produce a classic sound that you associate with this instrument, a tenor saxophone can be a good option to consider. It not only has the typical shape that you picture when you think of this instrument, but its mid-range size can be good for young and adult players alike. You can get a wide range of sounds from a tenor sax, so whether you're into jazz, rock, or another genre of music, you can learn to play some of the songs that you enjoy with this instrument.

Bass

Aspiring players who are looking for a deep, rich sound may gravitate toward a bass saxophone. This is an extremely large version of the sax, so it's ideal to play if you're of a large stature and are physically strong. Its size and weight can make it better for playing at home rather than perhaps traveling around frequently to play with friends. If you do favor playing with friends, however, you'll appreciate being able to provide a low-end sound that pairs well with higher-pitched instruments.

Visit a local music instrument store to learn more about the various types of saxophones.

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