Clarinet and Saxophones are pretty similar-looking instruments. Those who are not well versed in the language of music might as well be the same thing. They do have certain similarities but are inherently different instruments at the end of the day. But how cool would it be to learn one and then be able to switch to the other?
The good news is that clarinet players can and often switch to the sax later. Playing the clarinet gives them certain abilities, like knowing how to finger the keys, how to handle the reeds, and how to hold the mouthpiece during the practice of embouchure. In fact, switching to a saxophone is much easier after learning how to play the clarinet because the embouchure is much easier on the saxophone.
Certain types of saxophones are the easiest to learn after learning the clarinet; the tenor saxophone is generally the preferred saxophone for clarinet players.
Keep reading ahead to learn more details about the instruments and how one can switch between them.
How Is The Clarinet Similar To The Sax?
Both these instruments have reeds made of the same material, typically bamboo. The two instruments make music when air is blown into them, and the reeds vibrate. They also have mouthpieces that are supposed to be held in the mouth when blowing onto the reeds. Fingering techniques used in both these instruments are also pretty similar.
This video explains these similarities in more detail:
Why Can Clarinet Players Play The Saxophone?
As mentioned above, the two instruments have a lot of similarities, making it easy to double between them. But generally, it is easier to shift from the clarinet to the saxophone because the sax is easier to play.
It has a smaller, more adjustable mouthpiece, and its reeds are not as taut either. Saxophone players don’t have to worry much about covering the holes when playing, nor do they have to blow as hard to make music. If someone has already sharpened these skills playing the Clarinet, shifting to a sax, especially the tenor saxophone, should be relatively simple.
What Are Some Challenges When Shifting From Clarinet To Saxophone?
Of course, differences still exist, and they require practice to overcome.
The Embouchure Is Different
Since the mouthpiece and reed size is smaller for the saxophone than the clarinet, you do not need to put as much pressure while blowing. It is important to learn how to adapt to the embouchure technique for the sax when you are shifting so that the music you make sounds like a saxophone is supposed to.
The Fingering Technique Is Slightly Different
The registers on a saxophone are an octave apart; for the clarinet, the fingering technique for the lower and higher registers is different. You must practice using your fingers properly on the sax when shifting to it.
The Bottom Line
Musicians who have had experience playing a more difficult instrument can always switch to a simpler one. Since the saxophone is relatively considered easier to play, it is not a difficult shift to make, especially because of the similarities between the two instruments. But how well a clarinet player can play the sax is something entirely up to them.
