The alto saxophone and the tenor saxophone are two members of the saxophone family, and they differ in several key aspects, including their size, pitch, and range.
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Size: The alto saxophone is smaller and lighter than the tenor saxophone. The alto saxophone typically measures around 2.5 to 3 feet (0.8 to 0.9 meters) in length when fully assembled, making it more compact and easier to handle compared to the tenor saxophone, which is typically around 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) in length.
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Pitch: The alto saxophone is pitched in the key of Eb (E-flat), which means that when the saxophonist plays a written C on the instrument, the resulting sound is Eb. On the other hand, the tenor saxophone is pitched in the key of Bb (B-flat), so when the saxophonist plays a written C, the resulting sound is Bb.
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Range: The alto saxophone has a higher range compared to the tenor saxophone. The alto saxophone's lowest note is typically Bb2 (B-flat above middle C), and it can usually play up to F or G above the staff (notated as F5 or G5), depending on the specific model. The tenor saxophone, on the other hand, has a lower range, usually starting from Bb2 (B-flat above middle C) and extending up to F or G above the staff (notated as F4 or G4).
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Tone: The alto saxophone has a brighter and more focused tone compared to the tenor saxophone, which has a richer and deeper tone. The tone of the alto saxophone is often described as expressive and vibrant, while the tenor saxophone is known for its warm and resonant sound.
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Usage: The alto saxophone is commonly used in various musical styles, including jazz, classical music, rock, pop, and more. It is often featured as a solo instrument and is also a popular choice for beginners and younger players due to its smaller size. The tenor saxophone, on the other hand, is widely used in jazz, rock, and pop music, and is often featured in solos and improvisations. It is also a common choice for intermediate to advanced players due to its versatility and expressive capabilities.
In summary, the alto saxophone and the tenor saxophone differ in size, pitch, range, tone, and common usage, with the alto saxophone being smaller, higher in pitch, and having a higher range and brighter tone, while the tenor saxophone is larger, lower in pitch, and has a lower range with a richer tone.