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Tone development is a crucial component of playing the saxophone. In addition to proper breathing technique, optimal tongue position, and an adequately formed embouchure, playing with a flexible, open throat is a necessary skill for producing an excellent saxophone sound. For both saxophone novices and experienced players alike, practicing exercises that improve their musical instrument mastery will go a long way to enhance their music's tone and quality. 

Playing The Saxophone With An Open Throat

When playing the saxophone, the term 'open throat' means that the throat is relaxed and unrestrictive of the air stream flow. An open throat allows the air to easily flow from the lungs into the oral cavity, assisting the saxophonist in intonation and response. 

Sometimes, saxophonists find it challenging to know if they are playing with an open throat as it is hard to observe. However, practicing specific exercises will allow the saxophonist to learn how to play with an open throat and how it should sound. 

Exercise For Open Throat

Speaking in the lowest voice possible simulates the feeling of playing with an open throat. When speaking in a low voice, the throat is in the optimum open position, allowing airflow to move freely from the lungs. Performing this exercise every time the saxophonist practices will allow the open throat position to become a natural part of the performer's routine. 

Throat Flexibility Is Asset When Playing Saxophone

For saxophonists to have the ability to adjust the intonation of a pitch without moving the embouchure, a flexible throat is a great asset. Not only will a flexible throat help when bending notes and playing smoothly between registers, but it is all but required to play certain saxophone performance styles. A saxophonist can develop a flexible throat through correct, consistent practice of the appropriate exercises. 

Exercise To Develop A Flexible Throat

Take only the saxophone's mouthpiece and play a Concert C# to develop a flexible throat. Practice bending the note down a one-half step to a Concert C, then back up to Concert C# using only the throat muscles. The jaw should not be engaged when practicing this exercise, as the focus should remain on the throat to perform the notes. 

Final Thoughts

Proper tone production is an essential part of saxophone performance. Not only does tone require appropriate breathing techniques, a correctly formed embouchure, and optimal tongue position, but also an open, flexible throat that affords the ability to play overtones. Through the practice of exercises designed to develop an open and flexible throat, a saxophonist will learn how to create an ideal tone.