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If you've hit a roadblock while playing the saxophone that keeps you from advancing in your skills, you're not alone. As with any musician playing any musical instrument, saxophonists reach a point where it seems impossible to have a breakthrough moment that takes them to the next level. Fortunately, we've gathered some tips that professional saxophonists use to help you get over the hump in your playing. Let's look at how you can move your saxophone playing to where you want it to be and beyond. 

Pro Saxophonist Tip #1- Practice Your Fingering Chart Constantly

A fingering chart is an essential tool for improving your saxophone playing skills. If you put the fingering chart somewhere where you will see it and practice it every day, you will enhance your memory of notes you may otherwise easily forget if they are not what you typically play. 

Pro Saxophonist Tip #2- A Dry Reed Is A No-No

Make sure you get your saxophone's reed every time before playing the instrument. Pop the reed you want to use in your mouth and hold it there while you put your instrument together. This habit of wetting your reed will pay off dividends. 

Pro Saxophonist Tip #3- Find Your Position And Keep It 

A saxophone can be played in a few positions, and you will typically play yours in the position in which you were initially taught. Whether you prefer to hold your sax between your legs or to the side of your legs, pick one way and stick with it. Consistency is the key to improving.

Pro Saxophonist Tip #4- Watch Your Playing Posture

Your playing posture is a fundamental part of playing music, and it is easily strayed over the years. Improve your playing posture by going back to the basics of sitting up straight and tall when playing your instrument. The better your posture, the better you'll play. 

Pro Saxophonist Tip #5- Make Cite-Reading A Habit

At the begging of our saxophone playing journey, we focus on committing pieces of music to memory through repetitive playing. Being able to cite-read music well enhances your skills and your natural talent for playing the sax. Get back to cite-reading as much as possible. 

Pro Saxophonist Tip #6- Use A Quality Neck-Strap

Neck-straps affect your saxophone playing ability more than you may think. When you stand and play your sax, using the neck strap will give you more power to efficiently and swiftly use your fingers. Taking the weight off of holding your sax up on your own also allows you to focus more on your playing.

Whether you are just beginning your saxophone playing journey or headlong into your musical career, following these tips will help you push through to the next level of your musical talent.