The saxophone is one of the easier instruments to hold. But improper hand positioning and bad habits can create problems when the player begins to learn more advanced fingerings. Mastering the proper hand position from the beginning is a simple but important step when learning to play the saxophone.
Sit down with the saxophone in your lap. Place the neck strap around your neck and adjust it so the clip is in the center of your chest.
Clasp the neck strap onto the saxophone and adjust if necessary.
Put your left hand, cupped in a relaxed C position, around the top of the saxophone. Place your first finger on the top key, with the next two fingers on the keys directly beneath them. Place your pinkie over, but not on, the group of four keys to the right side. Place your thumb on the black pad beneath the octave key.
Place your right thumb under the hook on the back of the saxophone. Relax your fingers and curve them around the saxophone, with the first three resting gently on the three corresponding keys, and the pinkie resting over, but not on, the group of four keys to the left side.
Bring the mouthpiece in to your mouth. If the saxophone is too low, adjust the neck strap.