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What types of saxophones are there?

Alto saxophone

* Most common

* Usually pitched in E-flat

* Smaller and higher-pitched than the tenor saxophone

* Commonly used in jazz, classical, and concert bands

* Famous players: Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Art Pepper

Tenor saxophone

* Larger and lower-pitched than the alto saxophone

* Most commonly pitched in B-flat

* Common in jazz, classical, and concert bands

* Famous players: John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon

Soprano saxophone

* Smallest and highest-pitched member of the saxophone family

* Usually pitched in B-flat

* Common in jazz, classical, and concert bands

* Famous players: Sidney Bechet, Steve Lacy, Kenny G

Baritone saxophone

* Largest and lowest-pitched saxophone

* Usually pitched in E-flat

* Common in jazz, classical, and concert bands

* Famous players: Gerry Mulligan, Ronnie Cuber, Pepper Adams

Bass saxophone

* Even larger and lower-pitched than the baritone saxophone

* Usually pitched in B-flat

* Less common than other saxophones

* Used in concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands

* Famous players: Adrian Rollini, Cecil Payne, Oliver Lake

Sopranino saxophone

* Smallest and highest-pitched saxophone

* Usually pitched in E-flat

* Extremely rare

* Used primarily in classical music

* Famous players: John Surman, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Cornelius Boots

Musical Instruments

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