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What does each button on an alto sax do?

Low B/Bb Key

- Located on the underside of the saxophone.

- When the key is pressed, the length of the saxophone is shortened, lowering the pitch of the instrument.

- This key is used to play the notes B and Bb.

Octave Key

- Located on the right-hand side just above the thumb rest.

- When the key is pressed, the saxophone overblows creating a higher pitched note.

- This key is used to play notes in the upper register of the saxophone.

F#/Gb Key

- Located on the left-hand side of the saxophone, in line with the neck.

- When the key is pressed, the length of the saxophone is shortened producing a lower pitch.

- This key is used to play the note F# or Gb depending on the context of the music.

Palm Keys

- Located on the back of the saxophone, to the right and the left of the thumb rest.

- When the keys are pressed, the length of the saxophone is shortened resulting in a lower pitched note.

- These keys are used to play low E, F#, and G.

Side Key (High E)

- Located on the left-hand side of the saxophone, behind the left-hand palm key.

- When the key is pressed, the length of the saxophone is shortened, creating a higher pitched note.

- This key is used to play the note high E.

G#/A Key

- Located on the front of the saxophone, below the right-hand pinky finger.

- When the key is pressed, the length of the saxophone is shortened, lowering the pitch of the instrument.

- This key is used to play the notes G# and A.

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