The tenor sax is in B♭ and sounds a major ninth, an octave plus a whole step, below written, so a plain tuner shows your written C as B♭. This tenor sax tuner opens with the B♭ + octave transposition on and adds the whole ninth back, so both the letter and the octave number match the note in your part.
Soprano sax is also in B♭ but sounds only a whole step below written: choose plain B♭ in the Transposition menu and the octave will match too. For alto and baritone, open the alto sax tuner.
How to use it
- Warm up for a minute or two, then tap Turn on microphone.
- Play your tuning note with a full, relaxed sound: written C for the band's concert B♭, or written B for concert A.
- Needle left (flat): push the mouthpiece further onto the cork. Needle right (sharp): pull it out a little.
- Check low D and the D an octave up. If the top one is sharp, relax your jaw instead of pulling the mouthpiece out further.
Tuning a tenor, step by step
Like every saxophone, the tenor tunes at the mouthpiece. Its big bore is forgiving, which also makes it easy to drift: many players bite in the upper register and sag on low notes. Tune one note, then play a slow scale against the tuner and note which notes lean sharp or flat: that is the map you correct with air and embouchure. In a noisy room, choose the low Sensitivity setting.
Tips
- Mark the mouthpiece position on the cork with a pencil.
- Tune at the volume you play most.
- Recheck after a long rest, when the horn has cooled down.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tenor sax read B♭ when I play C?
Normal tuners show concert pitch, and the tenor sounds a major ninth lower than written. This page adds the ninth back, so written C reads as C.
Does the octave number match my part?
Yes. The tenor sounds an octave plus a whole step below written, and the B♭ + octave setting adds all 14 semitones back. On plain B♭ only the letter would match and the octave would read one lower.
Which note should I tune my tenor sax on?
Usually written C (concert B♭) or written B (concert A), then a low and a high note to check.
Can I use it for soprano sax?
Yes. Soprano is in B♭ but sounds only a whole step below written: choose plain B♭ in the Transposition menu and both the letter and the octave will match.
Is this tuner good for other B♭ instruments?
Yes, but the clarinet tuner and the trumpet tuner have tips for their own slides and barrels.