How to Hold the Saxophone
Put the neckstrap loosely around your neck, then attach the neck strap to the ring on the back of the saxophone opposite the bell and adjust the length of the strap so that the mouthpiece is level with your mouth when your head is in a relaxed position looking straight ahead of you.
Place your left thumb on the thumb rest near the octave key and place the first three left hand fingers on the keys for the note G as shown in the Fingering Diagram section. Put your right thumb underneath the thumb hook further down the back of the body of the saxophone and then use the right thumb to push the saxophone slightly away from your body (ahead of you) until you are in the position shown in the following photo. This is the basic playing position.
It is important to remember that when you are playing, the neckstrap should take the weight of the instrument rather than your hands, which should be left totally free to control the keys.
