The saxophone is categorized as which instrument family?

The saxophone is categorized as which instrument family?

• A. Brass
• B. Strings
• C. Percussion
• D. Woodwind

Answer: (D)

Sound production method determines instrument family, not what the instrument is made of. The saxophone produces its sound when a single reed on a mouthpiece vibrates as you blow across it, setting the air column inside the tube into vibration. That reed-and-mouthpiece mechanism is a hallmark of woodwind instruments, even though the body may be made of brass. In contrast, brass instruments rely on buzzing the lips to start the vibration, percussion instruments produce sound by striking a surface, and strings create sound from vibrating strings. So the saxophone fits best with woodwinds.

Sound production method determines instrument family, not what the instrument is made of. The saxophone produces its sound when a single reed on a mouthpiece vibrates as you blow across it, setting the air column inside the tube into vibration. That reed-and-mouthpiece mechanism is a hallmark of woodwind instruments, even though the body may be made of brass. In contrast, brass instruments rely on buzzing the lips to start the vibration, percussion instruments produce sound by striking a surface, and strings create sound from vibrating strings. So the saxophone fits best with woodwinds.