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PodchaserAre You Breathing the Right Way When You Play?
If your sax sound feels weak—or you’re running out of puff halfway through a phrase—it’s probably not your embouchure. It’s your breathing.
Hey, it’s Nigel here from Sax School Online, in this post I want to unpack one of the most overlooked (and most important) skills that can transform your playing, no matter what level you’re at.
Breathing might sound simple—but doing it right on the saxophone is the key to unlocking a confident sound, better phrasing, and more stamina. Whether you’re an adult beginner picking up the sax for the first time, or returning after a 30-year break, this post is for you.
Why Most Adult Sax Learners Struggle With Breathing
Learning to play saxophone as an adult comes with its own unique challenges—tight shoulders, busy minds, and years of not thinking about how we breathe.
And for most of us, especially those returning after a long break, breathing gets buried under a pile of other worries: fingers, posture, reading music, embouchure… the list goes on. But here’s the truth:
“If it doesn’t sound flowy even when you’re playing, chances are you’re not breathing through your phrases.”
Sound familiar?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of shallow breathing. That’s when you breathe from your chest instead of your diaphragm—and the result is a tone that’s weak and inconsistent.
The fix? A more conscious approach to breath support, and it starts with understanding your diaphragm.
How to Use Your Diaphragm for Saxophone Playing
Your diaphragm is the powerhouse behind great saxophone tone. When used properly, it provides the strong, consistent airflow needed to produce a full, rich sound—especially in the upper and lower registers.
According to Joel Purnell (one of our amazing tutors and a professor at Leeds Conservatoire), the trick is learning how it feels to use your diaphragm:
“You’ve got to learn what activating your diaphragm feels like. And the best way to do that is just to lie on your back and watch where your body moves when you breathe.”
No chest lifting. No shoulder shrugging. Just smooth, 360-degree belly expansion—front, sides, and back.
Need a quick tip? Stand in front of a mirror. If you see your shoulders rising when you inhale, you’re probably chest breathing. Try instead to expand your lower torso like a balloon. It feels weird at first, but the benefits are huge.
Strategic Breathing = Smarter Playing
Another big win for adult learners? Planning your breathing points before you run out of air.
We see it all the time inside Sax School—members will learn a piece, only to hit a wall mid-phrase. The solution? Mark where you’ll breathe on the sheet music. Literally. Use a pencil. Then practice with those spots in mind.
This might feel like overkill at first—but it’s the same approach pro players use to deliver longer lines and better phrasing.
And if you’re learning to improvise, the ability to complete your musical ideas before running out of air is crucial. As Fred Vigdor says:
“You never want to run out of breath before you run out of ideas.”
Whether you’re playing a slow ballad or tackling a Sonny Rollins solo ( four choruses of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin!”), strong breathing makes everything easier.
A Daily Breathing Check-In for Adult Sax Players
Want to make consistent progress? Here’s a simple breathing habit to build into your warm-up:
- Start with a few long tones
- Focus on engaging your diaphragm—no shoulder movement
- Check your airflow: is it even and connected?
- Stay aware of your breathing every time you pick up your horn
And remember: this isn’t a “set it and forget it” skill. Even pros work on their breathing regularly. The good news? When you get it right, your tone improves instantly.
Ready to Play Saxophone with Confidence?
Mastering your breathing isn’t just about playing longer phrases—it’s about unlocking your full potential as a sax player.
So if you’re serious about improving your tone, phrasing, and stamina—and you want guidance every step of the way—come and check out Sax School Online. You’ll get access to thousands of lessons, support from tutors like me, and live coaching inside our amazing community.
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About the Tutors
Joel Purnell is regarded as one of the top jazz educators and performers in the UK and has taught for over 20 years at the prestigious Leeds Conservatoire.
Nigel McGill setup Sax School Online to share his knowledge from decades performing and leading bands all over the world. Over the past 11 years his videos, courses and live education events have reached millions of players worldwide.
Fred Vigdor toured worldwide with the iconic Average White Band for over 20 years and has performed, toured and recorded with artists including Michael MacDonald and Dave Weckl.
