The saxophone, a Belgian invention adopted by jazz greats in America, found a second home in India. From the soaring melodies of Bollywood classics like “Yeh Shaam Mastani” (played by Manohari Singh) to the complex gamakas in Carnatic music (pioneered by Kadri Gopalnath), the “Indian sax” has a distinct voice — one that is often described as more vocal, more meandering, and emotionally raw than its Western counterpart.
Use your breath to bend, your fingers to ornament, and your ears to listen for the shrutis hiding between the cracks of the 12-tone scale. indan sax sonig better
But here is the burning question for every subcontinental saxophonist: Not just louder or faster, but richer, more expressive, and authentically suited to the melodic demands of Indian ragas and film songs. The saxophone, a Belgian invention adopted by jazz
Below are eight transformative techniques that will elevate your playing from merely "correct" to truly spellbinding. Western classical and jazz use 12 equal semitones. Indian music (both Hindustani and Carnatic) uses 22 shrutis (microtonal intervals). A “better sounding” Indian sax is one that can glide between these microtones. But here is the burning question for every
The Indian sax is not an imitation of the West’s jazz horn. It is its own instrument — one that sings, weeps, and dances to the grammar of raga. Master that, and you won’t just sound better. You will sound unforgettable. Final tip: Record yourself playing a simple Bhairavi or Yaman scale. Then play it again after one month of practicing the techniques above. The difference will be your motivation. 🎷🇮🇳