The saxophone is actually a woodwind instrument, typically made out of thin brass with a cone-shaped tube and a single-reed mouthpiece that is similar in style to a clarinet. The reason saxophones are considered part of the woodwind family is because of the use of an oscillating wood reed to generate sound waves, as opposed to just one's use of their lips and airflow.

The saxophone's vent holes are covered by keys with pads made from soft leather that provide an airtight seal on the instrument tube. A player will use their fingers to press on the keys, while their right thumb remains underneath the sax on a thumb rest, to keep the instrument stabilized.

Saxophones are available in several different types, the four most common types of saxophones are the Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone saxophones.