<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <Ul> <Li> Saxophone </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> Saxophone </Li> </Ul> <P> The tenor saxophone is a medium - sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s . The tenor and the alto are the two most commonly used saxophones . The tenor is pitched in the key of B ♭ (while the Alto is pitched in E ♭), and written as a transposing instrument in the treble clef, sounding an octave and a major second lower than the written pitch . Modern tenor saxophones which have a high F ♯ key have a range from A ♭ to E (concert) and are therefore pitched one octave below the soprano saxophone . People who play the tenor saxophone are known as "tenor saxophonists" or "tenor sax players". </P> <P> The tenor saxophone uses a larger mouthpiece, reed and ligature than the alto and soprano saxophones . Visually, it is easily distinguished by the bend in its neck, or its crook, near the mouthpiece . The alto saxophone lacks this and its neck goes straight to the mouthpiece . The tenor saxophone is most recognized for its ability to blend well with the soprano, alto and baritone saxophones, with its "husky" yet "bright" tone . </P>

What key does a tenor sax play in