The alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family, which was invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. It is pitched in the key of E♭ and is known for its rich, warm tone. The instrument is commonly used in various music genres, including jazz, classical, and pop. Typically made of brass, the alto saxophone has a single-reed mouthpiece and a range of about two and a half octaves. It features a curved body and a series of keys that allow the player to produce different notes. The alto saxophone is often favored by beginners due to its manageable size and weight.