Saxophone Embouchure

The basic difference beween clarinet and saxophone embouchure is the angle in which the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth. Clarinets point downwards at an angle of 45 degrees whereas the saxophone mouthpiece is almost horizontal, The teeth rest lightly on the top of the mouthpiece and in the case of the clarinet the lower lip covers the lower teeth. However, the lower lip in saxophone embouchure does not go completely over the lower teeth: some of it covers the teeth and some protrudes out, the profile could be compared to the profile of a button mushroom. This of course is a simplistic veiw and depends on the pupil,but I stand by my basic premise.

Lastly, some tutor books say that lips around the mouthpiece should form a smile.This can only cause problems as the reed becomes curved and cannot vibrate freely.