What is a bassoon fingering chart?

A bassoon fingering chart is a visual guide showing which keys or positions to use for each note. It helps beginners learn the correct fingerings, making it easier to play different notes accurately.

How many keys does a bassoon have?

A standard bassoon has approximately 25-30 keys. These mechanisms work together to produce different pitches and notes across its wide range.

What is the bassoon's range?

The standard bassoon range is approximately Bb1 to E5. Advanced players may extend this range with practice and technique.

How do I read a bassoon fingering chart?

A bassoon fingering chart shows note names along with visual representations or descriptions of which keys, strings, or positions to use. Follow the chart's key to understand the fingering notation system.

What are the best bassoon brands for beginners?

Popular beginner bassoon brands include Fox, Yamaha, Heckel, Puchner. These offer quality instruments at student-friendly prices, typically providing good value for beginners.

Bassoon Fingering Chart

Interactive fingering demonstration + beginner learning guide + free PDF download

Interactive Bassoon Fingering Chart

🎵 How to Use This Interactive Chart

Step 1: Choose Key Signature

Select your desired key signature from the dropdown menu. This will show you which notes are sharp or flat in that key.

Step 2: Click on a Note

Click any note button below to see the correct key fingering. The bassoon diagram will highlight the keys you need to press.

Step 3: Learn the Fingering

Study the highlighted keys on the bassoon and read the fingering description. Practice until it becomes automatic!

Key Signature:

Current Key: C Major

Current Note: Select a note

Click on a note button to see fingering

Musical Notation

Select a note to see notation

Select a Note

Bassoon Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

Bassoon fingering chart - complete guide with all notes and positions

High-quality bassoon fingering chart perfect for practice and reference Download PDF

📚 Complete Bassoon Fingering Guide

For a comprehensive deep-dive into bassoon fingerings, register breaks, and advanced techniques, check out our detailed guide:

📖 Read Complete Bassoon Fingering Guide →

BEGINNER BASSOON FINGERING CHART

(Standard Bassoon | German System)

1. Basic Fingering Combinations (Lower-Mid Register)

Note	Left Hand	Right Hand	Thumb Keys	Description
Bb2	L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3	T1, T2	All left, first 3 right + both thumbs
C3	L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2	T1, T2	All left, first 2 right + both thumbs
D3	L1, L2, L3, L4	R1	T1, T2	All left, first right + both thumbs
E3	L1, L2, L3, L4	-	T1, T2	All left fingers + both thumbs
F3	L1, L2, L3	-	T1, T2	First 3 left + both thumbs
G3	L1, L2	-	T1, T2	First 2 left + both thumbs
A3	L1	-	T1, T2	First left finger + both thumbs
Bb3	L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3	T1, T2	All left, first 3 right + both thumbs

Tip: Always use both thumb keys (T1 and T2) for proper support and tone quality.

2. Essential Beginner Scales

Practice these scales to develop finger dexterity and smooth transitions in the bassoon's comfortable range.

F Major Scale

F3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - Bb3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - C4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - D4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - E4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - F4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3)

Bb Major Scale

Bb3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - C4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - D4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - Eb4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - F4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3) - G4 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - A4 (T1, T2, L1) - Bb4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3)

C Major Scale

C3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - F3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - B3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - C4 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new fingerings!)

"Hot Cross Buns":

Bb3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2)
Bb3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2)
G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2)
A3 (T1, T2, L1) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - A3 (T1, T2, L1)
Bb3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - A3 (T1, T2, L1) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb":

E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - C3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4)
D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - D3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1)
E3 (T1, T2, L1, L2, L3, L4) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2) - G3 (T1, T2, L1, L2)

4. Bassoon Fingering Tips for Beginners

Always use a seat strap to support the bassoon's weight - this is essential for proper technique.
Form a proper embouchure: place the double reed between your lips, not too tight or too loose.
Keep fingers curved and close to the keys for quick, efficient movement.
Ensure all tone holes are completely covered to avoid airy or squeaky sounds.
Use both thumb keys (T1 and T2) consistently for proper support and tone quality.
Practice long tones to develop a consistent, clear sound and breath control.
Breathe deeply from your diaphragm - bassoon requires substantial air support.
Start slowly with a metronome and gradually increase tempo.
Listen carefully to your tone and intonation - use a tuner regularly, especially in the low register.
Maintain your double reeds properly - they need to be moistened and cared for regularly.
Clean your bassoon regularly, especially after each practice session.
Master the transition between registers - the break between notes can be challenging.
Develop proper posture - sit up straight with the instrument supported by the seat strap.
Be patient - bassoon is a complex instrument that requires time and consistent practice.

Common Bassoon Fingering Patterns Chart

Here are fundamental fingering patterns to get you started. Mastering these will build a solid foundation.

Note	Fingering/Position
Bb2	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first 3 fingers
C3	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first 2 fingers
D3	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first finger
E3	Left thumb + first 3 fingers
F3	Left thumb + first 2 fingers
G3	Left thumb + first finger
A3	Left thumb only
Bb3	Left thumb + register key