What is a saxophone fingering chart?

A saxophone 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 saxophone have?

A standard saxophone has 21-23 keys. These mechanisms work together to produce different pitches and notes.

What is the saxophone's range?

The standard saxophone range is approximately Varies by type. Advanced players may extend this range with practice and technique.

How do I read a saxophone fingering chart?

A saxophone 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 saxophone brands for beginners?

Popular beginner saxophone brands include Yamaha, Selmer, Yanagisawa, Keilwerth. These offer quality instruments at student-friendly prices, typically providing good value for beginners.

Saxophone Fingering Chart

Comprehensive fingering guide + technique tips + beginner learning resources + free PDF download

Interactive Saxophone 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 fingering. The saxophone diagram will highlight the keys you need to press.

Step 3: Learn the Fingering

Study the highlighted keys on the saxophone 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

Saxophone Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

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

📚 Complete Saxophone Fingering Guide

For a comprehensive deep-dive into saxophone fingerings, register breaks, palm/side keys, and advanced alternates, check out our detailed guide:

📖 Read Complete Saxophone Fingering Guide →

BEGINNER SAXOPHONE FINGERING CHART

(Alto/Tenor Saxophone | Standard System)

1. Basic Fingering Combinations

Note	Left Hand	Right Hand	Description
Bb3	TH, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3, R4	All fingers down including both pinkies
B3	TH, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3	All left, first 3 right
C4	TH, L1, L2, L3	R1, R2, R3	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first 3
D4	TH, L1, L2, L3	R1, R2	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first 2
E4	TH, L1, L2, L3	R1	Left thumb + first 3 fingers, right first
F4	TH, L1, L2, L3	-	Left thumb + first 3 fingers
G4	TH, L1, L2	-	Left thumb + first 2 fingers
A4	TH, L1	-	Left thumb + first finger
B4	TH	-	Left thumb only
C5	TH	P1	Left thumb + palm key 1

Tip: Use palm keys (P1, P2, P3) for notes above B4. The octave key is used automatically for higher notes.

2. Essential Beginner Scales

Practice these scales to develop finger dexterity and smooth transitions.

C Major Scale

C4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2, R3) - D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2) - E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1) - F4 (TH, L1, L2, L3) - G4 (TH, L1, L2) - A4 (TH, L1) - B4 (TH) - C5 (TH, P1)

G Major Scale

G4 (TH, L1, L2) - A4 (TH, L1) - B4 (TH) - C5 (TH, P1) - D5 (TH, P2) - E5 (TH, P3) - F#5 (TH, P1, P2, P3) - G5 (TH, P1, P2, P3)

F Major Scale

F4 (TH, L1, L2, L3) - G4 (TH, L1, L2) - A4 (TH, L1) - Bb4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2, R3) - C5 (TH, P1) - D5 (TH, P2) - E5 (TH, P3) - F5 (TH, P1, P3)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new fingerings!)

"Hot Cross Buns":

B4 (TH) - A4 (TH, L1) - G4 (TH, L1, L2)
B4 (TH) - A4 (TH, L1) - G4 (TH, L1, L2)
G4 (TH, L1, L2) - G4 (TH, L1, L2) - G4 (TH, L1, L2) - G4 (TH, L1, L2)
A4 (TH, L1) - A4 (TH, L1) - A4 (TH, L1) - A4 (TH, L1)
B4 (TH) - A4 (TH, L1) - G4 (TH, L1, L2)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb":

E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1) - D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2) - C4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2, R3) - D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2) - E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1) - E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1) - E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1)
D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2) - D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2) - D4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1, R2)
E4 (TH, L1, L2, L3, R1) - G4 (TH, L1, L2) - G4 (TH, L1, L2)

4. Saxophone Fingering Tips for Beginners

Use a neck strap to support the saxophone's weight - adjust it so the mouthpiece comes naturally to your lips.
Form a proper embouchure: place the reed on your lower lip, top teeth on the mouthpiece, and create a seal with your lips.
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 the octave key (thumb key) for notes above B4 - it's essential for proper pitch.
Practice long tones to develop a consistent, clear sound and breath control.
Breathe deeply from your diaphragm for good breath support - saxophone requires substantial air.
Start slowly with a metronome and gradually increase tempo.
Listen carefully to your tone and intonation - use a tuner regularly.
Keep reeds properly moistened and maintained for best sound quality.
Clean your saxophone regularly, especially after each practice session - swab out moisture.
Master the transition between registers - the break between notes can be challenging.
Use palm keys (P1, P2, P3) for high notes - practice them separately to build confidence.
Maintain proper posture - sit or stand up straight with the saxophone at a comfortable angle.
Don't take in too much mouthpiece - only about half should be in your mouth.
Practice overtones to improve tone quality and control.

Common Saxophone Fingering Patterns

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

Note/Pattern	Fingering/Position
Low Bb	All fingers down including both pinkies
B	All fingers except right pinky
C	Left hand: thumb, first 3 fingers; Right hand: first 3 fingers
D	Left hand: thumb, first 3 fingers; Right hand: first 2 fingers
E	Left hand: thumb, first 3 fingers; Right hand: first finger
F	Left hand: thumb, first 3 fingers
G	Left hand: thumb, first 2 fingers
A	Left hand: thumb, first finger