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!
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:
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.
Understanding the Saxophone
Saxophone Anatomy and Parts
Before learning fingerings, familiarize yourself with the saxophone's components and how they work together to produce sound.
Key Components:
- Mouthpiece: Where reed attaches and you blow
- Neck: Curved tube connecting mouthpiece to body
- Body: Main tube with keys and tone holes
- Bell: Flared end that projects sound
- Reed: Single reed that vibrates
- Ligature: Secures reed to mouthpiece
- Neck Strap: Supports weight of instrument
How the Saxophone Works
The saxophone combines a single reed mouthpiece (like clarinet) with a conical metal body. When you blow across the reed, it vibrates to produce sound. The conical bore and metal body give it a powerful, expressive tone. Keys and pads control which tone holes are open.
🎼 New to the Saxophone?
Just starting your saxophone journey? Our comprehensive guide covers everything from embouchure to reed care:
Understanding Musical Notes
Musical notes are organized in a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for reading music and learning fingerings.
Want a deeper primer? Read our Music Notes Guide for beginners.
The Musical Alphabet:
Musical notes use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat.
- Natural Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
- Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., C♯)
- Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭)
Half Steps and Whole Steps
Understanding the distance between notes is essential for learning scales and fingering patterns.
A half step is the smallest distance between two notes. A whole step equals two half steps.
Saxophone Range and Registers
The saxophone has a range from Bb3-F6 (Alto), Bb2-F5 (Tenor). For beginners, focus on the comfortable middle range: Bb3-D5.
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 |
How to Hold the Saxophone Correctly
Proper holding technique is essential for comfort, control, and good sound production. The saxophone's weight and unique design require specific posture and hand positioning that differs significantly from other woodwind instruments. For comprehensive guidance on proper posture, hand positioning, neck strap adjustment, and advanced techniques, explore our detailed Complete Saxophone Fingering Guide.
Key points for proper technique:
- Maintain good posture - sit or stand up straight
- Keep shoulders relaxed and level
- Hold instrument at comfortable angle
- Keep wrists relatively straight
- Use proper breath support from diaphragm
How to Learn to Play the Saxophone
- Start with basics: Learn proper posture, hand position, and sound production
- Practice scales: Build finger dexterity and note recognition
- Use this chart: Reference fingerings until they become automatic
- Play simple melodies: Apply fingerings in musical context
- Listen actively: Study professional recordings
- Be patient: Consistent daily practice yields best results
- Find a teacher: Professional guidance accelerates progress
Best Beginner Saxophone Brands and Models
Quality student instruments from trusted manufacturers make learning easier and more enjoyable:
- Yamaha YAS-280
- Jean Paul AS-400
- Mendini MAS-L
- Selmer AS300
Always try instruments in person when possible, preferably with guidance from a teacher or experienced player.
Practice Tips
- Use a neck strap to support weight - don't hold instrument with just your hands
- Form embouchure similar to clarinet but slightly more relaxed
- Practice overtones to improve tone quality and control
- Keep saxophone at 45-degree angle in front of body
- Swab out moisture after every practice session
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking in too much mouthpiece - only about half should be in mouth
- Forgetting to use palm keys for high notes
- Neglecting neck strap adjustment - should support weight properly
- Not keeping pads and keys maintained
- Puffing cheeks while playing instead of using diaphragm