How to Finger the Saxophone

The left hand thumb controls the octave key.

Figuring out how to finger the notes on a saxophone is the first step in learning how to play it. The fingering is the same for all types of sax, from soprano to bass. The first three fingers on each hand will always be resting on main keys. The left thumb, left palm and right pinky are used to create additional notes. When learning to play, it is useful to start by getting accustomed to moving between just a couple of notes at first.

Instructions

1. Hover your left hand over the top group of keys. The left hand will address the top group of keys and the right hand the lower group of keys.

2. Place your left thumb over the octave key, which the is found on the side of the saxophone opposite to the other group of keys on the top. When depressed, this key will raise the note being played a full octave.

3. Put your left index finger over the B key, which is the first of three full size keys. There will be smaller keys on either side of it, which are also played with the index finger. The top one is the front F key and the other a B flat key. Both are alternate fingerings at the high register.

4. Place your middle finger on the A\C key, which is after the smaller B flat key. Put the third finger on the G key, which is next. G is produced by pressing down on all three main keys, A is made by the top two keys, B is just the index finger and C is fingered with only the middle key depressed.

5. Locate the three palm keys at the front of the saxophone. They are oblong-shaped and played with the inside of your hand. The top one makes an E flat, the middle one a D and the last one a F-- all in the high register.

6. Find the three main keys on the bottom part of the saxophone and place your first three fingers on them. Pressing the first one produces an F, the top two an E and all three a D. Playing just the middle finger makes an F sharp. All of these notes must have all top three main keys depressed with your left hand.

7. Locate the pinky keys below the main keys. They are flat and in a tight group of four. They are the lowest notes on the saxophone and must be played with all other main keys pressed down. Pushing down on the top one produces a G sharp, the middle one closest to the body of the sax a B, the one next to it a C sharp and the bottom key a B flat.

Tips & Warnings

• Start practicing with B, A and G played with the left hand and slowly expand your range.

References

• The Woodwind Fingering Guide: Fingering Scheme for Saxophone
• 8 Notes: First Notes on a Sax

Resources

• You Tube: Saxophone Fingering Placement