How to Practice Fingering for Saxophone

The foundation for a success with the saxophone begins with the right hand and finger position. Holding your hands in the correct way will not only give you the freedom to move your fingers quickly but makes for a comfortable and relaxing play.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Drop your hands to your side with all your fingers relaxed. Note the curved position of your hands and keep them in this form when you hold your saxophone. Relaxed hands can move faster in a fluid motion when your fingers are arched but not rigid.
2. Take your right hand and place your thumb under the thumb rest at the back of the saxophone. This works with the neck strap to hold your saxophone in place. Keep your hand relaxed and curve it around the instrument so that your fingers are in front.
3. Put your first three fingers on the small keys on the right hand side in descending order. Leave your pinkie free to operate the bottom keys behind, with enough space to move easily between the different keys. If this is difficult, you probably need to relax your hand more to give your finger more freedom.
4. Place your left thumb on the fixed button at the back of the saxophone towards the top. This button acts as an octave key and produces the lower notes of the music. Because the button is fixed, this will help you determine the position of your right hand, as this fits around the instrument with the curvature.
5. Position your third finger over the small bottom key and place your second finger directly above it. Skip the next key and place your first finger on the one above. Your hand should now have your thumb behind and your three fingers placed in front again, leaving your pinkie free to move between the other notes below.
6. Rest your fingers on the keys when you are not using the notes to keep your hand position accurate and to react quickly when you need to use them, so you don't have to move position at all.