Saxophone Fingering Chart
The Saxophone Fingering Chart is a music reference tool covering saxophone fingering chart, alto sax fingering chart, tenor sax fingering chart, alto saxophone fingering chart. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
Saxophone Fingering Lookup
Select saxophone type and register, then click any note to see the full fingering.
How to Read a Saxophone Fingering Chart
- A saxophone fingering chart shows a diagram of the instrument with circles representing the tone holes and key pads. Filled circles (●) indicate keys that should be pressed or tone holes covered. Open circles (○) indicate keys left open.
- The saxophone is transposing — alto and baritone saxophones sound in Eb (written C sounds as concert Eb a major sixth lower). Tenor and soprano saxophones sound in Bb (written C sounds as concert Bb a major second lower). Fingering charts show written pitch.
- The left thumb operates the octave key on the back of the neck. Pressing it while fingering a note raises the pitch one octave. This is how the saxophone's upper register is produced — the same fingerings are used in both registers with the octave key added.
- The standard saxophone uses a left hand (top stack) and right hand (bottom stack) with additional palm keys on the upper left for high notes and a side trill key section between the two stacks.
- Alto saxophone is the most common for beginners — this chart uses written pitch for alto and applies equally to other saxophone voices with the understanding that concert pitch will differ by the transposition interval.
Alto Saxophone Fingering Chart — Low Register
| Written Note | Fingering Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Low Bb (Bb3) | Left thumb on octave key: OFF. Left 1-2-3, right 1-2-3 all covered plus left pinky Bb key | Lowest standard note on alto. Requires both pinkies. |
| Low B (B3) | Same as Bb but release left pinky Bb key | — |
| Low C (C4) | Left 1-2-3, right 1-2-3 | — |
| C# or Db (C#4) | Left 1-2-3, right 1-2, plus right pinky C# key | — |
| D (D4) | Left 1-2-3, right 1-2 | — |
| Eb or D# (D#4) | Left 1-2-3, right 1, plus right side Eb key | — |
| E (E4) | Left 1-2-3, right 1 | — |
| F (F4) | Left 1-2-3 only | — |
| F# or Gb (F#4) | Left 1-2 only | — |
| G (G4) | Left 1 only | — |
| G# or Ab (G#4) | Left 1, plus left pinky G# key | — |
| A (A4) | Left 1 only — same as G but add left side A key or use alternate | — |
| Bb or A# (Bb4) | Left 1-2-3 and right 1 only — or left side bis key | Common note — learn both fingerings. |
| B (B4) | Left 1-2 and right 1-2 | — |
| C (C5) | Left 1-2-3 and right 1-2-3 again — with octave key OFF | Mid-range C — same fingering as low C. |
| C# (C#5) | Left 1-2-3, right 1-2, right pinky — with octave key OFF | — |
Source: Standard Boehm-derived saxophone fingering system
Alto Saxophone Upper Register
The upper register (clarion) is produced by adding the octave key — the left thumb presses the small thumb key on the back of the neck while maintaining the same fingering as the lower register note.
| Written Note | Fingering — add octave key to the corresponding lower register fingering |
|---|---|
| D5 | Octave key ON plus D fingering (left 1-2-3, right 1-2) |
| E5 | Octave key ON plus E fingering |
| F5 | Octave key ON plus F fingering |
| G5 | Octave key ON plus G fingering |
| A5 | Octave key ON plus A fingering |
| Bb5 | Octave key ON plus Bb fingering |
| B5 | Octave key ON plus B fingering |
| C6 | Octave key ON plus C fingering (left 1-2-3, right 1-2-3) |
| High D6 | Palm D key (side of left hand) — no standard fingerings used |
| High Eb6 | Palm Eb key |
| High E6 | Palm E key |
| High F6 | Palm F key — top of standard written range |
Saxophone Transposition Reference
| Saxophone Type | Transposition | Written C Sounds As |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano Saxophone (Bb) | Transpose down a major 2nd | Concert Bb |
| Alto Saxophone (Eb) | Transpose down a major 6th | Concert Eb |
| Tenor Saxophone (Bb) | Transpose down a major 9th (octave + major 2nd) | Concert Bb one octave lower |
| Baritone Saxophone (Eb) | Transpose down a major 13th (octave + major 6th) | Concert Eb one octave lower |
Source: Standard saxophone transposition conventions — Britannica: Transposing Instrument
Saxophone Fingering Lookup
Select saxophone type and register, then click any written note to view its full fingering with left and right hand positions, additional keys, and alternate options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What key is the alto saxophone in?
The alto saxophone is in the key of Eb — it is a transposing instrument. When an alto player reads and plays a written C, the sound produced is concert Eb — a major sixth lower than written.
Is the tenor saxophone harder than alto?
The tenor saxophone uses the same fingering system as the alto — any fingering chart for alto applies to tenor with the understanding that concert pitch differs. The tenor requires slightly more air support due to its larger bore, but most players find the two instruments equally accessible.
What is the range of the alto saxophone?
The standard written range of the alto saxophone extends from low Bb (Bb3) to high F or F# (F6 or F#6). With extended altissimo techniques professional players can reach well above this standard range.
Why is the saxophone a transposing instrument?
The saxophone family was designed so that players could switch between soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones reading the same fingering system — the same written note produces the same fingering on any saxophone. The trade-off is that the concert pitch differs between instruments due to the family's different sizes.
What is the octave key on a saxophone?
The octave key is a small thumb key on the back of the neck operated by the left thumb. Pressing it opens a small vent that causes the instrument to overblow to the second harmonic — raising the same fingering by one octave.
Is the alto or tenor saxophone better for beginners?
Alto saxophone is generally recommended for beginners because it is smaller, lighter, and requires less air support — making it physically easier to hold and play. Tenor is popular with players drawn to jazz and rock styles who prefer its darker larger sound.
What reeds are used for saxophone?
Saxophone reeds are made from Arundo donax cane and are available in strengths from 1 (softest) to 5 (hardest). Beginners typically start on strength 2 or 2½ — harder reeds produce a fuller tone but require more embouchure strength to control.
What is altissimo on saxophone?
Altissimo is the extended upper register of the saxophone — notes above high F or F# that are beyond the standard key range. These notes are produced using special fingerings and embouchure adjustments to activate higher harmonics.