Recorder Notes Chart

Tap a note to see which holes to cover on a soprano (descant) recorder and hear what it should sound like. The chart shows baroque fingering from low C to high A, including the common sharps and flats, and the song tool turns a line of note letters into a row of fingering diagrams you can practise from.

How to read a recorder fingering chart

Each diagram shows the recorder from the front, with the thumb hole on the back drawn to the side at the top. A filled circle means cover the hole; an open circle means leave it open; a half-filled circle on the thumb means “pinch” — leave a small gap at the top of the thumb hole, used for high notes. Holes 1–3 are covered by the left hand (index, middle, ring) and holes 4–7 by the right hand (index to little finger). Holes 6 and 7 are double holes on most recorders, used for low sharps and flats.

Soprano recorder notes (baroque fingering)

Recorders are marked as baroque (English) or German fingering. The difference shows mainly in F and F♯; this chart uses baroque fingering, the most common on school and quality recorders. Check the recorder’s packaging or maker if unsure.

First notes to learn

1. Start with B, A and G using only the left hand — many first songs, such as “Hot Cross Buns” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, use just these three.
2. Add high C′ and D′ for simple tunes with a wider range.
3. Learn E and D with the right hand, keeping holes sealed.
4. Low C needs every hole perfectly sealed and very gentle breath.
5. Learn F and F♯, then the pinched high notes.

Getting a good sound

• Blow gently, like warm breath on your hand — too much air makes a squeak.
• Start each note with a soft “doo” or “too” with the tongue.
• Cover holes with the pads of your fingers, not the tips.
• Low notes need the gentlest air; high notes a little more.
• If a note squeaks, check each hole for small gaps.
• Keep your right thumb under the recorder between holes 4 and 5 for support.

Soprano vs alto recorder

The soprano (descant) recorder is the common school instrument, with the lowest note C. The alto (treble) recorder uses the same finger patterns but its lowest note is F, so each fingering produces a note a fifth lower — the pattern called C on a soprano plays F on an alto. Tenor recorders read like sopranos an octave lower. Soprano and alto recorders sound an octave higher than written, which is why the pitch played here for written C5 is 523 Hz.

Worked example: “Hot Cross Buns”

Type B A G, B A G, G G G G, A A A A, B A G into the song tool and it shows each fingering in order. The tune only uses three left-hand notes, so it is a perfect first piece. Press “Play sequence” to hear the melody at a steady pace, then play along slowly, checking that your fingers seal the holes fully on G.

Reading music for recorder

Recorder music is written on the treble clef. The notes on the lines, from bottom to top, are E, G, B, D, F (“Every Good Boy Does Fine”), and the spaces spell F, A, C, E. Middle C sits on a short ledger line below the staff — on the soprano recorder that is the lowest note. High D sits just above the top line. Learning to read the handful of notes in your first songs is enough to start; add new notes as they appear in your music.

Practice tips for beginners

• Practise little and often — ten minutes a day builds finger memory quickly.
• Use a mirror to check that fingers stay close to the holes.
• Play slowly and evenly before trying the song at full speed.
• Record yourself on a phone to hear squeaks and uneven notes.
• Learn one new note at a time and use it in a simple tune.
• Keep the recorder at about a 45-degree angle, lips lightly around the mouthpiece.

Caring for a recorder

Warm the recorder in your hands before playing to reduce condensation. After playing, shake out moisture and dry plastic recorders with a cleaning rod and cloth; wash plastic recorders occasionally in lukewarm soapy water and rinse well. Wooden recorders need gentle care and occasional oiling as the maker recommends. Store recorders in their case, away from heat.

Privacy

The chart and sounds are generated in your browser.