Recorder Fingering Chart

How to read this chart

• Filled circle = cover the hole completely with the pad of your finger. Empty circle = leave it open.
• T is the thumb hole on the back, covered by your left thumb. Your left hand covers holes 1-3 (index, middle, ring), your right hand covers holes 4-7 (index, middle, ring, little finger).
• Holes 6 and 7 are double holes. A pair with one hole filled means cover only one hole of the pair.
• A half-filled thumb hole (½ in the written fingering) means pinch it: slide your thumbnail into the hole so it is about half covered. The high octave uses this from E upward.
• The written fingering, such as 0 123 4–67, lists the thumb (0), then holes 1-3, then holes 4-7. A dash means that hole is open.
• Notes with two names, such as C♯ / D♭, are the same note and use the same fingering.

Low octave and high octave

The low octave runs from the all-holes-covered C up to B. The high octave starts at the next C and climbs to the highest D, with different fingerings: the thumb hole is covered for the first high C, open for the next few notes, and pinched half open from E upward. Use the octave buttons above to switch between them.

Soprano and alto: same fingerings, different note names

Soprano and tenor recorders are C instruments, and alto, bass, and sopranino recorders are F instruments. They share the same finger patterns, but the all-holes-covered fingering sounds a C on a soprano and an F on an alto. Use the buttons above to switch the note names to match your instrument.

Baroque or German fingering?

This chart is for Baroque (English) fingering, the standard for serious playing and the one taught in private lessons. Some school recorders use German fingering, which changes the fingering for F and a few other notes. If your recorder came with a different chart, or a note will not come out in tune, check the product description or ask your teacher which system you have.

A chart tells you where your fingers go, not how the note should sound. Cover the holes fully, blow gently, and listen: too much air pushes notes sharp. See the recorder lessons FAQ for practice routines and learning timelines.