The Complete Alto Sax Fingering Chart

Ted's List
4 min readJul 10, 2024

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When you’re learning to play the alto saxophone, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is the alto sax fingering chart.

This chart shows you exactly where to place your middle finger or fingers on the keys to produce each note, from low Bb to high F#.

It’s an essential resource for beginners and advanced players and can help you develop your technique and improve your playing.

To get the most out of your alto sax fingering chart, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of saxophone fingering.

So, let’s take your playing to the next level!

man playing sax
FUNDAMENTALS OF ALTO SAX FINGERING

FINGERING BASICS

man playing saxophone

When playing the alto saxophone, mastering the great fingering chart is essential. Proper fingering technique allows you to play notes accurately and with ease.

Before diving into the fingering chart, it’s important to understand the basics of saxophone fingering.

Firstly, it’s important always to keep your fingers close to the keys. This will allow you to move quickly between notes.

Ensure you’re pressing the keys down with your fingertips, not the pads. This will give you greater control over the instrument.

Another important aspect of fingering is hand positioning.

Your left hand should be positioned on the upper part of the saxophone, with your thumb and index finger resting on the thumb rest.

Your right hand should be positioned on the lower part of the saxophone, with your thumb resting on the thumb rest and your fingers resting on the keys.

FINGERING CHART KEY

The fingering chart visually represents the different notes that can be played on the alto saxophone. The chart shows the saxophone notes and the various fingerings for each note.

saxophone fingering chart
READING THE ALTO SAX FINGERING CHART
girl playing saxophone

If you’re a beginner saxophonist, an Alto Sax Fingering Chart is an essential tool that you must have.

It will help you learn the saxophone; even as an advanced player, you’ll need it to perfect your playing technique.

However, reading the chart can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the instrument. This section will guide you through reading the Alto Sax Fingering Chart.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that the fingering chart visually represents the saxophone’s keys. Each note on the chart corresponds to a specific combination of keys you must press to produce the sound.

The chart displays the fingerings for each note in a logical sequence, making it easier for you to follow.

The chart is divided into two sections: the upper and lower registers.

The upper register includes higher-pitched notes, while the lower register includes lower-pitched notes.

The notes are arranged from left to right, with the lowest note on the left and the highest note on the right.

To read the chart, you need to identify the note you want to play and locate it on the chart. Once you’ve found it, look at the corresponding fingering.

The fingering will show you which keys to press and which ones to release to produce the note.

The chart also shows you which octave key to use to produce each note.

It’s important to note that some notes have multiple fingerings, depending on the context of the music.

For example, a note may have a different fingering if it’s played in a fast passage than if it’s played as a sustained note.

Therefore, practising different fingerings for each note to develop your playing technique is essential.

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