Best
Student Bassoon
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Overall: reliable playability to the advancing musician
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Best Feature: The maple body produces a warm tone with clear projection
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Bassoon Case
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Overall: Has high-density foam padding to protect your instrument
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Best Feature: Made of rip-resistant fabric with durable high-tensile stitching
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Bassoon Strap
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Overall: Cleverly designed to distribute weight
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Best Feature: Has a metal spacer to reduce strain on your neck
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TedScore™: 10/10
The bassoon is a unique, challenging, complex instrument requiring serious finger acrobatics to play. But don’t panic! With the help of a bassoon fingering chart, you’ll be able to master those tricky fingerings in no time!
A bassoon fingering chart shows where to place your fingers on the instrument’s keys to produce different notes. It may seem overwhelming initially, but once you get the hang of it, you can play beautiful melodies and harmonies to impress your friends and family.
So, if you’re ready to take your bassoon playing to the next level, grab your instrument and let’s get started!
Is it Difficult to Play the Bassoon?
Playing any musical instrument requires effort, but some are more challenging to master than others. The bassoon is one such instrument. It’s known for its complex system of over 20 keys, which can be daunting for beginners.
However, anyone can learn to play the bassoon with patience, dedication, and practice.
Tips for Learning the Bassoon
Learning the bassoon can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, you can master this beautiful instrument with a wide range of notes. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Tip #1: Start with the basics. Before playing complex pieces, master the basics. Begin by learning the correct fingerings for note B, and practice playing scales to learn the correct fingerings for the notes in between. This will help you understand how the instrument is fingered and build your muscle memory.
- Tip #2: Use a fingering chart. A fingering chart is essential for any bassoonist. It shows you the fingerings for each note and can help you quickly find the best fingering when playing a piece. Keep your best fingering on a chart nearby for reference while you’re still learning.
- Tip #3: Practice regularly. Consistent bassoon practice is key to improving your skills on the bassoon. Set aside time each day to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Over time, you’ll build your endurance and be able to play for longer periods.
- Tip #4: Take it slow. When learning a new piece, take it slow and break it down into smaller sections. Focus on playing each note correctly before moving on to the next. This will help you build your confidence and avoid frustration.
- Tip #5: Get feedback. Playing with others and getting feedback from more experienced players can be invaluable. Join a local music group or take lessons from a qualified instructor to get a range of feedback on the sound of your playing and learn new techniques.
Learning the Bassoon Fingering Charts
Bassoon Basic Fingering Chart
The basic fingering chart for the bassoon includes beginner bassoon fingerings for the most commonly used notes on the instrument. When students are first starting, students need to focus on mastering these basic fingerings before moving on to more complex ones.
Bassoon Alternate Fingering Chart
The alternate fingering chart for the bassoon includes fingerings used less frequently than basic bassoon fingerings. These fingerings can be used to produce different tone colours and pitch, or to make certain notes easier to play.
Bassoon Trill Fingering Chart
The trill fingering chart created for the bassoon includes fingerings used specifically for trilling between two notes. These bassoon fingerings can create a smooth and seamless sound when playing trills.
The Best Bassoon Fingering Chart
It wouldn’t be a super helpful article without us producing our very own chart. Feel free to copy it as needed, or to download our Bassoon Fingering Chart for you to print off, click here.
Best Accessories to Play the Bassoon With
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: 21 Keys
FEATURES: An entry-level bassoon that will last
Schreiber S10
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Respected brand
- Reliable intonation
- A durable instrument that should last for many years
- Basic keywork will be a limiting factor for the advancing player
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: bassoonists on the go
FEATURES: Has high-density foam padding to protect your instrument
OTHER INFO: Made of rip-resistant fabric with durable high-tensile stitching
Tom and Will Bassoon Gig Bag
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Made of rip-resistant fabric with durable high-tensile stitching
- Lighter than a traditional case
- Includes a crook pouch
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: all bassoon players
FEATURES: Cleverly designed to distribute weight
OTHER INFO: Has a metal spacer to reduce strain on your neck
BG Bassoon Zen Strap, Leather
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With a sponge lining to absorb any sweat
- Includes a leather extension cord for extra length
- Keeps you comfortable in warm environments
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: bassoon and clarinet players
FEATURES: Includes a peg hole for expansion with other Hercules pegs
OTHER INFO: With swivel legs that will fit easily around other stage equipment
Hercules Bassoon Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Completely height-adjustable for different bassoon positions
- Sturdy and easy to adjust
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Bassoon Fingering Chart
Summary
Learning to play the bassoon may take some time and effort, but with the right tools and plenty of practice, you’ll play like a pro in no time.
So grab your bassoon fingering chart, get to work practising, and enjoy the ride!
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If you’re on the hunt for a brand new bassoon to get your hands on or looking to upgrade, then take a look at our Bassoon Buyer’s Guide to find loads of impartial and honest reviews.
Haha, looked at those fingering charts and thought I was seeing alien language. Maybe I can use them to talk to UFOs, am I right? But seriously, gonna need all the help I can get.
So the bassoon’s like really different from the sax, huh? Those fingering charts look complicated but kinda cool. Might give it a try, who knows.
Super helpful info here! Been thinking about switching to bassoon from clarinet, and this makes it look a lot less scary. Those fingering charts are gonna be my new best friend for sure. Thanks!
Interesting article, but I think it underestimates the difficulty of mastering bassoon fingerings. It’s not just about memorizing charts; it’s the subtle adjustments for intonation and tone quality that really matter.
As a flutist looking into starting the bassoon, would you say the fingering complexity is similar between the two? Any shared techniques that might make the transition smoother?
Good article for beginners out here. When I started playing, had to learn everything the hard way. These charts are a game changer, specially the trill chart. Keep practicing folks, it gets better!
Thanks for the encouragement, it’s been tough but fun!
Just started learning the bassoon and stumbled upon this article. Any advice on how to tackle the alternate fingerings effectively? It seems overwhelming with all the charts. Thanks for the tips though, really helps to have it all laid out!