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Home » Tutorial » The Ultimate Saxophone Fingering Chart Guide

The Ultimate Saxophone Fingering Chart Guide

Last updated May 5, 2025

The Ultimate Saxophone Fingering Chart Guide

  • Proudly written by Pro-Saxophonist,
  • Elaine Booth
  • 6 Comments
  • Saxophone | Wind

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Saxophone Player Playing A Gold Colored Saxophone

The saxophone creates an enchanting mix of tones. It can be as smooth and sultry as chocolate melting on a warm day or as punchy and bright as a fresh lemon. This magical instrument captivates with its variety, drawing in music lovers like bees to honey. Discovering its harmonious spectrum opens a world of musical wonder you won’t want to miss.

But before you can start playing your favourite tunes, you need to learn the basics, including how to read music and finger the notes on your saxophone.

That’s where the saxophone fingering chart comes in. This handy tool shows which keys to press to produce each note on your saxophone.

Table of Contents

The Basics of
Saxophone Fingering

Saxophonist Finger On A Saxophone

First, you need to know how to use your middle and ring fingers to play different notes. This is called saxophone fingering.

When it comes to saxophone fingering, each finger has a specific role to play. Your index finger controls the top key, the middle finger controls the middle key, the ring finger controls the bottom key, and pinky finger controls the side key.

Using the correct finger for each key is important to produce the right note.

The thumb resting on the back of the saxophone is also an important part of saxophone fingering. It supports your thumb and helps you maintain good posture while playing.

Make sure to let your left-hand thumb rest and relax while playing.

Learning the saxophone fingering chart can be overwhelming at first, but it will become second nature with practice. Start by learning the basic fingerings for each note and then move on to the more advanced fingerings.

Alternating fingerings can also help you produce different notes and improve your playing. For example, using the side key with your pinky finger can produce a higher octave of the same note.

The Saxophone Family

Saxophones

Now, let’s talk about the different saxophone fingerings. Saxophones come in different types, including soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone.

The strange thing is, once you know the fingerings for one sax, you know them all! They are all (99%) the same.

So here is our fingering chart:

Saxophone Fingering Chart
1

Soprano Saxophone

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The soprano sax is known for its bright and piercing sound, which makes it perfect for jazz and classical music.

It’s also the most difficult sax to play, so if you’re just starting out, you may want to try one of its bigger siblings first.

2

Alto Saxophone

Rs Berkeley Als502 Elite Series Alto Saxophone Review

Speaking of bigger siblings, the alto sax is next in line. It has a slightly lower pitch than the soprano, but still has that classic sax sound.

It’s a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of genres, from jazz to rock to pop.

3

Tenor Saxophone

Pmt-500Bx Tenor Saxophone, Black Nickel Finish Review

The tenor sax is probably the most well-known member of the saxophone family. It’s the one you hear in most pop and rock songs and a staple in jazz music.

Its deep and rich sound is instantly recognizable and can add a lot of emotion to a piece of music.

4

Baritone Saxophone

Odyssey Premiere Baritone Saxophone Review 1

Last but not least, we have the baritone sax. This beast of an instrument is the largest in the family, and it produces a deep and powerful sound that can shake the walls.

It’s often used in jazz and funk music and can add a lot of depth and complexity to a piece of music.

Alternate and Alternative Fingerings

Alternate fingerings are different fingerings that can be used to play the same note. These fingerings can be used to make certain passages easier to play, improve intonation, or change the note’s tone colour.

Alternatively, alternative fingerings are fingerings that can be used to play a different note than the one indicated on the basic fingering chart.

These fingerings can be used to play notes not on the saxophone’s standard range or to play notes that are difficult to play with the standard fingerings.

Let's take a look at some of the most common alternative and alternate fingering charts for the saxophone:

1. Alternate Fingerings for Top F

The alternate fingering for top F is probably the most common on the saxophone. This alternate fingering is played without the octave key and can be used to make certain passages easier to play.

2. Alternate Fingerings for Top E

The alternate fingering for top E is played with the octave key and can be used to make certain passages easier to play.

3. Alternative Fingerings for High G

The alternative fingering for high G is played using the side key and can be used to play a note that is not on the standard range of the saxophone.

4. Alternative Fingerings for Low Bb

The alternative fingering for low Bb is played using the bis key and can be used to play a note not on the saxophone’s standard range.

5. Alternative Fingerings for Low B

The alternative fingering for low B is played using the bis key and can be used to play a note not on the saxophone’s standard range.

These are just a few examples of alternate and alternative fingerings that can be used on the saxophone.

Experimenting with different fingerings can help you find the perfect sound for your playing style.

Gold Lacquer Saxophone

And if you’re a video type of person, this is a really excellent video explaining your sax fingerings.

The Ultimate Saxophone Fingering Chart Guide

Getting to Know the Keys

Before you can start playing any notes, you need to get to know the keys. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

The E Key

The E key is on the saxophone's back, near the top. It's used to play the note E, but it's also combined with other keys to play other notes.

The F Key

The F key is located just above the E key. It's used to play the note F, but it's combined with other keys to play other notes.

The D Side Key

The D side key is located on the side of the saxophone, near the top. It's used to play the note D, but it's combined with other keys to play other notes.

The Palm Keys

The palm keys are on the saxophone's top, near the mouthpiece. They're used to play higher notes that can't be played with the regular keys. There are three palm keys: the high F key, the high E key, and the high D key. To play these notes, you'll need to use your right hand to press down on the palm keys while using your left hand to play the regular keys.

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THE NUMBER ONE SAXOPHONE FOR LEARNERS

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OTHER INFO: Has a high F# key, an important feature for intermediate and advanced players

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When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

Elkhart 100SS Student Soprano Saxophone

Elkhart 100Ss Student Soprano Saxophone Review
BEAUTIFUL TONE AND A HIGH-QUALITY FINISH
PERFECT FOR: beginner to intermediate players

FEATURES: Has a durable construction, with a yellow brass body and a clear lacquer finish

OTHER INFO: With a detachable curved neck, which makes it easier to transport and store
Check Price >
9/10
PROS
  • Built with stainless steel springs that provide a smooth and reliable action
  • Produces a bright and clear sound well-suited for classical and jazz music
  • Lightweight and comfortable for young students to play
CONS
  • Does not come with a mouthpiece or a case
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

Trevor James 'The Horn'

Trevor James 'The Horn' Review
INCREDIBLE VALUE FOR MONEY

PERFECT FOR: beginners and students

FEATURES: Has a yellow brass body for producing a versatile tone

OTHER INFO: With a hand-engraved bell and bow, which adds to its aesthetic appeal

Check Price >
8.5/10

Trevor James 'The Horn'

PROS
  • Instrument with a robust and reliable construction
  • Has a responsive and easy-to-play mechanism
  • Comes with a high-quality mouthpiece and a hard-shell case
  • With high-quality pads and resonators that provide a smooth and reliable action
CONS
  • The saxophone's finish may not be as good as on more expensive tenor saxophones
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

Saxophone Fingering Chart:
Key Takeaways

The saxophone fingering chart is an essential tool for any saxophonist, whether a beginner or an advanced player.

It provides a visual reference for the fingerings required to produce specific notes on the instrument, helping players to learn new fingerings and improve their technique.

Using a fingering chart, saxophonists can quickly and easily locate the fingerings for any note, making it easier to play complex pieces of music.

So, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, keep a saxophone fingering chart handy and take your playing to the next level!

Before you go…

Unlock the full potential of your saxophone with the best mouthpiece for your playing style!

In this next article, we’ll guide you through the Best Saxophone Mouthpiece on the market, providing you with all the information you need to choose the perfect one for your needs!

FAQ's

What is the hardest instrument to play, the saxophone?

Determining the hardest instrument to play is difficult, as it varies from person to person. However, the saxophone can be challenging to play due to its complex fingering and the need for proper breath control to produce a consistent tone.

Do alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophone have the same fingering?

No, alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone saxophones do not have the same fingering. While they’re all similar in basic fingerings, each saxophone has unique fingerings and techniques specific to that particular instrument.

Why do we need a fingering chart?

A fingering chart is essential for woodwind players as it visually represents the fingerings required to produce specific notes on the instrument. It’s a valuable reference tool for beginners and advanced players, helping them learn new fingerings and improve their technique.

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  • Elaine Booth
    Elaine Booth

    Elaine Booth a reed player, equally happy on flutes, clarinets and saxes. All types of music: classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop.

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↓ Click here to leave a comment ↓
  1. AltoAfficionado says:
    December 20, 2024 at 1:21 pm

    I must commend you, Elaine , for the comprehensive detail you’ve put into this article, especially the segment detailing the saxophone family. It’s crucial for beginners to understand not just the technical but also the cultural nuances between the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, each carrying its unique voice and role in music. It deeply resonates with what I’ve learned and experienced over the years. Kudos for spreading the knowledge.

    Reply
  2. ClarinetKid93 says:
    November 21, 2024 at 8:19 am

    Having played the clarinet for several years, I’ve been contemplating the transition to the saxophone. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the saxophone family, which is quite helpful. However, I’m curious about the extent of the learning curve I should anticipate in terms of fingering techniques and overall playability between the two instruments. Any insights from saxophonists about their experience in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • SwitchedToSax says:
      December 20, 2024 at 1:21 pm

      Hey! Made that switch a few years ago. The fingering is somewhat similar but more forgiving on the sax. The embouchure change was the trickiest part for me, but overall, it’s a fun journey!

      Reply
  3. JennyBlues says:
    September 24, 2024 at 4:56 am

    Imagine picking up the bari sax and not feeling like you’re lugging around a small human lol. That thing’s huge!

    Reply
  4. SaxoPhil says:
    August 19, 2024 at 4:31 pm

    Hey Elaine Booth, just started my saxophone journey and stumbled across your article. I’m a bit confused about the alternate fingerings part. Is it like shortcuts for certain notes or does it affect the tone too? Thanks for shedding some light on this!

    Reply
    • TenorTina says:
      December 20, 2024 at 1:21 pm

      Hey SaxoPhil, but yes, alternate fingerings can help with faster passages or trills, and they can slightly change the tone in some cases!

      Reply

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Copyright © 2021 Arts Digital Limited trading as Ted’s List™®. All rights reserved.

Ted's List is a project run by The Emery Foundation - a Micro-Trust of GivingWorks, registered charity number 107877.

The idea of Ted's List was setup to raise funds for musicians during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the Get Musicians Working project.

Our 'Champions' are the musicians we think showcase their instrument to the wider public, and make a substantial difference to the popularity of their instrument family. Non of the 'Champions' are remitted in any way by Ted's List, and our list is completely impartial. If you have a favourite musician you would like to nominate to be added to our list of 'Champions', then please do contact us.

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