Recorder Notes: Fingering Chart and How to Get Started
Soprano recorder notes use the left thumb behind and fingers from both hands in front. B, A, and G are easiest because they barely use the right hand. Below is the complete chart from C to high D, with Baroque and German fingerings.
In this article
- At a glance
- What is a recorder, and what key is it in?
- How many holes does a recorder have, and how are they numbered?
- Recorder note chart: fingering for each note
- Baroque or German fingering: what changes?
- How do you start playing the recorder step by step?
- How do you tune a recorder?
- Three beginner melodies to try on your recorder
- Common mistakes and how to correct them
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
- About the author
At a glance
- Your left hand goes on top and your right hand below: the left thumb covers the back hole (T), fingers 1, 2, and 3 belong to the left hand, and fingers 4, 5, 6, and 7 to the right.
- The easiest notes to start with are B, A, and G: they barely use the right hand.
- Baroque and German fingerings match on almost every note; F differs, using only four fingers plus the thumb on a German recorder.
- High notes use fewer fingers: high C uses the thumb and finger 2, and high D uses only finger 2.
- Cover the holes with the pads of your fingers, not the tips, and blow gently and steadily: if the recorder squeaks, you are using too much air or leaving a hole partly uncovered.
When you first open the case, you discover that the recorder has plenty of holes and no labels. With a clear chart and a couple of good breathing and finger habits, you can play your first notes in an afternoon.
Here you will find how the holes are numbered, the fingering for each note, the difference between Baroque and German recorders, how to tune yours, how to start without squeaking, and three melodies to try. If you prefer guidance, recorder lessons combine technique, reading, and repertoire from day one.
What is a recorder, and what key is it in?
It is a wind instrument with a cylindrical tube and eight holes, seven in front and one behind. The most common type, the soprano recorder, is in C and is used in schools for introductory music education; recorders in F and other sizes also exist.
Sourced figure
All recorder sizes share a range of two and a half octaves, so a single recorder gives you scales and melodies for many years of study.
How many holes does a recorder have, and how are they numbered?
A soprano recorder has eight finger holes. Numbering starts with the thumb: the back hole is T (or 0), and the seven front holes are numbered 1 through 7, from the mouthpiece toward the bell. The left hand goes on top and the right hand below.
| Hole | Finger | Hand |
|---|---|---|
| T (back) | Thumb | Left |
| 1 | Index | Left |
| 2 | Middle | Left |
| 3 | Ring | Left |
| 4 | Index | Right |
| 5 | Middle | Right |
| 6 | Ring | Right |
| 7 | Pinky | Right |
On most modern Baroque recorders, holes 6 and 7 are double holes: two small openings side by side. Covering only one opening produces pitches in between the natural notes, or half steps; for natural notes, cover both openings with your finger pad. The soprano recorder is pitched in C and has a range of two and a half octaves.
Recorder note chart: fingering for each note
This chart covers the natural notes on the soprano recorder, from low C to high D. The numbers indicate covered holes; any holes not listed stay open. For sharps and flats, you will need a complete chromatic chart, available in the sources at the end.
| Note | Thumb (T) | Left hand | Right hand | At a glance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5, 6, 7 | All holes covered |
| D | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5, 6 | Only 7 open |
| E | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5 | 6 and 7 open |
| F (Baroque) | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | 4, 6, 7 | Only 5 open |
| F (German) | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | 4 | 5, 6, and 7 open |
| G | Covered | 1, 2, 3 | None | Right hand free |
| A | Covered | 1, 2 | None | 3 open |
| B | Covered | 1 | None | Only thumb and 1 |
| High C | Covered | 2 | None | Thumb and 2 |
| High D | Open | 2 | None | Only 2, no thumb |
A helpful memory rule: from C to G, uncover holes from bottom to top, lifting one finger per note, except for F. From G to B, lift one left-hand finger at a time. With the recorder in your hands, the sequence C, D, E, F, G, A, B feels like climbing a staircase as you lift your fingers.
Baroque or German fingering: what changes?
Recorders use two fingering systems. Both use the same fingers for the same basic notes: C, D, E, G, A, B, and the upper notes are identical. The main difference is F: German fingering uses the thumb and holes 1 through 4, while Baroque fingering uses the thumb and holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, leaving 5 open. This forked fingering is more complicated at first.
- Baroque (English): hole 4 is smaller than hole 5. F takes a little more work, but sharps and flats play in tune. This is the system used in professional methods and the best choice if you plan to keep studying.
- German: hole 5 is smaller than hole 4. F is very easy, but several chromatic notes are out of tune. Today, these recorders are made mainly for school use.
Many recorders have a letter stamped on them: B for Baroque or G for German. If you cannot find one, try F with four fingers, the three left-hand fingers and the right index finger, plus the thumb: if it sounds in tune, your recorder is German. The guide to choosing a recorder explains which one to buy for your needs.
How do you start playing the recorder step by step?
- Hold the recorder. Your left hand goes on top, with the thumb behind. Your right hand goes below, with the right thumb supporting the recorder from behind without covering a hole.
- Use your finger pads. Close each hole with the soft pad of your finger, not the tip. Even a small gap lets air leak out and affects the sound.
- Blow gently and steadily. Imagine blowing on hot soup, without forcing the air. Blowing too hard makes the recorder squeak.
- Start with B, A, and G. Hold each note for about four beats, then switch between them without moving more fingers than necessary.
- Finish by cleaning. Dry the moisture after playing and wash the recorder occasionally; how to clean a recorder explains the steps.
Ten minutes a day of long notes and slow changes does more than an hour once a week. Once the first three notes sound clean, add C and D, then E and F. To keep the beat while practicing, use the metronome at a slow tempo.
How do you tune a recorder?
A recorder is not tuned like a guitar: it comes tuned from the factory, and you can only make small adjustments. Warm the instrument first by blowing warm air through it without making a sound, because a cold recorder plays flat.
Then check a sustained note, such as G, using the online tuner. If it is sharp, gently pull the head joint out from the body to lower the pitch; if it is flat, keep the joint fully inserted. If it is still out of tune, you are probably blowing too hard: reduce the airflow before adjusting the recorder.
Three beginner melodies to try on your recorder
The melodies below are familiar tunes and exercises that use just a few notes. Say the note names aloud first, then play slowly with a steady beat.
| Melody | Opening phrase | Notes used |
|---|---|---|
| Three-note exercise | G A B A G, G A B A G | G, A, B |
| Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star | C C G G A A G | C, G, A |
| Ode to Joy | E E F G G F E D C C D E E D D | C, D, E, F, G |
Ode to Joy is an excellent exercise for learning F and the sequence from C to G, which is why it is so widely taught in schools. For more repertoire by level, see children's songs for learning an instrument and, in December, easy Christmas carols to learn for the holidays.
Common mistakes and how to correct them
- The recorder squeaks. This usually means you are blowing too hard or a hole is not fully covered. Reduce the air pressure and check your fingers.
- You hear air instead of a note. A hole is open. Check the thumb and little finger in particular.
- Forgetting the thumb. Almost every note needs the thumb hole covered; high D is the exception in this chart.
- Mixing systems. If your F sounds out of tune, check whether your recorder uses Baroque or German fingering before blaming your fingers.
- Tense fingers. A stiff hand gets tired and can lead to increased air pressure. Relax your shoulders and wrists.
Frequently asked questions
What is a recorder?
It is a wind instrument with a cylindrical tube, seven holes in front, and a thumb hole behind. The most common is the soprano recorder in C, used in schools for introductory music education. You blow into the mouthpiece without forming an embouchure with your lips.
What key is the recorder in?
The soprano recorder, used in most schools, is in C: covering all the holes produces C. There are also recorders in F, such as the alto, which sound lower and use a different reference fingering when reading notes.
Which recorder notes should I learn first?
B, A, and G, because they use the thumb and one, two, or three left-hand fingers without involving the right hand. Next add C and D, and finally E and F.
Why does my recorder squeak?
Usually because you are blowing too hard or a hole is not fully covered. Blow gently and steadily, cover the holes with your finger pads, and check for air leaks.
Can I learn on a German recorder?
Yes, especially for starting at school. If you plan to keep studying, though, a Baroque recorder is a better choice: it is the system used in professional methods and plays sharps and flats more accurately.
Can I learn recorder just from videos?
You can learn fingerings and simple songs, but a teacher catches airflow, finger placement, and squeaking problems early, which are hard to spot on your own. Ideally, combine videos with lessons and short daily practice.
Does learning recorder help you move on to another instrument?
Yes. It develops note reading, breath control, and finger independence. If you go on to flute or clarinet, you already have part of the foundation, although you learn to produce the sound anew on each instrument.
Sources
We checked the facts in this article against these sources on November 8, 2026.
- Wikipedia: Recorder, pitch in C, range, and materials
- Wikipedia: Recorder (musical instrument), hole numbering and German fingering
- CocoMusic: F on the recorder, Baroque or German fingering
- Make a Beat: recorder notes, Baroque and German fingering chart
- Blockflötengriffe: Baroque soprano recorder fingering, all positions
About the editorial team
Author
Bachelor of Music Education, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional · Music teacher with 6+ years teaching children, teens and adults
Gisselle Torres holds a degree in Music Education from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. She is a flutist and has taught music for more than 6 years. She teaches children, teens and adults at home and online, and writes these guides from what works in her lessons.
See Gisselle's profile and lessons
Fact check
We check every figure and fact in each guide against published sources and update it when they change. Last review: November 8, 2026.