Fingering charts

Bassoon Fingering Chart

Every note this bassoon chart covers, B♭1 to D5.
Clef

Filled keys are pressed.

Hatched key: flick. Tap it as the note starts and let go. Some teachers have you hold it for the whole note instead (venting). Solid keys stay down.

Low D, E♭, and E: the diagrams show the whisper key (W) pressed. On a bassoon whose low E key also closes the whisper pad, pressing W with your thumb is optional on these three notes.

Tap a note to hear it
B♭BCD♭C♯DE♭EFG♭F♯
Tap a note to hear it
GA♭G♯AB♭BCD♭C♯D
Tap a note to hear it
E♭EFG♭F♯GA♭G♯AB♭
Tap a note to hear it
BCD♭C♯DE♭EFG♭F♯
Tap a note to hear it
GA♭G♯AB♭BCD♭C♯D
About this chart

How to read it

Every note the chart covers is on the staff, lowest to highest, with its fingering underneath. Filled keys are pressed; open ones stay up. Smaller diagrams beside a fingering are alternates.

Notes with two names

A♯ and B♭ are the same note, with the same fingering. The chart writes the flat on the staff and the sharp name under it, so you can find either one.

When to use an alternate

Alternates make some note changes smoother or fix a note that sits out of tune on your instrument. Learn the main fingering first, then ask your director which alternate fits the passage you are working on.

Bassoon scale sheetBassoon chromatic scaleBassoon sight-readingBeginner guide: first bassoon notesBassoon guides and practice
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