Learn and Practice Bassoon

New to bassoon? Start with a steady sound on your reed, then learn your first fingerings and practice them a few minutes at a time. Bassoon music is written in bass clef, so note-reading practice helps too.

Practice in the Woodwind Trainer

Speed Match
See a note, pick its fingering from four choices.Start
Key Builder
See a note, press the keys to build its fingering.Start
Play the Note
See a note, play it on your instrument. Uses your microphone.Start
Scales
Play a whole scale in order, up and back down, by fingering.Start
Practice Reading NotesGet faster at recognizing notes on the staff, including ledger lines. Opens in bass clef.
Charts and sight-reading
Bassoon sight-reading
Play along and see what was right
Bassoon fingering chart
Lowest to highest, with alternates
Bassoon scale sheet
12 major scales and chromatic, printable
Tools
Tuner
Uses your microphone
Drone
Tune by ear
Transposer
Concert ↔ written
Metronome
30 to 240 BPM

Start here

WoodwindsHow to make your first sound on bassoonSoak and crow on your reed, then play your first notes.WoodwindsBassoon fingering chart: beginner notes and full referenceLearn the fingerings for your first notes.WoodwindsHow to get a better sound on bassoonFix a thin or buzzy sound with reed placement and steady air.WoodwindsHow to choose and care for bassoon reedsSoak, store, and rotate your reeds so they last.

What should I practice first?

  1. 01Soak your reed in water for a few minutes before you play. Adjust your seat strap so the reed reaches your mouth without leaning forward.
  2. 02Make a steady sound on the reed alone, then on the bassoon. Keep sessions short at first.
  3. 03Learn the fingerings for your first few notes, then practice them in Woodwind Trainer.
  4. 04Practice reading bass clef in Note Trainer so the notes in your music come quickly.

More to explore

For developing playersBassoon whisper key and flick keys: when to use themWhen to use the whisper key, and how flicking stops cracked notes.For developing playersHow to read tenor clefRead the high parts written in tenor clef.Reading notesHow to read bass clef ledger linesRead the notes above and below the bass clef staff.Band skillsPlaying in tune: hearing "beats" and matching pitchHear and fix notes that are sharp or flat.Band skillsHow to practice at home in 15 minutesMake short practice sessions count.WoodwindsBreathing exercises for woodwind playersBreathing exercises for steadier air and longer phrases.

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