Alto saxophone fingering chart
Alto saxophone written C5 uses the left middle finger without the octave key and sounds E♭4. This chart names the written saxophone notes, not the piano’s concert-pitch equivalents.
Fingering chart
On an E♭ alto saxophone, written C5 uses the left middle finger, without the octave key, and sounds E♭4.
| Written note | Finger position |
|---|---|
| A♯3/B♭3 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C, low B♭ |
| B3 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C, B |
| C4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C |
| C♯4/D♭4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C, C♯ |
| D4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| D♯4/E♭4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, E♭ |
| E4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| F4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| F♯4/G♭4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 5 |
| G4 | Press: 1, 2, 3 |
| G♯4/A♭4 | Press: 1, 2, 3, G♯ |
| A4 | Press: 1, 2 |
| A♯4/B♭4 | Press: 1, bis B♭ |
| B4 | Press: 1 |
| C5 | Press: 2 |
| C♯5/D♭5 | All open |
| D5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8va |
| D♯5/E♭5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8va, E♭ |
| E5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8va |
| F5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8va |
| F♯5/G♭5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8va |
| G5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 8va |
| G♯5/A♭5 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 8va, G♯ |
| A5 | Press: 1, 2, 8va |
| A♯5/B♭5 | Press: 1, 8va, bis B♭ |
| B5 | Press: 1, 8va |
| C6 | Press: 2, 8va |
How to use it
- Check the selected instrument and fingering system; this page opens with the combination named in the title.
- Choose a staff note, list entry or keyboard key. Filled circles show covered holes or pressed keys.
- Use Hear the note to compare pitches; the microphone switches off before playback to avoid feedback.
- Enable the microphone, allow access and play a single note without accompaniment. Let the reading settle.
- Match the A reference to your lesson or ensemble, then use Print / PDF to save the selected chart.
Help and explanations
The E♭ alto sounds a major sixth below its written part. Fingering and transposition answer different questions: the diagram tells you which keys to press, while a concert-pitch label tells you what the ensemble hears. Select E♭ transposition when matching the tuner label to your part.
Distinguish bis B♭ from the low B♭ key
The basic B♭4 pattern uses the left index finger with the small bis B♭ key near it. That is different from the low B♭ key operated by the left little finger. Both involve a B♭ name, so read the octave and the actual highlighted key positions. In upper-register entries, 8va means the thumb-operated octave key is included.
The current table runs from written B♭3 to C6. Palm-key D6–F6 are not yet represented, even though they belong to the saxophone’s normal upper register. They should not be confused with specialised altissimo fingerings. For notes in the table, keep finger movement small and check that side or little-finger keys are fully pressed. If the pitch jumps despite the right keys, examine air support and voicing as well as the diagram.
Tips
- On C5, release the left index rather than leaving it down beside the middle finger.
- Read low B♭ and middle B♭ as separate finger patterns.
- Use the octave key only where the selected diagram includes it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fingering for C on alto sax?
Written C5 uses the left middle finger. C6 uses that finger plus the octave key.
What concert note is alto sax written C?
Written C5 sounds E♭4. The alto sax transposes down a major sixth.
Is alto sax fingering the same as tenor sax?
Their basic key combinations are shared. Their concert pitches differ because their transpositions differ.
Where are the palm-key high D, E and F fingerings?
Written D6–F6 are not in the current table. The highest listed note is C6.
What is the bis B♭ key?
It is the small key used with the left index finger for the basic B♭ pattern. It is separate from the low B♭ little-finger key.