Baritone sax fingering chart
On an E♭ baritone saxophone, written C4 uses all six main fingers plus the low C key and sounds E♭2, an octave and a major sixth lower. The chart lists written notes from B♭3 to C6 and shows what each one sounds like at concert pitch.
Fingering chart
On an E♭ baritone saxophone, written C4 uses all six main fingers plus the low C key and sounds E♭2.
| Written note | Finger position |
|---|---|
| A♯3/B♭3 | Press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C, 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, 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, B♭ |
| B5 | Press: 1, 8va |
| C6 | Press: 2, 8va |
How to use it
- Check the selected instrument; the page opens with the E♭ baritone saxophone named in the title.
- Choose a staff note, list entry or keyboard key. Filled circles show the keys to press.
- 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 chart.
Help and explanations
The bari uses the same written fingerings as the alto, so a player moving over from alto in a concert band or jazz band can read the part straight away. The new challenge is the air: the long tube needs a steady, open air stream, and low notes respond only when every pad closes.
Low notes and the low A key
The bottom of the chart is where bari players spend much of their time. Written D4 uses all six main fingers; C4 adds the low C key under the right little finger, while B3 and B♭3 use the left little-finger keys. If a low note gurgles or jumps up an octave, check for a leaking pad or a finger that is not fully down before adding more air.
Many modern baritones have a low A key, played with the left thumb, which gives written A3 (sounding C2). This chart starts at written B♭3, so low A is not shown. If your instrument has the key, your teacher will show you how to use it; the other fingerings stay the same.
Concert pitch and band parts
Written C5 on bari sounds E♭3 and written C6 sounds E♭4. The highest note on the chart is C6; palm-key D6 to F6 and altissimo are not included yet. The microphone recognises the sounding note and converts it to the written baritone note, which makes it easier to tune with the tubas or the bass player in rehearsal.
Bari parts are written in treble clef like alto parts. Because of the large transposition, a pianist plays your written C4 as the E♭ more than an octave below middle C. Check long tones with the baritone sax tuner.
Tips
- Use a harness or stand so your hands stay free for the keys.
- Practise written D4 down to B♭3 slowly with a full, relaxed air stream.
- Keep the left thumb ready on the octave key; the register change needs a little extra air on bari.
- Print the chart and mark the low A key if your instrument has one.
Frequently asked questions
Is baritone sax fingering the same as alto sax?
Yes. A written note uses the same keys on both. The bari sounds one octave below the alto for the same written note.
What concert note is written C on baritone sax?
Written C4 sounds E♭2, and written C5 sounds E♭3.
Does the chart include low A?
No. It starts at written B♭3. On baritones that have it, low A uses a key under the left thumb.
Why does my bari jump up an octave on low notes?
A leaking pad, a finger that is not fully down or too much pressure on the reed are common causes. Check the keys shown in the diagram first.
Can I print the baritone sax fingering chart?
Yes, with Print / PDF while baritone sax is selected.