Piccolo fingering chart
On the piccolo, written C5 uses the left index finger and the right little-finger E♭ key, and it sounds C6, one octave higher. The fingerings are the Boehm flute fingerings, so a flutist can read this chart straight away.
Fingering chart
On the piccolo, written C5 uses the left index finger and the right little-finger E♭ key and sounds C6, one octave higher.
| Written note | Finger position |
|---|---|
| D4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| D♯4/E♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, E♭ |
| E4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, E♭ |
| F4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, E♭ |
| F♯4/G♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 6, E♭ |
| G4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, E♭ |
| G♯4/A♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, G♯, E♭ |
| A4 | Press: T, 1, 2, E♭ |
| A♯4/B♭4 | Press: T, 1, 4, E♭ |
| B4 | Press: T, 1, E♭ |
| C5 | Press: 1, E♭ |
| C♯5/D♭5 | Press: E♭ |
| D5 | Press: T, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| D♯5/E♭5 | Press: T, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, E♭ |
| E5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, E♭ |
| F5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, E♭ |
| F♯5/G♭5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 6, E♭ |
| G5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, E♭ |
| G♯5/A♭5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, G♯, E♭ |
| A5 | Press: T, 1, 2, E♭ |
| A♯5/B♭5 | Press: T, 1, 4, E♭ |
| B5 | Press: T, 1, E♭ |
| C6 | Press: 1, E♭ |
| C♯6/D♭6 | Press: E♭ |
| D6 | Press: T, 2, 3, E♭ |
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 and play a single note. The page reads the sounding pitch and shows the written note it belongs to.
- Match the A reference to your lesson or ensemble, then use Print / PDF to save the selected chart.
Help and explanations
The chart covers written D4–D6. The piccolo has no foot joint, so the flute's low C4 and C♯4 do not exist on it. Numbers mark the main finger keys, T is the left thumb key, and named keys such as E♭ and G♯ are extra keys.
Switching from flute to piccolo
Same fingers, different instrument: the tube is about half as long, so small changes in air speed and lip opening move the pitch more. Written D5 releases the left index finger, and C♯5 uses only the right little-finger E♭ key. Alternating C♯5 and D5 slowly is a good first exercise after switching, because many fingers move at once while the air must stay steady.
Tuners and the microphone hear the sounding note. When you play written A5, a tuner reads A6. This page shows the written note together with the sounding note, so you can compare your part with the band's concert pitch.
Third octave, alternates and trills
The piccolo plays up to about written C7, but this chart stops at D6. E♭6 and above, the piccolo's special high alternates and trill fingerings are not included. If you were looking for a piccolo trill chart, use this page for the basic fingering of each note and check trills with your teacher or a dedicated trill reference.
Tips
- Keep the right little finger on E♭ for C5, as on the flute.
- Release the left index finger for D5 and E♭5.
- Play new high notes softly first and adjust the air angle before blowing harder.
- Set the A reference to your band's pitch before checking intonation.
Frequently asked questions
Are piccolo and flute fingerings the same?
Yes for the basic fingerings. The piccolo has no low C4 or C♯4 and sounds one octave higher than written.
Does the chart include piccolo trill fingerings?
No. It shows one basic fingering per note from written D4 to D6. Trill and alternate fingerings need another reference.
Does it cover the third octave?
Only up to written D6. E♭6 to C7 are not included yet.
What does written D5 sound like on the piccolo?
It sounds D6. Every written note sounds one octave higher.
Can I print the piccolo fingering chart?
Yes. Print / PDF prints the selected chart or saves it as a PDF from your browser.