Recorder Notes for Beginners
Most children learn the recorder in a few simple steps: three notes first, then more. This guide shows where the first recorder notes sit on the stave and which holes to cover.
The first three notes: B, A and G
Almost every school recorder book starts with B, A and G. They need the fewest fingers: the thumb hole plus one finger for B, two for A and three for G. On the stave, B sits on the middle line, A in the space below it and G on the second line.
B: middle line.
A: second space.
G: second line.
Fingering chart (descant recorder, baroque)
T = thumb hole at the back. Numbers 1–3 are the left-hand fingers; 4–7 the right hand. ● means covered and ○ means open.
| Written note | T | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5 | ○ | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| C5 | ● | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| B4 | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| A4 | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| G4 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| F4 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ● | ● |
| E4 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ |
| D4 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ |
| C4 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
The chart is for the standard (baroque) fingering system on a descant recorder in C. German-fingering recorders differ for F, so check your method book.
Written pitch and sounding pitch
Descant recorder music is usually written an octave lower than it sounds. So the B in your book (middle line) sounds an octave higher than that B on a piano. The names and fingerings still match what is written.
Tips for a good first sound
- Cover the holes with the soft pads of your fingers, not the tips.
- Blow gently, as if saying "doo".
- Squeaks usually mean too much air or tiny gaps under your fingers.
- Keep the instrument clean and warm; a cold recorder can sound off.
Practise with feedback
Choose Recorder in the practice tool, then the B A G level. Try the Recorder fingering answer mode, or play the note and let the microphone check it.
Frequently asked questions
Why are recorder notes hard to hear in a group?
A group of beginners will drift sharp or flat with too much air. Gentle breath and covered holes help everyone sound together.
Is the app's fingering chart reliable?
It uses the standard baroque fingering. Always cross-check with your own method book, especially for F♯ and B♭.
Can I use a tenor or alto recorder?
The fingering patterns are similar but the pitch and written clef differ. This guide is for the descant recorder.