Bassoon · bass clef
Bassoon Scales
All 12 major scales for bassoon, one octave each, with the fingering for every note. Tap a note to see it larger, or play the whole scale.
C major
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
Half-hole: cover about half of the first hole.
Let go of the whisper key from A3 up to F♯4; it comes back for G4 and G♯4.
F major
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
B♭ major
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
Half-hole: cover about half of the first hole.
Let go of the whisper key from A3 up to F♯4; it comes back for G4 and G♯4.
E♭ major
Add the E♭ key with the left pinky.
Use the thumb A♭ key next to notes that need the right pinky, such as F or F♯.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
A♭ major
Use the thumb A♭ key next to notes that need the right pinky, such as F or F♯.
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
Half-hole: cover about half of the first hole.
Half-hole: cover a little more than half of the first hole. Use the thumb A♭ version next to notes that need the right pinky.
D♭ major
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
Half-hole: cover a little more than half of the first hole. Use the thumb A♭ version next to notes that need the right pinky.
Left thumb on the C♯ key, no whisper key. R2, R3 and the pinky F key steady the note.
G♭ major
Use the pinky F♯ key when the right thumb is busy on a nearby note.
Use the thumb A♭ key next to notes that need the right pinky, such as F or F♯.
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
Only the whisper key is held; all holes are open.
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
B major
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
Half-hole: cover a little more than half of the first hole. Use the thumb A♭ version next to notes that need the right pinky.
E major
Right thumb presses the E key.
Use the pinky F♯ key when the right thumb is busy on a nearby note.
Use the thumb A♭ key next to notes that need the right pinky, such as F or F♯.
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Leave the second left-hand hole open. The right thumb B♭ key and R2 steady held notes; drop them in fast passages.
A major
Left thumb presses the C♯ key while the whisper and low D keys stay down.
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
Half-hole: cover a little more than half of the first hole. Use the thumb A♭ version next to notes that need the right pinky.
Let go of the whisper key from A3 up to F♯4; it comes back for G4 and G♯4.
D major
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
Half-hole: cover about half of the first hole.
Let go of the whisper key from A3 up to F♯4; it comes back for G4 and G♯4.
Left thumb on the C♯ key, no whisper key. R2, R3 and the pinky F key steady the note.
G major
Half-hole: leave a little more than half of the first hole open. Use the pinky F♯ version next to notes that need the right thumb.
Half-hole: cover about half of the first hole.
About these scales
Each scale is shown in the octave that sits most comfortably on the instrument.
For the full range and alternate fingerings, see the bassoon fingering chart.