Bass Clarinet Fingering Chart
Tap a note to see which keys to press and hear it. Gold (filled) = press the key or cover the hole; half filled = cover half. 34 notes from Low E♭ (E♭3) to C6.
Play along: hear the note for 2 beats, then you play it for 2.
- Thumb hole
- Left index (hole 1)
- Left middle (hole 2)
- Left ring (hole 3)
Your left thumb and the first three fingers of your left hand, the same as on clarinet. This is the band's tuning note. Bass clarinet likes lots of slow, warm air: blow steadily and don't bite the reed. More about Low C
Your left thumb and the first three fingers of your left hand, the same as on clarinet. This is the band's tuning note. Bass clarinet likes lots of slow, warm air: blow steadily and don't bite the reed. More about Low C
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Full bass clarinet fingering chart — all notes
The complete standard range, written E♭3 to C6, chromatically: chalumeau, throat notes and clarion. The concert column shows what each written note actually sounds.
Gold (filled): pressed or coveredOpenHas an alternate fingering
Every note has its own page
The same chart, written out
Every fingering in words: handy for copying into lesson notes, and it reads aloud properly on a screen reader.
| Written note | Sounds (concert) | Fingering | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low E♭3 (E♭3) | D♭2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky E/B key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Low E♭ extension key | — |
| Low E (E3) | D2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky E/B key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | Yes |
| Low F (F3) | E♭2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F/C key | Yes |
| Low F♯ (F♯3) | E2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky F♯/C♯ key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | Yes |
| Low G (G3) | F2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | Yes |
| Low G♯ (G♯3) | F♯2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky A♭/E♭ key | Yes |
| Low A (A3) | G2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) | Yes |
| Low B♭ (B♭3) | A♭2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) | Yes |
| Low B (B3) | A2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right middle (hole 5) | Yes |
| Low C (C4) | B♭2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) | Yes |
| Low C♯ (C♯4) | B2 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky C♯/G♯ key | Yes |
| Low D (D4) | C3 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) | Yes |
| Low E♭ (E♭4) | D♭3 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Side key 4 | Yes |
| E4 | D3 | Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) | Yes |
| F4 | E♭3 | Thumb hole | Yes |
| F♯4 | E3 | Left index (hole 1) | Yes |
| Throat G (G4) | F3 | Yes | |
| Throat G♯ (G♯4) | F♯3 | G♯ key | Yes |
| Throat A (A4) | G3 | A key | Yes |
| Throat Bb (B♭4) | A♭3 | Register key + A key | Yes |
| B4 | A3 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky E/B key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | Yes |
| C5 | B♭3 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F/C key | Yes |
| C♯5 | B3 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky F♯/C♯ key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | — |
| D5 | C4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) | — |
| E♭5 | D♭4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky A♭/E♭ key | — |
| E5 | D4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) | — |
| F5 | E♭4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) | — |
| F♯5 | E4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right middle (hole 5) | — |
| G5 | F4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) | — |
| G♯5 | F♯4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky C♯/G♯ key | — |
| A5 | G4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) | — |
| B♭5 | A♭4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Side key 4 | — |
| B5 | A4 | Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) | — |
| C6 | B♭4 | Register key + Thumb hole | — |
Tap any note from low E♭ to C6 to see exactly which keys to press, hear the pitch, and check the concert note a major ninth below. The fingerings are the soprano clarinet’s; the low E♭ key and the sound are the bass’s own. Print the full chart free below.
How to read this chart
Filled circles mean press that key or cover that hole; open circles stay up. The diagram runs top to bottom: the thumb and register key on the back, the throat levers beside them, the left hand’s three tone holes, then the right hand’s three with the side keys to their right, and the two little-finger clusters at the bottom. The extra key at the very bottom is the low E♭ extension.
On a bass clarinet the tone holes are covered by plateau keys rather than open rings, so the “hole” you cover is a pad you press. The seal comes from firm, flat finger pressure — a soprano player’s worry about fingertips riding the edge of a ring does not apply.
Written vs concert pitch
The bass clarinet is a B♭ instrument written in treble clef, sounding a major ninth below what is written: written C5 sounds concert B♭3, the band tuning note, and written C4 sounds B♭2. That is an octave below the soprano clarinet reading the same part, which is the point — a bass clarinettist reads with the same fingerings as the section and sounds in the cello range. The play button in the chart sounds the concert pitch.
The low E♭ key and what lies below
The soprano clarinet stops at written low E. Almost every student bass clarinet adds one key below it for low E♭: finger low E and add the extension key — under the right little finger on most models, a right-thumb lever on some. It sounds concert D♭2. Professional instruments continue to low C with a further cluster of keys; those notes vary by maker and are not covered here.
The bottom of the horn wants slow, wide air and a very relaxed jaw. Set the floor peg so the instrument is not sitting on its bell, or the low notes go flat and stuffy.
Ranges
Bass Clarinet registers
The low register. Every finger and the thumb help shape the note, and the sound is dark and full.
G4 to B♭4: few fingers down, so these notes can sound thin. Resonance fingerings help.
Add the register key: the same fingers as the chalumeau now play a twelfth higher. Crossing from throat B♭ to B4 is “the break”.
For when the standard one is awkward
Alternate bass clarinet fingerings
Alternates aren’t “better” fingerings: each one earns its place in a specific musical situation, like tuning or a fast passage. The standard fingering is always shown first. Tap one to show it on the chart above; each alternate has its own link to send.
- StandardStandard
Right little-finger E/B key (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky E/B key) — Use whichever little finger the surrounding notes leave free — the right one here when the left is needed for low F or low F♯. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Left little-finger F/C key (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky F/C key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6)) — Use the left side when the right little finger is already committed to the E/B or A♭/E♭ key. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Right little-finger F♯/C♯ key (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F♯/C♯ key) — Switch to the right side when the left little finger is needed for low E, low F or low C♯. Show it big
- StandardStandard
B/F♯ sliver key (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right sliver key) — Use in chromatic movement between B♭ and B, where it saves lifting the index finger and dropping the middle finger at the same time. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Left-hand E♭/B♭ sliver key (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left sliver key) — Use when moving between D and E♭ or trilling, since only the left hand has to move. Show it big
Fork fingering (right index) (Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Right index (hole 4)) — Slightly sharp; use for facility when the neighboring notes already put the right index finger down. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Chromatic F♯ (side keys 3 and 4) (Thumb hole + Side key 3 + Side key 4) — Use next to F4 so the thumb and left index finger can stay exactly where they are. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Resonance fingering (right hand down) (Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6)) — Use on sustained or exposed G, where the right hand is free, to fill out a thin tone. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Resonance fingering (right hand down) (G♯ key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6)) — Use when G♯ is held or exposed and the right hand is otherwise idle. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Resonance fingering (right-hand shading) (A key + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F/C key) — Use on sustained throat A to fill out the sound and settle the pitch. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Resonance fingering (both hands shading) (Register key + A key + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F/C key) — Use on longer B♭s where there is time to set the extra fingers — it sounds fuller and sits closer to pitch. Show it big
Side-key B♭ (G♯ key with the first side key) (G♯ key + Side key 1) — Use in trills and quick passages around A and B where a clear, ringing B♭ matters more than the security of the standard fingering. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Right little-finger E/B key (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky E/B key) — Pick the side that leaves the other little finger free for whatever comes next. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Left little-finger F/C key (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Left pinky F/C key + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6)) — Use when the right little finger is already on the E/B or A♭/E♭ key. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Right little-finger F♯/C♯ key (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5) + Right ring (hole 6) + Right pinky F♯/C♯ key) — Use when the left little finger is needed for B, C or G♯ nearby. Show it big
- StandardStandard
B/F♯ sliver key (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right sliver key) — Use for chromatic movement between F and F♯ so the right hand can stay still. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Right-hand alternate (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Right index (hole 4) + Right middle (hole 5)) — Use when the surrounding notes already have right-hand fingers down and the left little finger is busy. Show it big
- StandardStandard
Left-hand E♭/B♭ sliver key (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left sliver key) — Use for A–B♭ trills and chromatic runs, where only the left hand needs to move. Show it big
Fork fingering (right index) (Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Right index (hole 4)) — Use for facility when the neighboring notes already involve the right index finger. Show it big
12 trills · free
Trill fingerings
A trill is a fast wobble between two notes. Hold the first note and shake one key: press it and let it go, fast. The key to shake is drawn in green. Trill fingerings trade a little tone quality for speed, so use them for rapid alternation, not sustained notes.
- TrillLow B♭ → B3B♭3 to B3
HoldLow B♭: Left hand: thumb, 1, 2, 3 · Right hand: 4
ShakeRight sliver key
Trill the B/F♯ sliver key with the right middle finger. Full fingering with the trill key down: Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right sliver key.
- TrillLow D → E♭4D4 to E♭4
HoldLow D: Left hand: thumb, 1, 2
ShakeLeft sliver key
Trill the left-hand E♭/B♭ sliver key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left sliver key.
- TrillF4 → F♯4
HoldF4: Left hand: thumb
ShakeSide key 3 + Side key 4
Trill side keys 3 and 4 with the right index finger. Full fingering with the trill key down: Thumb hole + Side key 3 + Side key 4.
- TrillThroat G♯ → A4G♯4 to A4
HoldThroat G♯: G♯ key only
ShakeSide key 2
Trill the second side key. Full fingering with the trill key down: G♯ key + Side key 2.
- TrillThroat G♯ → B♭4G♯4 to B♭4
HoldThroat G♯: G♯ key only
ShakeSide key 1
Trill the first side key. Full fingering with the trill key down: G♯ key + Side key 1.
- TrillThroat A → B♭4A4 to B♭4
HoldThroat A: A key only
ShakeSide key 2
Trill the second side key. Full fingering with the trill key down: A key + Side key 2.
- TrillThroat A → B4A4 to B4
HoldThroat A: A key only
ShakeSide key 1
Trill the first side key, which avoids crossing the break. Full fingering with the trill key down: A key + Side key 1.
- TrillThroat B♭ → B4B♭4 to B4
HoldThroat B♭: Left hand: register key + A key
ShakeSide key 2
Trill the second side key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Register key + A key + Side key 2.
- TrillThroat B♭ → C5B♭4 to C5
HoldThroat B♭: Left hand: register key + A key
ShakeSide key 1
Trill the first side key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Register key + A key + Side key 1.
- TrillF5 → F♯5
HoldF5: Left hand: register key, thumb, 1, 2, 3 · Right hand: 4
ShakeRight sliver key
Trill the B/F♯ sliver key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left ring (hole 3) + Right index (hole 4) + Right sliver key.
- TrillA5 → B♭5
HoldA5: Left hand: register key, thumb, 1, 2
ShakeLeft sliver key
Trill the left-hand E♭/B♭ sliver key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Register key + Thumb hole + Left index (hole 1) + Left middle (hole 2) + Left sliver key.
- TrillC6 → D6
HoldC6: Left hand: register key, thumb
ShakeG♯ key
Trill the side G♯ key. Full fingering with the trill key down: Register key + Thumb hole + G♯ key.
Gold (filled): hold these downGreen with a dark ring: shake this key, press and release it fast
Common bass clarinet mistakes
- Biting. The bass takes a bigger reed and mouthpiece than the soprano and needs a looser jaw and slower air. Squeezing thins the sound, sharpens the pitch and makes the low register refuse to speak.
- Half-pressing the plateau keys. A pad that is not fully down leaks, and the note gurgles. Press flat and firm, especially in the right hand.
- Leaving the right hand off for throat notes. The resonance fingerings — right-hand fingers added to open G, G♯, A and B♭ — matter more on bass than on soprano, and they set the right hand up for the break.
- Resting the bell on the floor or a leg. The bass clarinet has a floor peg for a reason: a blocked bell pulls the lowest notes flat and stuffy.
Frequently asked questions
Are bass clarinet fingerings the same as clarinet?
For the whole standard range, yes. From low E to the top of the clarion (written C6) a bass clarinet is fingered exactly like a B♭ soprano clarinet — same thumb, register key, tone holes, side keys and little-finger clusters. The differences are at the edges: the bass adds a low E♭ key below the soprano's lowest note (professional models go to low C), and above C6 the altissimo fingerings differ.
What does a bass clarinet sound when I play written C?
Concert B♭, a major ninth below — an octave lower than a soprano clarinet reading the same note. Written C5 sounds B♭3, the band tuning note; written C4 sounds B♭2. Bass clarinet parts are written in treble clef with this transposition, so the fingering you read is the soprano's and the sound is an octave down.
Why does this chart start at low E♭?
Because that is where a student bass clarinet stops. Nearly all school instruments carry one extension key below low E, giving E♭ (the key is usually under the right little finger, on some makers a thumb lever). Professional bass clarinets extend to low C with several more keys, and those notes are beyond this chart.
Why does this chart stop at C6?
C6 is the top of the clarion register, and up to there the fingerings are the same on every clarinet. Above it the bass clarinet's altissimo uses its own vents and half-hole fingerings that vary between instruments, so there is no single chart worth printing as standard. The soprano clarinet altissimo page covers the soprano's fingerings, which are not reliably the bass's.
Can I print this chart for free?
Yes. The printable PDF (Letter and A4) is generated from the same data as this interactive chart and downloads with one click — no email address required.
Bass Clarinet fingering data last updated . Every diagram here, in the printable PDF and in the chart image comes from one dataset, so the paper and the screen cannot disagree.