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SAXOPHONE ALTISSIMO - FINGERING CHART

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ALTISSIMO
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The altissimo range of the saxophone consits of many notes higher than the "standard" range that is
taught in elementary and intermediate stages of learning (up to F or F# with instruments that have that
key). The fingerings for these notes can be quite complex. They differ from instrument to instrument, the
fingering chart here show fingerings which I have found to be most useful on many different saxophones,
but you can experiment by adding or taking away fingers to suit yours.

It is useful to practice harmonics before studying altissimo fingerings, and before that you need to be
able to play the higher notes of the actual register (C-F) strongly and with confidence.

You will often need to change your embouchure to get the high notes. Harder reeds or wider tip opening
on your mouthpiece may help, but possibly at the expense of low notes.
(PRS/MCPS online exploitation licence)

From Sam Donahue: High Note Book For Saxophone:

FINGERING CHART
  ALTO TENOR  

F This was the highest official note for most saxophones

until the top F# key was introduced. In order to use the
altissimo range above this it is important to get familiar
with the front F (AKA auxilliary F) key as shown here.
This key is played with the index finger and
automatically closes the C key as it opens the F.
This is also a handy fingering when playing an F
arpeggio. If you add the G key (LH 3), it sounds an E,
this is useful when playing an F major 7 arpeggio
F# Of course, if your saxophone has an F# key, use it

G This is one of the harder altissimo notes, even though it's

not very high.

G# Another difficult note, try this once you are comfortable

with some easier ones such as A

A The R.H. fingers are optional, they help with intonation.

Bb This is the Bb fingering I use, it may not be the easiest

to blow, but it's easy to move to this from the A

B Likewise, this allows you to move easily from the Bb

C This fingering will also get the high F above

C# This is really just an overblown F#

D Although it is very high, this should be quite an easy

note to blow. Once you get it, try alternating with a
bottom Bb