This section gives advice on the following topics: How To Finger The Note D How To Tongue The Note D How To Finger The Note D in the Third Octave The twenty seventh note we learn, D in the third octave on the descant (soprano) recorder, lies above the second leger line above the treble clef. Click on the play button in the Sibelius score to hear it. Below that we give the two standard fingerings for this note, the fingerings you would try under normal circumstances. On some instruments you are expected to close both the bottom right hand tone holes otherwise the high D will be very sharp while on others those holes can open. The choice of fingering depends on the maker and the model and the size of instrument. Legend: = hole covered = hole uncovered = pinched thumbhole Recorder Thumb 1 2 3 4 5 6b 6a 7b 7a Bell Descant Tenor   -----left hand------ -----right hand----- D standard D alternative Using the standard nomenclature, the fingering for third octave D is written X 1 3 4 6a 6b, where X indicates a pinched thumb or vented thumbhole. An alternative fingering for third octave D, where the little finger of the right hand is added, is written X 1 3 4 6a 6b 7a 7b. How To Tongue The Note D in the Third Octave Having already learned high C#, you should have no problems playing high D which is the same fingering but without the closure of the end of the bell section. You should have satisfied yourself as to the best fingering for your instrument, the fingering that produces the correctly tuned high D. As regards the tonging stroke and air flow requirements for a secure high D you should find both similar to top C, although in general top D speaks more freely. You are now ready to play piece no. 27.