recorder method online : descant/sopranof sharp / g flat
Dr. Brian Blood


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First Octave: B :: A :: G :: E :: D :: C :: F :: F#/Gb :: Bb/A# :: C#/Db :: G#/Ab :: D#/Eb :: Second Octave :: Third Octave


This section gives advice on the following topics:

How To Finger The Note F sharp
How To Play The Note F sharp


How To Finger The Note F sharp

The eighth note we learn, F sharp on the descant (soprano) recorder, lies on the bottom space on the treble clef but has a sharp sign before it, in the key signature at the beginning of the stave or on an F earlier in the same bar. The enharmonic equivalent to F sharp is G flat in the equitempered scale - that is both notes have the same fingering. Click on the play button in the Sibelius score to hear it. Below that we give the standard fingering for this note, the fingering you would use under normal circumstances.


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-----

F#
standard



F#
alternative


Using the standard nomenclature, the fingering for first octave F sharp, or for the enharmonic equivalent G flat, is written 0 1 2 3 5 6a 6b. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to cover hole 7a with the little finger of the right hand. The fingering would then be written 0 1 2 3 4 5 6a 6b 7a.

How To Play The Note F sharp

Play the note D on the descant (soprano). Now lift the first finger of the right hand to give you the fingering for F sharp. Once you are happy with that progression try playing from G, with all the left hand fingers down, to F sharp, where you add fingers two and three of the right hand. Once you are happy with that progression you are ready to try the next exercise piece 8. There are two points you will need to notice about this note. First, on some recorders the note will have a slightly weaker tone than the notes around it, G or F. You need to take care that you do not blow too hard as this will only reduce the volume of sound from your recorder. Later, you will find occasions when you want at a slightly flatter pitch on F sharp, for example when tuning with a second recorder playing low D. The interval D to F sharp is a major third and, to sound sweet, the F sharp is best at a slightly flatter pitch than that produced by the standard fingering above. Covering one of the bottom double holes (hole 7a), you will be able to flatten the pitch enough to give a perfect interval of a major third. For the present, do not worry about this adjustment. We will discuss this again later together with other points of 'fine tuning' when we consider the technique of tuning in ensemble with other instruments.


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