Tonehole

Recorder · First octave register

Recorder fingering for B4

Thumb hole; left index hole. Basic.

Full chart Check with tuner
Recorder B4 fingering: Thumb hole; left index hole.
Standard fingeringThumb hole; left index hole.Basic.
Recorder B4 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole; left middle hole; left ring hole.
Alternate 1Thumb hole; left middle hole; left ring hole.Alternative next to C.
Written noteB 4 — B4 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
Soprano recorderB5987.77 Hz
Tenor recorderB4493.88 Hz

Tip for the first octave register

Cover holes with the soft pads of your fingers. Use very gentle air on the lowest notes — the recorder overblows easily.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play B4 on the recorder?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole; left index hole. Basic.

What does written B4 sound like on the recorder?

Soprano recorder: B5 (987.8 Hz); Tenor recorder: B4 (493.9 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for B4?

Yes — 1 alternate: (1) Thumb hole; left middle hole; left ring hole. Alternative next to C.