Tonehole

Recorder · Second octave register

Recorder fingering for B♭5 / A♯5

Thumb hole half-covered (pinched); left index hole; left middle hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes. Basic.

Full chart Check with tuner
Recorder B♭5 fingering: Thumb hole half-covered (pinched); left index hole; left middle hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes.
Standard fingeringThumb hole half-covered (pinched); left index hole; left middle hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes.Basic.
Written noteB flat 5 — Bb5 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
Soprano recorderB♭61,864.66 Hz
Tenor recorderB♭5932.33 Hz

Tip for the second octave register

The upper register is opened by pinching the thumb hole (a small gap at the top of the hole). Blow slightly faster air as you go higher.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play B♭5 (A♯5) on the recorder?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole half-covered (pinched); left index hole; left middle hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes. Basic.

What does written B♭5 sound like on the recorder?

Soprano recorder: B♭6 (1864.7 Hz); Tenor recorder: B♭5 (932.3 Hz).