Tonehole

Recorder · First octave register

Recorder fingering for C♯4 / D♭4

Thumb hole; left index hole; left middle hole; left ring hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes; lower right-pinky hole only. Basic — cover only the lower small hole of the pinky pair.

Full chart Check with tuner
Recorder C♯4 fingering: Thumb hole; left index hole; left middle hole; left ring hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes; lower right-pinky hole only.
Standard fingeringThumb hole; left index hole; left middle hole; left ring hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes; lower right-pinky hole only.Basic — cover only the lower small hole of the pinky pair.
Written noteC sharp 4 — C#4 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
Soprano recorderC♯5554.37 Hz
Tenor recorderC♯4277.18 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 C♯4 (D♭4) on the recorder?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole; left index hole; left middle hole; left ring hole; right index hole; right middle hole; both right-ring holes; lower right-pinky hole only. Basic — cover only the lower small hole of the pinky pair.

What does written C♯4 sound like on the recorder?

Soprano recorder: C♯5 (554.4 Hz); Tenor recorder: C♯4 (277.2 Hz).