Tonehole

Saxophone · Middle register register

Saxophone fingering for B♭5 / A♯5

Left hand 1, octave key, bis B♭ key. Bis B♭.

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Saxophone B♭5 fingering: Left hand 1, octave key, bis B♭ key.
Standard fingeringLeft hand 1, octave key, bis B♭ key.Bis B♭.
Saxophone B♭5 fingering (alternate 1): Left hand 1, right hand 1, octave key.
Alternate 1Left hand 1, right hand 1, octave key.'One and one' B♭.
Saxophone B♭5 fingering (alternate 2): Left hand 1-2, octave key, side B♭ key.
Alternate 2Left hand 1-2, octave key, side B♭ key.Side B♭.
Written noteB flat 5 — Bb5 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
Soprano sax (B♭)A♭5830.61 Hz
Alto sax (E♭)D♭5554.37 Hz
Tenor sax (B♭)A♭4415.30 Hz
Baritone sax (E♭)D♭4277.18 Hz

Tip for the middle register register

The octave key switches the left-thumb vent automatically between two holes. Middle D and E♭ can be unstable — keep a consistent voicing and don't bite.

Frequently asked questions

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

Standard fingering: Left hand 1, octave key, bis B♭ key. Bis B♭.

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

Soprano sax (B♭): A♭5 (830.6 Hz); Alto sax (E♭): D♭5 (554.4 Hz); Tenor sax (B♭): A♭4 (415.3 Hz); Baritone sax (E♭): D♭4 (277.2 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for B♭5?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Left hand 1, right hand 1, octave key. 'One and one' B♭. (2) Left hand 1-2, octave key, side B♭ key. Side B♭.