Alto Saxophone · Major scale · written pitch
B♭ Major scale for Alto Saxophone
2 octaves from B♭3, key signature 2 flats (B♭, E♭). On the alto saxophone this sounds in concert D♭ major.
Scale — ascending & descending
Arpeggio
Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·
Fingerings for every note
Notes of the scale
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written | B♭ | C | D | E♭ | F | G | A | B♭ |
| Concert | C♯ | E♭ | F | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | C | C♯ |
Practice tips
- Low notes on the saxophone respond best with an open throat and a little more mouthpiece; avoid pinching.
- Practise with a metronome: legato first, then tongued; then in thirds and in rhythms (long–short, short–long).
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the B♭ Major scale on alto saxophone?
B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭.
What is the key signature of B♭ Major?
B♭ major has 2 flats (B♭, E♭).
What concert key is written B♭ Major on the alto saxophone?
Written B♭ major on the alto saxophone sounds in concert D♭ major.