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Alto Saxophone · Natural Minor scale · written pitch

B♭ Natural Minor scale for Alto Saxophone

2 octaves from B♭3, key signature 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). On the alto saxophone this sounds in concert D♭ minor.

Scale — ascending & descending

B♭CD♭E♭FG♭A♭B♭CD♭E♭FG♭A♭B♭A♭G♭FE♭D♭CB♭A♭G♭FE♭D♭CB♭

Arpeggio

B♭D♭FB♭D♭FB♭FD♭B♭FD♭B♭

Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·

Fingerings for every note

Alto Saxophone B♭3 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, low B♭ key, low C key (right pinky).B♭3Alto Saxophone C4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, low C key (right pinky).C4Alto Saxophone D♭4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, low C♯ key, low C key (right pinky).D♭4Alto Saxophone E♭4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, E♭ key (right pinky).E♭4Alto Saxophone F4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1.F4Alto Saxophone G♭4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 2.G♭4Alto Saxophone A♭4 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, G♯ key (left pinky).A♭4Alto Saxophone B♭4 fingering: Left hand 1, bis B♭ key.B♭4Alto Saxophone C5 fingering: Left hand 2.C5Alto Saxophone D♭5 fingering: No keys or holes — all open.D♭5Alto Saxophone E♭5 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, octave key, E♭ key (right pinky).E♭5Alto Saxophone F5 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1, octave key.F5Alto Saxophone G♭5 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, right hand 2, octave key.G♭5Alto Saxophone A♭5 fingering: Left hand 1-2-3, octave key, G♯ key (left pinky).A♭5Alto Saxophone B♭5 fingering: Left hand 1, octave key, bis B♭ key.B♭5

Notes of the scale

Degree12345678
WrittenB♭CD♭E♭FG♭A♭B♭
ConcertC♯E♭EF♯A♭ABC♯

Practice tips

  • With 5 flats, work out the chromatic fingerings first (sliver keys, side keys, alternate pinky keys) and practise the awkward pairs slowly in isolation.
  • 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♭ Natural Minor scale on alto saxophone?

B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭.

What is the key signature of B♭ Natural Minor?

B♭ minor has 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).

What concert key is written B♭ Natural Minor on the alto saxophone?

Written B♭ minor on the alto saxophone sounds in concert D♭ minor.