Tenor Saxophone · Major scale · written pitch
B Major scale for Tenor Saxophone
2 octaves from B3, key signature 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). On the tenor saxophone this sounds in concert A 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 | A | B | C♯ | D | E | F♯ | A♭ | A |
Practice tips
- With 5 sharps, 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 Major scale on tenor saxophone?
B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B.
What is the key signature of B Major?
B major has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
What concert key is written B Major on the tenor saxophone?
Written B major on the tenor saxophone sounds in concert A major.