Tenor Saxophone · Major scale · written pitch
D♭ Major scale for Tenor Saxophone
2 octaves from D♭4, key signature 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). On the tenor saxophone this sounds in concert C♭ 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 | D♭ | E♭ | F | G♭ | A♭ | B♭ | C | D♭ |
| Concert | B | C♯ | E♭ | E | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | B |
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 D♭ Major scale on tenor saxophone?
D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭.
What is the key signature of D♭ Major?
D♭ major has 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).
What concert key is written D♭ Major on the tenor saxophone?
Written D♭ major on the tenor saxophone sounds in concert C♭ major.