Tenor Saxophone · Major scale · written pitch
E Major scale for Tenor Saxophone
2 octaves from E4, key signature 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). On the tenor 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 | E | F♯ | G♯ | A | B | C♯ | D♯ | E |
| Concert | D | E | F♯ | G | A | B | C♯ | D |
Practice tips
- With 4 sharps, work out the chromatic fingerings first (sliver keys, side keys, alternate pinky keys) and practise the awkward pairs slowly in isolation.
- 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 E Major scale on tenor saxophone?
E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, E.
What is the key signature of E Major?
E major has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
What concert key is written E Major on the tenor saxophone?
Written E major on the tenor saxophone sounds in concert D major.