Lesson 7. Adding the right hand: E, D, F and the low C

It is time for the right hand! With it, four new notes appear, and we will be able to play a scale starting from C.

The note E: the left hand plays G, and the right hand adds the index and middle fingers.

The note D: we add one more finger — the ring finger of the right hand. Only the very bottom hole is open.

The low C: all the holes are covered, even the lowest one under the little finger. This is the lowest note of the recorder, so blow very, very softly.

The note F depends on your recorder. On a Baroque one we cover it like E, but lift the middle finger of the right hand and lower the ring and little fingers. On a German one it is simply the index finger of the right hand. The system switch is in the exercise.

Low notes are tricky: check that all the holes are covered tightly, with no gaps, and blow very gently.

And now let's play a scale: C, D, E, F, G — and back down.

🎤 Exercise: Scale from C to G

C, D, E, F, G, F, E, D, C. Blow softly — low notes don't like a strong breath.

—

Press “Start” and allow access to the microphone

🎛️ Notes not being heard well? Adjust it for your recorder

Fingering for the note E

For the note E, all the holes of the left hand are covered (as for G) plus the two upper holes of the right hand: with the index and middle fingers.

Fingering for the note D

For the note D, the ring finger of the right hand is added to E. Only the lowest hole under the little finger stays open.

Fingering for the low C

For the low C, all eight holes are covered, including the lowest one under the little finger of the right hand. You can turn the foot joint of the recorder slightly so the little finger is comfortable.

Fingering for the note F

On a Baroque recorder, F is played with a “fork” fingering: the back hole, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 are covered, and the fifth (under the middle finger of the right hand) is open. On a German one it is simpler: the back hole, 1, 2, 3 and 4. More in the article “Recorder fingering”.

Why low notes don't work

Low notes need many holes to be covered, and every tiny gap spoils the sound: it hisses or the recorder “jumps” to a higher note. If D does not sound:

check each hole with the pad of your finger — is there any gap;
relax your hands: tense fingers cover the holes worse;
blow even softer than for B and A.

The trainer will tell you if the wrong note sounds and will highlight on the diagram the hole you need to cover.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between a German and a Baroque recorder?

The fingering of the note F and of some semitones. For the notes E and D there is no difference.