Lesson 3. The note A and the first moves between notes

We add one finger — and get a new note, A. We will learn to move between B and A.

Let's remember the note B: the thumb at the back and the index finger of the left hand in front.

To play A, add the middle finger of your left hand. Now three holes are covered: one at the back and two in front.

The more holes are covered, the lower the sound. That is why A sounds a little lower than B.

Let's try them in turn: B, A, B, A. Move only the middle finger, the others stay in place.

🎤 Exercise: B and A in turn

Play the notes in order. Hold each one until the bar fills up, and take a breath between the notes.

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Press “Start” and allow access to the microphone

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

Fingering for the note A on the recorder

The note A comes from the note B by adding one finger:

the thumb of the left hand — the back hole;
the index finger of the left hand — the first hole;
the middle finger of the left hand — the second hole.

The ring finger of the left hand and the whole right hand do not cover any holes.

How to move from B to A

The main secret of smooth transitions is to move only the finger you need. When going B → A, the middle finger of the left hand goes down, and everything else stays still. Keep your fingers low above the holes — then they will land quickly and accurately.

If you hear a “squeak” or a strange sound during the move, most likely a finger does not cover the hole fully. In that case the trainer will tell you the sound is hissing.

Why A sounds lower than B

The sound of a recorder is born from the vibration of air in the tube. The more holes are covered, the longer the “working” part of the tube and the lower the sound. That is why every new finger going down makes the note lower.

Questions and answers

The trainer says B is sounding, although I play A. Why?

The middle finger does not fully cover the second hole. Press it with the pad of your finger.