Lesson 10. High notes and the “pinched” thumb

To climb above the upper D you need a special trick — open the back hole slightly with your thumb.

For high notes the thumb does not cover the back hole completely, but leaves a small gap. This is called a “pinch”.

Bend your thumb and press the tip of the nail against the hole, so the upper part of the hole opens just a tiny bit. On the diagram such a hole is half filled.

E of the second octave: a thumb pinch, three fingers of the left hand, and the index and middle fingers of the right hand.

F of the second octave: a pinch, three fingers of the left hand, and the index and ring fingers of the right. The middle finger of the right hand is lifted.

G of the second octave: a pinch and three fingers of the left hand. It is almost like the lower G, only with a gap at the back.

High notes like fast, but not strong air. Say “ti” into the recorder instead of “tu” — the tongue rises and the stream becomes narrower.

🎤 Exercise: Up the steps

D², E², F², G², F², E², D². If a low note sounds instead of the high one — open your thumb a little more.

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Press “Start” and allow access to the microphone

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

What is a pinch on the recorder

For the recorder to go into the second octave, the back hole must be opened just a little. The thumb of the left hand is bent and placed with its tip (the nail) on the edge of the hole, leaving a small gap at the top. In fingering charts this hole is drawn half filled or crossed out.

Fingering for high notes

E of the second octave — a pinch, holes 1, 2, 3 (left hand), 4 and 5 (index and middle fingers of the right hand).
F of the second octave — a pinch, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. The middle finger of the right hand is lifted.
G of the second octave — a pinch and three fingers of the left hand.

If high notes don't work

The most common reasons: the gap is too small (the lower octave sounds) or too big (the sound hisses and breaks). Look for the thumb position where the note sounds clean. Blow a bit faster than on the lower notes, but not harder — narrow the stream by saying “ti”. The trainer will tell you which note you ended up on.

Questions and answers

Why does a low note sound instead of the high E?

The thumb covers the back hole completely. Open a small gap by bending the thumb.

High notes squeal — what should I do?

Blow softer and check that the gap is not too big. High notes need a narrow fast stream, not strong pressure.