This Sax lesson covers how to play D on Alto Saxophone. You'll also learn the three different saxophone fingerings to play the D note in all three octaves on your saxophone.
Playing the D note on Alto Saxophone
Instructions: There are three D notes within the normal range of the saxophone. The basic fingering is to use both your left and right hand palmed around the saxophone, supporting the sax with your neck strap and two thumbs on the back of the saxophone.
Low D note fingering on Alto Sax
Your left hand needs to push down the B,A and G keys on the saxophone. At the same time your right hand needs to push down the E,F and D keys, so that you cover a total of 6 keys.
The left hand at the upper part of the saxophone and the right hand at the lower part of the sax.
The B,A,G and E,F,D fingerings is the basic fingering for the D note on your saxophone. This will give you the low D on the sax.
Middle D note fingering on Alto Sax
When you've figured out the basic low D fingering you can easily finger the middle D on your saxophone as well. The only difference is that you need to add the octave key (register key) in order to play the middle D on the saxophone. (Push down on the octave key with your left thumb on the back of the saxophone).
High D note fingering on Alto Sax
The High D only uses two keys and you finger it by using your left hand. Forming your left hand as a “lego hand”, palming the saxophone, you have your left thumb on the back plate stabilizing the saxophone and your other fingers wrapped around the saxophone body.
Push down the octave key on the back of the saxophone with the thumb on your left hand and, at the same time, push down the side key closest to your thumb by pressing down your palmed left hand on that side key.
Note from the Saxophone teacher: If you push down more than one side key it will not work and you'll probably hear some squeaks from your saxophone. If that happens, go back and adjust so that only the D side key on your saxophone is pushed down along with the octave key. Once you have nailed the high D fingering on your sax you may want to learn the High E flat on saxophone too as it is very closely related. That way you expand your repertoire of notes you can play on saxophone too.
Want to learn all the Saxophone fingerings?
Great! Make sure to download the free Saxophone fingering chart PDF to keep as a reference when you practice your saxophone.
