Bassoon Fingering Chart

This bassoon fingering chart shows every bassoon note from low B♭ to the D above middle C, with the whisper key, half-hole and flick keys. Tap a note to see the fingering and hear how it should sound.

Note

Whisper key, left hand 1-2-3 and right hand 1-2-3

All six fingers plus the whisper key. A good first note.

Notes shown

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Alternate fingerings for G2

None in common use. Use the main fingering above.

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All bassoon fingerings (low B♭ to D above middle C)

Every note on one page. Tap a note to hear it and load it into the tool above. Black means pressed or covered.

How to read this bassoon fingering chart

The diagram is a front view of the bassoon with the bocal at the top.

Circles are the six finger holes, left hand on top. The top hole shows a half-hole when only its left half is filled.
Left side: the left thumb keys. From top to bottom: the three flick keys (D, C, A), the whisper key (W), then low D, low C and low B♭. Further right are the left pinky C♯ and E♭ keys.
Right side: the right thumb keys (E, F♯, A♭, B♭) and, below, the right pinky F and A♭ keys.

Bassoon reads bass clef at concert pitch. Higher parts sometimes use tenor clef; this chart writes everything in bass clef.

Many bassoon entries are marked Being checked while a bassoonist reviews them. Bassoon key work varies between makers and student models, so ask your teacher about any key that is missing or in a different spot.

Bassoon notes for beginners

Note	Fingering
G (bottom line)	Whisper key, all six fingers
A	Whisper key, left 1-2-3, right 1-2
B♭	Whisper key, left 1-2-3, right 1 + right thumb B♭
C	Whisper key, left 1-2-3
D	Whisper key, left 1-2
E	Whisper key, left 1

Bassoon high register and flick keys

Above F the whisper key comes off and the half-hole and flick keys take over. Tap the A flick for A, B♭ and B, and the C flick for C and C♯. Flick on the attack, then let go; holding the flick key changes the pitch. The chart shows the flick key that most players use for each note.

Bassoon Fingering Chart FAQ

What is the whisper key on a bassoon?

The whisper key (also called the pianissimo key) is pressed by the left thumb for most notes from the bottom of the instrument up to F on the fourth line of the bass staff. It closes a small vent so low and middle notes speak cleanly.

What are flick keys on the bassoon?

Flick keys are the small A, C and (on some bassoons) D keys on the wing joint. You tap one briefly with the left thumb as a note starts, which helps notes like A (top line), B♭, B and C speak without cracking.

What notes should a beginner bassoon player learn first?

Most beginners start on F, G and C in the bass staff, then fill in the low register. G (all six fingers plus the whisper key) and C (left hand only) are good starting notes.

What is the half-hole on a bassoon?

The left index finger hole can be half-covered by rolling the finger down. Half-holing helps G, A♭ and A at the top of the bass staff speak in the right octave.

How many keys does the left thumb press on the bassoon?

The left thumb works the whisper key, the low D, C and B♭ keys and the flick keys. That is why bassoon fingerings often start with the thumb.

Last updated October 4, 2026.How we verify fingerings