Euphonium Fingering Chart
This euphonium fingering chart shows the valves for every note on B♭ euphonium, in bass clef or treble clef, for 3-valve and 4-valve (compensating) instruments. Tap a note to see the fingering and hear it.
Note
Open (no valves)
Open. The middle of the staff and the center of the sound.
Keyboard of every note on this chart. Use the note list or arrow keys instead if you prefer.
Instrument type
Notes shown
Options
Play a scale
Alternate fingerings for F3
None in common use. Use the main fingering above.
All euphonium fingerings (low E to high B♭ and above)
Every note on one page. Tap a note to hear it and load it into the tool above. Black means pressed or covered.
Below low E (4 valves)B1–E♭2
Low registerE2–B2
Middle registerC3–B3
Upper registerC4–F5
How to read this euphonium fingering chart
Each box shows a note and the valves to press. Filled circles are pressed. “Open” means no valves. The chart defaults to bass clef with 4 valves, the most common setup.
If a 3-valve euphonium uses a different fingering, it appears on a second line, for example “3-valve: 1 + 3” on low C. Use the switch above the tool for treble clef or 3 valves.
4-valve compensating euphonium fingerings
On a 4-valve euphonium the 4th valve does the job of 1+3:
- C and F: 4 instead of 1+3. Better in tune.
- B and E: 2+4 instead of 1+2+3.
- Below low E: E♭ (1+4), D (1+2+4), D♭ (2+3+4), C (1+3+4) and B (1+2+3+4). On a compensating euphonium these are close to in tune; on a non-compensating one they are sharp.
Treble clef vs bass clef euphonium
Bass clef euphonium parts are at concert pitch. Treble clef parts (common in British brass bands and for players switching from trumpet) are written a major ninth higher, so written C sounds concert B♭. In treble clef the euphonium uses the same fingerings as trumpet for the same written note.
| Concert pitch (bass clef) | Treble clef written | Valves |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ (low) | C | Open |
| F | G | Open |
| B♭ (middle) | C | Open |
| D | E | Open |
Euphonium high notes
From middle B♭ up, keep the air fast and steady and let the lips do less work than you think. Build range with lip slurs on open and on each valve. High B♭ (B♭4) is the top of most school parts; the chart continues to F5 for advanced players.
Euphonium Fingering Chart FAQ
What is a compensating euphonium?
A compensating euphonium routes the air back through extra tubing when the 4th valve is pressed. That corrects the sharpness of low valve combinations, so notes below low E play in tune all the way down to low B.
Do euphonium fingerings change between bass clef and treble clef?
The fingering for each sound stays the same, but the written note changes. Treble clef euphonium parts are written a major ninth higher than concert pitch, so they read exactly like trumpet fingerings. Switch the tool to Treble clef to see them.
What does the 4th valve on a euphonium do?
It lowers the pitch by a perfect fourth. It replaces 1+3 (low C and F) and 1+2+3 (low B and E), which are sharp, and opens up the notes below low E.
What notes should a beginner euphonium player learn first?
Most band books start with the concert B♭ scale: B♭ (open), C (1+3 or 4), D (1+2), E♭ (1), F (open), G (1+2), A (2) and B♭ (open). Use the Beginner view to focus on those.
Is a euphonium the same as a baritone?
They are both B♭ and use the same fingerings, but the euphonium has a wider, conical bore and a darker sound, and usually 4 valves. Baritones usually have 3 valves. See the baritone fingering chart for marching baritone tips.
Related charts
Last updated .How we verify fingerings