Best Top Register Bassoon Fingerings

As used by the CBSO bassoon section (in 1992!)

Click on a note to go to the fingering.

35-44

Ab A Bb B CC# CC# DEb DEb EF EF
241-318
The crook key usually helps. Eb key or C# key (left little finger) may improve the sound.
262-318
Eb key or C# key (left little finger) may improve the sound. The crook key can be helpful, although the only way to keep it down is by using the lock. Some instruments have a link from the a-key (left thumb) that closes the crook key automatically.
Can be played without the right hand for fast passages.
269-318
Eb key or C# key (left little finger) may improve the sound. May work better without the 1st finger of the right hand.
270-318
Make sure that the ring key on the left hand is working. You will find it harder if it has stuck down!
276-318
Make sure that the ring key on the left hand is working. You will find it harder if it has stuck down!
288-318
May work better with the Bb key (right thumb). I sometimes press the top 2 keys with my left thumb.
294-318
May work better with the Bb key (right thumb). I sometimes press the top 2 keys with my left thumb.
295-318
Try varying the size of the half hole if you have problems.
304-318
Try varying the size of the half hole if you have problems.
307-318
Try varying the size of the half hole if you have problems.

For these highest notes I find that I need to blow hard as well as press hard with my lips. They are usually easier to get if you slur to them rather than tongue them.

If you wait until you have to play a piece with top notes before practising them then you won’t be familiar with them. I warm up with a slurred chromatic scale going up as high as possible.