- Learn F#4—your first cross-fingered chromatic note
- Understand sharps, flats, and key signatures
- Master the D major scale (two sharps: F# and C#)
- Play "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Michael Row the Boat Ashore"
Introduction
Congratulations! You've learned all the "natural" notes (C-D-E-F-G-A-B). Now it's time to explore chromatic notes—the notes between the natural notes. F# (F-sharp) is your first, and it introduces an important new technique: cross-fingering.
Understanding Sharps (#)
A sharp raises a note by a half step (the smallest distance between two notes):
- F natural: The regular F you already know
- F# (F-sharp): Slightly higher than F natural
On piano, F# is the black key between F and G. On recorder, we use a special fingering!
Note: F#4 (F-sharp)
Fingering for F#: Thumb + fingers 1-2-3-6 (skip fingers 4 and 5!)
This is called "cross-fingering" because you skip some holes. The pattern is: thumb, first 3 fingers of left hand, skip right hand fingers 1 and 2, use right pinky (finger 6).
Take your time setting up this unusual fingering. Then play long, steady tones.
Listen carefully: F# should sound halfway between F and G.
Comparing F Natural and F#
Hear the difference between these two notes!
Notice: F# is "sharper" (higher) than F natural.
The D Major Scale
D major is a key that uses F# (and also C#, which you'll learn later). When music is "in D major," every F is automatically played as F# unless marked otherwise.
A scale pattern in D major using F#.
Pattern: D-E-F#-G-A-B-C-D
Notice how F# gives this scale a brighter sound!
Key Signatures
Instead of writing # before every F and C in a piece, composers use a key signature at the beginning of each line. For D major, you'll see two sharps (F# and C#) right after the clef.
This means: Every F is F# and every C is C#, automatically, throughout the entire piece.
When the Saints Go Marching In
This classic New Orleans jazz tune works perfectly in D major!
Traditional spiritual simplified for your current range
First line: "Oh when the saints go marching in"
Second line: "Oh when the saints go marching in"
Performance tip: Play with energy and joy! This is a celebration song. You'll learn the full version with higher notes in later lessons!
Michael Row the Boat Ashore
Another beautiful song that uses F# naturally.
Traditional spiritual
First line: "Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah"
Second line: "Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah"
Practice Patterns with F#
Practice moving smoothly to and from F#.
Common Mistakes with F#
- ❌ Forgetting to skip holes: Make sure fingers 4 and 5 are UP, only pinky down!
- ❌ Confusing F and F#: Remember, F# is higher than F.
- ❌ Inconsistent pitch: Cross-fingering can be tricky. Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly every time.
- ❌ Playing F natural in D major: When you see a key signature with F#, ALL Fs are sharp!
Understanding Flats (Preview)
While sharps raise a note, flats (♭) lower a note. You'll learn more about flats in later lessons. For now, just know:
- Sharp (#): Raises a note (e.g., F → F#)
- Flat (♭): Lowers a note (e.g., B → Bb)
- Natural (♮): Cancels sharps or flats
Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)
- F# long tones and F vs F# comparison - 5 minutes
- D major scale - 5 minutes
- F# scale patterns - 5 minutes
- When the Saints Go Marching In - 5 minutes
- Michael Row the Boat Ashore - 5 minutes