Learn to Play Recorder

Lesson 4: Low C, Low D, Low E — Both Hands at Work

  • Engage the right hand for the first time and produce a clean low E, D, and C.
  • Engage the right hand for the first time and produce a clean low A, G, and F on your alto staff.
  • Play a complete folk song spanning the full lower octave.

The low notes don't take more breath. They take less, and steadier.

The right hand joins in, stacking below the left. Three new low notes, but every leaky hole below the played note will refuse to speak — coverage matters more than ever.

E4

A (low)

Thumb, three left fingers (as for G), plus the first two right-hand fingers. The right hand sits on the lower joint; place the index and middle finger like keys.

Thumb, three left fingers (as for C on your alto staff), plus the first two right-hand fingers. The right hand sits on the lower joint; place the index and middle finger like keys.

D4

G (low)

Add the right ring finger to the E fingering. Six holes covered.

Add the right ring finger to the A fingering. Six holes covered.

C4

F (low)

Add the right little finger — all seven holes covered, the lowest note on the soprano recorder. One leak and it will not speak.

Add the right little finger — all seven holes covered, the lowest note on the alto recorder. One leak and it will not speak.

Walk down from G4 with slow, very gentle air.

Walk down from C (on your alto staff) with slow, very gentle air.

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The C major scale with one gap (F arrives next lesson) — two breaths.

The F major scale on your alto staff with one gap (its fourth note arrives next lesson) — two breaths.

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Now play these

Each of these lives between low D and B — the range you just unlocked.

Au Clair de la Lune
A study in steady air across the register.
Lightly Row
Step motion throughout — ideal for new low notes.
Old MacDonald
The tune is what matters; skip the verses.
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
Best in the library for legato low notes.

When low C speaks cleanly three times in a row, and you can play any one song above end-to-end, move on to Lesson 5.

When your lowest F speaks cleanly three times in a row, and you can play any one song above end-to-end, move on to Lesson 5.

Low notes refusing to speak? See troubleshooting.