- Learn low E4—your first right-hand note
- Master covering all seven finger holes simultaneously
- Develop gentle breath control for low notes
- Play songs in the low register
Introduction
This is a BIG step! Until now, you've only used your left hand. Today you engage your right hand for the first time to play low E. This challenging addition requires excellent hole coverage and very gentle breath.
Hand Position Review
Before learning low E, let's review proper right-hand position:
- Left hand always on top - Thumb on back, three fingers on front
- Right hand below - Four fingers on the bottom holes
- Curved fingers - Use the pads, not tips
- Relaxed posture - Don't grip tightly!
Note: Low E4
Fingering for Low E: Thumb + ALL SEVEN finger holes (0 1 2 3 - 4 5 6 7)
That's a lot of holes! Every single hole must be completely covered, or you'll get squeaks or wrong notes. Use the flat pads of your fingers.
Breath Control for Low Notes
Low notes require VERY gentle air—even gentler than high notes, believe it or not!
- Use "whisper air" - Think of blowing out a candle from 2 feet away
- Steady stream - Consistent, gentle pressure
- Don't blow hard - Too much air makes low notes jump up an octave
Take your time. Cover all holes carefully, then blow VERY gently.
Success check: You should hear a low, mellow tone—not a squeak or higher note.
Silent Fingering Practice
Before playing more, practice the fingering without blowing:
- Cover all seven holes slowly and deliberately
- Check each finger—no light should show through any hole
- Lift all fingers, then cover again
- Repeat 10 times
Low E to High Register
This is a huge leap! Notice how your breath changes.
Technique: Low E needs gentle air; high C needs faster air. Your mouth and breath adapt automatically with practice.
Middle Register Review with Low E
Work your way down from familiar notes to low E.
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
A traditional American folk song perfect for practicing low notes!
Traditional melody using low register
Lyrics: "Go tell Aunt Rhody, go tell Aunt Rhody, go tell Aunt Rhody the old gray goose is dead"
Challenge: Keep the tone steady and mellow throughout. Low notes should be rich, not weak!
Low Register Practice Song
A simple tune emphasizing the low register.
Notice how the low notes give this melody a calm, grounded feeling.
Common Problems and Solutions
- ❌ Squeaky or jumping to higher octave? You're blowing too hard. Use MUCH less air.
- ❌ No sound at all? Check that EVERY hole is completely covered. Even tiny gaps cause problems.
- ❌ Wrong pitch? One or more holes not fully covered. Do the "light test"—hold recorder up to light and check for gaps.
- ❌ Tired hands? You might be gripping too tightly. Relax! Gentle but complete coverage is the goal.
- ❌ Holes too far apart? If your hands are small, consider a soprano recorder designed for children, or keep practicing—your reach will improve!
Practice Routine (20 minutes daily)
- Silent fingering drill - 3 minutes
- Long tones on low E - 5 minutes
- E to C leaps (Exercise 2) - 4 minutes
- Go Tell Aunt Rhody - 6 minutes
- Review previous songs with new notes - 2 minutes