Oboe
The oboe fingerings are very similar to other woodwind fingerings with a couple of special exceptions. This page is broken down into six sections to make learning them easier.
- The first is the most comfortable range for the oboe.
- The second is for the notes that require the half-hole in the left hand. (see the "technique" page for instruction on half-holing).
- The third is for notes requiring the first octave key on the back of the instrument.
- The fourth is for second octave key and extended range.
- The fifth is a special section for the note F.
- Finally a section on alternate fingerings for E-flat and when to use it.
Fingering Chart
Use the chart below to help identify keys on the oboe and which hand controls them..
Low/Middle Register
The two lowest notes on the oboe are only available on intermediate and professional model instruments because of the need for the left B-flat and B-natural pinky keys. This is indicated by yellow note heads on the staff.
Half-Holed Notes
There are a few notes that require a technique called "half-holing". To do this, roll down the first finger on your left hand so it rests on the bottom half of the key (see "technique" page for pictures of half-holing). This creates a vent and allows the note to speak more clearly. The technique is represented in the fingering chart with a red dot. Think of it as an octave key for the note surrounding and including fourth line D.
First Octave Key Notes
These notes are the same as the lower fingering with the addition of the octave key on the back of the instrument.
Second Octave Key and Extended Range Notes
The second octave key is played with the side of the left index finger. Rotate from the base of your finger to press this key.
*While not represented on the fingering chart, the first octave key can remain down while fingering the notes with the second octave key.
*While not represented on the fingering chart, the first octave key can remain down while fingering the notes with the second octave key.
Options for F
There are three different ways to play the note F on the oboe. Each of them has a specific purpose when moving through the music. Below is an explanation of when to play each option.
Forked vs. Three-finger F (no left pinky F key on instrument)
If the oboe is not equipped with a left pinky F key, the player must decide when it is appropriate to use a forked F or a three-finger F. At any point, the player should not slide their ring finger up to play the F key. Instead they should use the forked fingering shown below. Use the following general rules to determine which F to use:
If the oboe is not equipped with a left pinky F key, the player must decide when it is appropriate to use a forked F or a three-finger F. At any point, the player should not slide their ring finger up to play the F key. Instead they should use the forked fingering shown below. Use the following general rules to determine which F to use:
- When going from E-flat to F the forked fingering should be used. Keep the E-flat pinky key down to help with intonation and resonance.*
- When going from E-natural to F the three-finger option should be used
The upper octave F is similar except the half hole and first octave key must be used as well.
*Some beginning/intermediate instruments have an "F resonance key". This is a vent hole that automatically opens when you use forked F. I is located on the opposite side on the instrument from the E-flat vent hole. If you have this key you don't need to push down the E-flat key when playing forked F
Left pinky F
If the oboe has a left pinky F key (intermediate or professional model) the player does not need to worry about moving from one note to another. With few exceptions ALWAYS use this fingering.
If the oboe has a left pinky F key (intermediate or professional model) the player does not need to worry about moving from one note to another. With few exceptions ALWAYS use this fingering.
Alternate E-Flat When Coming from a Pinky Key
Just like F, the player should avoid sliding between pinky keys for the following notes. Instead, when moving between the notes below, use the left hand pinky alternate for E-flat to minimize sliding.