Brass
French Horn Fingering Chart
French horn fingering chart for single and double horns.
How To Use A French Horn Fingering Chart
The French horn has a unique fingering system. On a double horn, the thumb trigger switches between the F and Bb sides of the instrument, each with different fingering patterns for the same written notes.
How To Hold The French Horn
Sit with the bell resting on your right thigh or held off your lap. Your left hand operates the three valves, while your right hand is placed inside the bell to support the instrument and adjust tone quality.
F Horn vs Bb Horn
On a double horn, the thumb trigger switches between sides:
- F side (thumb up): Longer tubing, darker tone
- Bb side (thumb down): Shorter tubing, brighter tone, often easier in upper register
French Horn Fingering Table
| Note | Primary Fingering | Alternate Fingering |
|---|---|---|
F3 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 1 |
F#3/Gb3 | F: 2 | Bb: 12 |
G3 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 0 |
G#3/Ab3 | F: 23 | Bb: 23 |
A3 | F: 12 | Bb: 12 |
A#3/Bb3 | F: 1 | Bb: 1 |
B3 | F: 2 | Bb: 2 |
C4 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 0 |
C#4/Db4 | F: 12 | Bb: 2 |
D4 | F: 1 | Bb: 1 |
D#4/Eb4 | F: 2 | Bb: 2 |
E4 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 0 |
F4 | F: 1 | Bb: 1 |
F#4/Gb4 | F: 2 | Bb: 2 |
G4 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 0 |
G#4/Ab4 | F: 23 | Bb: 23 |
A4 | F: 12 | Bb: 12 |
A#4/Bb4 | F: 1 | Bb: 1 |
B4 | F: 2 | Bb: 2 |
C5 | F: 0 (open) | Bb: 0 |