SATB Basic Note Guide
- Historically recorders do not have transposed instrumental parts.
- Sopranos(descants) and tenors are C recorders (for example: all fingers down makes C).
- Altos (trebles), basses and sopraninos are F recorders (for example: all fingers down makes F).
- Recorder notes (apart from Bass) are written in the one place, therefore the altos and tenors sound one 8ve lower than written.
- Do not try and transpose as you play (e.g. don't think D on a soprano makes G on an alto, think 6 fingers makes G on an alto)
- The best way to teach students to play recorders is to start with two recorders (soprano and alto) teach basic notes and switch between the two fingerings to create each note.
