www. swpo.ch
Update October 2024
I originally wrote this article more than a decade ago. The problem with it was that like many Internet-based resources, the original links broke over time. Websites went down, and no redirects were put in their place.
Today I updated this article with current links and some new info. I find it as useful today as I did back in 2013 when I first wrote it. Hope you find it helpful as well.
Who wouldn’t want a 45 page fingering chart?
The Swiss are known for their precision. Anyone own a Swiss-made watch? So it should come as no surprise that a saxophone player/music instructor from Switzerland, by the name of Peter Wespi, has developed a 45-page fingering chart for saxophones.
What is surprising, is that Wespi has made this chart available free of charge, for everyone—not just his students. If you would like a copy of this crazy-long, book-like fingering chart, all you have to do is go to Peter Wespi’s website, and download it. It is available in English and German.
Now before you think: I don’t need this chart, I’ve been playing for years, you should be aware that according to Wespi, this book was literally downloaded hundreds of times a day over the years. This would mean that tens of thousands of downloads have happened since this valuable sax resource was originally uploaded.
The feedback Wespi has received indicates that this chart is being used not only by beginners, but by experienced players as well. Yes it is that good.
Topics covered in Wespi’s 45 page-long fingering chart
After looking through Wespi’s fingering chart, I can see why it is so popular, and why experienced players would like it. Here are the fingering areas the chart covers:
- The basic fingerings from low A (for bari) to high F# (for those horns with a high F# key).
- The fingerings for trills over the full range of the horn.
- Tremolo fingerings for the full range of the horn.
- Alternative fingerings, (many of which I do not remember learning, or even seeing before).
- Altissimo fingerings from F#3 to C5.
- False fingers, (again many of which, I do not remember learning, or even seeing before).
- Multiphonic fingerings, which will leave your family members and neighbours wondering what kind of animal sacrifices you are conducting in your practice space.
But wait, there’s more
Besides the fingering chart, Wespi also offers serious students of saxophone study the following:
- A blank template to mark down your preferred or best top tone, AKA altissimo, fingerings.
- Another blank template for any notes you may want to keep track of/learn.
