If you’re having trouble playing some of the highest notes, I’ve been there. Choosing the right piccolo high B fingering could make playing that note much easier.
Of course, you can use a basic fingering, but there are other options. Keep reading to learn what those are and how those fingerings look on your instrument.
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Also, I used Bret Pimentel’s Fingering Diagram Builder to create the images for the fingerings.
Basic Piccolo High B Fingering
The basic piccolo high B fingering is the same as the standard fingering for the flute. Of course, since it’s the piccolo, this note will sound and octave higher than when you play it on your C flute.
Depending on your piccolo, you may need to adjust your embouchure to get this note to come out. I remember really struggling to get a consistent high B to sound on my Pearl 105.
After all, this note is a sounding B7, which is almost as high as a full piano keyboard can play. It’s not easy, so be sure to practice this note regularly (and wear earplugs to protect your hearing).
Alternate Piccolo High B Fingerings
Luckily, you have other options besides the standard high B fingering on piccolo. If you find that fingering is too hard to get to sound on your piccolo, you can use something else.
Another time to use alternate fingerings is when you’re playing something technical. You may not be able to switch to the normal fingering fast enough.
In any case, here are some alternate fingerings you should know for high B.
In Tune
If you need to hold a high B, you should find a fingering that’s in tune. While the standard fingering can be in tune, you might need another option if your piccolo won’t cooperate.
This fingering is pretty close to the standard one. But instead of using the second trill key, you’ll use the first trill key.
Just make sure you keep your left thumb off of the Bb key, or you’ll produce a lower pitch than what you want.
Easy Response
You can also use a piccolo fingering that’s in tune and responds more easily. If, like me, you struggle to get high B to come out, consider this fingering.
This fingering requires the addition of the second and third fingers as well as your pinky on your right hand. You’ll need to get creative with how you trigger the second trill key, so you can use the side of one of your other fingers.
Give this fingering a try when you need to get high B to sound quickly on your piccolo.
Flat
Another common alternate fingering for high B will sound a bit flat. On the one hand, that’s not ideal, but it could come in handy if you’re playing with other people who are flat.
This fingering is very close to the standard high Bb fingering but you’ll add the second trill key. While I haven’t tried it, I imagine this could be a good fingering for a B half flat.
It’s also a nice option if you need to trill from a high Bb or A# to a high B natural. You’ll only have to move one finger to execute the trill.
How to Play High B on Piccolo
No matter which piccolo high B fingering you use, the note can be difficult to play. It’s one of the highest notes, and it’s even higher than the same note on the C flute.
You may need to practice the note for quite a while before you can get it to come out consistently and for it to sound good. Keep the following tips in mind to help play a high B on the piccolo.
Use a Good Piccolo
One of the most important things you can do is play a good-quality piccolo. Make sure you get an instrument from a reputable brand, such as Pearl, Yamaha, Burkart, Hammig, or another well-known company.
If you already have a nice piccolo, make sure it doesn’t need any maintenance or repairs. Even the best piccolo in the world might not sound great if it’s out of adjustment.
You should take your piccolo in for a COA every year or so, more often if you play a lot. If it’s been longer than that and you can’t play a high B, take it to a technician to see if they can fix it.
Relax
I don’t know about you, but I find that I have a lot of trouble playing high notes on the piccolo when I’m tense. If you feel tense in any part of your body, you may not be able to play a high B.
Do your best to release that tension and relax. Stretch your body before playing, and try to find where the tension is coming from.
Then, work on that specific muscle group to release the tension. As you play, try to think of relaxing things and avoid thinking about how high the note is.
Play Chromatically
When you first learn the third octave on piccolo, it can be hard to get the notes to come out. Like on the flute, you can play long tones chromatically to slowly work your way up to high B.
Start by playing the B just above the staff on your piccolo. Then, play the C above that and try to get the best sound possible on each note.
Continue through the C#, D, Eb, and so on until you reach high B. Working your way up slowly can help you learn how your lips feel and how your air needs to move to get a good sound up high, so keep that in mind when you need to play high B on its own.
Practice Regularly
As with any new technique or note, you need to practice your high B fingerings regularly. Play the note for a few seconds each day, and try to do so without playing a chromatic scale up to it.
You can also practice the different fingerings so that you’ll remember them when you need to use them. Of course, don’t over practice this high of a note because you could create even more tension in your lips.
The note could also cause hearing damage, even if you have protection. So find a balance to make sure you can play the note without stressing yourself out too much.
Wear Earplugs
You should wear earplugs whenever you play the piccolo. But it’s even more important when you’re playing notes above the staff, such as high B.
I use a pair of Etymotic earplugs because they help lower the decibels that I hear. However, they won’t fully block the sound, so you can still hear yourself and determine if your high B is in tune.
You’ll also be able to hear other musicians around you, which is nice if you need to blend with an ensemble. While I usually only wear an earplug in the right ear, I may add the left one when playing super high notes.
Final Thoughts
If you struggle to get a sound when using the regular piccolo high B fingering, you aren’t alone. I’ve had trouble, and sometimes, it can be hard to fix.
Luckily, you have a few alternate fingerings to choose from. And if those don’t work, be sure to take your piccolo to a technician for a COA to fix any leaks or other issues.