Key of B-flat MajorAlto Register
B-flat (Bb) Tin Whistle Fingering Chart
The B-flat (Bb) whistle is revered for its sweet, mellow, almost flute-like quality. It is a favorite key among pipers and whistle soloists (such as Mary Bergin and Joanie Madden) for recording slow airs and reels.
Showing 25 playable notes
First Octave (Low Register) Gentle Breath Pressure
Produce warm, steady tone with relaxed diaphragm breathing and flat finger coverage.
_B3
Diatonic
B3
Accidental
C4
Diatonic
^C4
Accidental
D4
Diatonic
_E4
Diatonic
E4
Accidental
F4
Diatonic
^F4
Accidental
G4
Diatonic
_A4
Accidental
A4
Diatonic
Second & Third Octave (High Register) Focused Fast Airflow (+)
Accelerate breath speed and articulate with clean tongue attacks ("too") to cleanly sound higher pitches.
_B4+
Diatonic
B4+
Accidental
C5+
Diatonic
^C5+
Accidental
D5+
Diatonic
_E5+
Diatonic
E5+
Accidental
F5+
Diatonic
^F5+
Accidental
G5+
Diatonic
_A5+
Accidental
A5+
Diatonic
_B5++
Diatonic
Special Cross-Fingerings & Half-Holing
Alternative fingering options for cleaner intonation and rapid ornamentation during fast passages.
Ab
Ab (OXXOOO)
Cross-fingered A-flat on a Bb whistle.
Best for: Eb major and modal tunesFrequently Asked Questions: B-flat (Bb) Tin Whistle
Why do so many professional whistle players love Bb whistles?
Bb whistles hit a sweet spot in acoustics: warm low notes, effortless second octave without ear fatigue, and a smooth, woody timbre.