Tin Whistle Finger Chart
Every note on the tin whistle, with a clear hole diagram you can copy straight onto your fingers. The chart covers both octaves and the accidentals you will meet most, and you can switch it between a D and a C whistle.
The whistle is wonderfully logical: cover all six holes for your home note, then lift one finger at a time to climb the scale. Once you can see that pattern, the whole instrument opens up.
- Covered hole
- Open hole
- Half-holed
- Top of whistle = top of diagram
First Octave
The home scale — lift one finger at a time from the bottom up.
home note
Second Octave
Same fingerings as the first octave (except top D) — just blow faster, harder air.
crack the top hole
Accidentals
The two notes outside the home scale you will meet most, played by cross-fingering or half-holing.
cross-fingered
half-holed
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read a tin whistle finger chart?
Each diagram is a column of six circles, one per hole, with the top of the whistle at the top. A filled circle means cover that hole, an open circle means leave it uncovered, and a half-filled circle means half-hole it. Match the shape with your fingers to play that note.
What are all the notes on a D tin whistle?
A D whistle plays a two-octave D major scale: D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯ and up again an octave higher. You can also reach C natural by cross-fingering and F natural by half-holing, which covers most common accidentals.
Is the finger chart different for a C whistle?
No — the fingerings are identical on every whistle. A C whistle is simply pitched one whole tone lower than a D whistle, so the same shape that plays D on a D whistle plays C on a C whistle. Use the toggle above to relabel the chart for a C whistle.
How do I play the second octave?
Use the same fingerings as the first octave but blow with faster, harder air. The only fingering that changes is the top note, where you crack open the top hole. Steady breath control is what keeps the high notes clean.