PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Music
Musical Instruments
Woodwind Instruments
How to Play Hot Cross Buns on the Recorder Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Last Updated: March 6, 2026 Approved
Download Article
Holding the Recorder
|
Learning the Notes
|
Putting It All Together
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 242,326 times. Learn more...
The recorder is a fun woodwind instrument that you can master with some patience and practice. “Hot Cross Buns” is the perfect song for beginners: it only has three notes and you can play it even if you don’t know how to read music.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Holding the Recorder
Download Article
1 Hold the recorder with your left hand at the top. This is the “Golden Rule” for holding a recorder, even if you’re right-handed. [1]XResearch source
On the front of the recorder, the top three holes are designated for three fingers from your left hand: the finger above your middle finger (pointer), your middle finger, and the finger below your middle finger (ring).
The bottom four holes are for the four fingers of your right hand (the right thumb is not involved).
The hole in the back is where your left thumb goes. [2]XResearch source
2 Learn proper finger placement. Each of your fingers is assigned a specific hole on the recorder.
For "Hot Cross Buns", you’ll only be using the first three holes and the thumb hole.
Your pointer finger will always be covering the first hole.
Your thumb will always be covering the back.
Your middle finger is assigned to the second hole.
Your ring finger is assigned to the third.
Advertisement
3 Practice blowing a clean note into the mouthpiece. Place your lips on the beak (the very tip of the mouthpiece) and make sure you don’t have it so far in your mouth that your teeth are touching it.
Blow gently into the recorder, using your tongue to help start and end the note.
Your tongue should move the same way it does when you say “do.” [3]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Learning the Notes
Download Article
1 Find the sheet music for "Hot Cross Buns". If you don’t know how to read music, no big deal! The song only uses three simple notes: B, A, and G, so it’s easy to learn without having to teach yourself to read music.
"Hot Cross Buns" is divided into four measures (also called bars), which are sections that help you keep track of where you are in the song.
The first, second, and fourth measures are all identical and play as B A G. The third measure looks like GGGG AAAA. [4]XResearch source
2 Play the B note. With your pointer finger covering the first hole and your thumb covering the back, simply blow once into the recorder. This is the B note, which is the first note of the song.
3 Play the A note. With your pointer finger on the first hole and your thumb on the back, cover the second hole with your middle finger. With these three holes covered, blow once into the recorder. This is the second note of the song.
4 Play the G note. With the three holes still covered, go ahead and cover the third hole with your ring finger. With these four holes covered, blow into the recorder once. This is the third note of the song.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Putting It All Together
Download Article
1 Play the first two measures of the song. The first and second measures are identical, so play B A G, rest, B A G, moving your fingers according to the note you’re on.
2 Play the third measure of the song. This looks like GGGG AAAA. Set your fingers up for the G note and then blow four times quickly into the recorder. Then switch to the A note and blow four times quickly. This is the third measure.
3 Play the fourth measure. Again, the fourth measure is the same as the first and second measures, so play the B note once, then the A note once, then the G note once. You’ve now played the fourth measure and completed the song.
4 Practice. Practicing helps you memorize proper finger placement for the notes, which will ensure accuracy and also help you move more quickly.
Advertisement
Video
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do I play a lullaby on a recorder? Community Answer Look up sheet music to lullabies, such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb." This is an easy lullaby to start with. As you learn more and more, you can move on to more difficult songs. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 87
Question What are all the other notes on a recorder? Community Answer The notes are A, B, C, D, E, F and G in high and low. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 50 Helpful 91
Question How do I play a G# on the recorder? Community Answer Put your thumb on the back hole, then your pointer finger on the first top hole, middle finger on the second hole, then your ring finger on the third one, and blow gently. That is a G#. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 80
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Reader Videos
Tips
Join a group. Some music conservatories and other associations have Recorder and Hand Bell choirs. (Kids who join have a fun experience with music and making new friends.) Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
Don’t get discouraged if you mess up or are playing it slow. Any new song or instrument is tough and awkward to learn. Just be patient and trust that it will become more natural with practice. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 4
If you like playing the recorder, you can buy music. Music stores have plenty of songs for recorders. If you really have an ear for music, you can figure out songs from movies or the radio. (Songs from “Pirates of the Caribbean” are some that can easily be figured out with experience and plenty of practice.) Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Make sure that you’re creating a tight seal when you press your fingers onto the holes. Even the slightest allowance of extra air through them will alter the sound and make you sound off. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 4
Even if you’re right-handed, it’s important to always have your left hand on the top. The way the bottom holes are created are designed specifically for your right hand. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 7
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toPlay "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the RecorderHow to Play a Recorder: Complete Tutorial for BeginnersHow toPlay the FifeHow toPlay BagpipesHow toPlay a HarmonicaHow toBlow Into a SaxophoneHow toPlay the ConcertinaHow toPlay the Panpipe or Pan FluteHow toPlay American Indian FluteHow toHold a HarmonicaHow to Play a Wooden Flute: Proper Grip, Sound Production & MoreA Beginner's Guide to Bending Notes on a HarmonicaA Beginner’s Guide to Playing “Chopsticks” on the PianoHow toPlay the Cello Advertisement
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 242,326 times. 271 votes - 74% Co-authors: 39Updated: March 6, 2026 Views: 242,326 Categories: Woodwind Instruments | Children's MusicArticle SummaryX
If you’re new to playing the recorder, “Hot Cross Buns” is the perfect song to learn since there are only 3 notes. The song uses the notes B, A, and G and is divided into 4 measures. These sections help you keep track of where you are in the song, but even if you can't read music you should have no trouble learning the song. Use your pointer finger to cover the first hole and your thumb to cover the back, then blow once for your B note. Next, keep your fingers in place, but add your middle finger to cover the second hole to play the A note once. Finally, cover the third hole with your ring finger and blow once for the G note. To learn how to hold your recorder properly, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 242,326 times.
Reader Success Stories
Jaseline J.
Apr 8, 2017
"I like wikiHow, I can play the recorder without going to classes. Well done."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer 271 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 39Updated: March 6, 2026 Views: 242,326
Jaseline J.
Apr 8, 2017
"I like wikiHow, I can play the recorder without going to classes. Well done."
Riley Freeman
Mar 30, 2022
"I had to learn how to play recorder for 6 grade and it was truly helpful."
Marianne Good
Jul 17, 2018
"It clarified each note when how to hold the fingers on the recorder." Rated this article:
Alysa Hiltion Blalock
May 29, 2017
"It help me by letting me know the notes." Rated this article:
Inez Shavers
Oct 6, 2016
"Pictures were great and easy to follow." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Music Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizLyrical Memory QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toPlay "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the RecorderHow to Play a Recorder: Complete Tutorial for BeginnersHow toPlay the FifeHow toPlay Bagpipes
Featured Articles
How toMake a Paper AirplaneHow toLearn Morse CodeHow toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller
Trending Articles
Do I Have Main Character Energy?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics Quiz
Featured Articles
What Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz
Featured Articles
160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family MembersHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument
Watch Articles
How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?How to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursThe Ultimate Guide to Fingerprint Patterns & How to Analyze ThemDo I Belong In Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?
Quizzes & Games
Hiragana QuizTake QuizSabrina Carpenter Lyric QuizTake QuizWhat Song Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizTake QuizChristmas QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Music
Musical Instruments
Woodwind Instruments
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 242,326 times. 271 votes - 74% Co-authors: 39 Updated: March 6, 2026 Views: 242,326 Categories: Woodwind Instruments | Children's Music Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
500 
1 Hold the recorder with your left hand at the top. This is the “Golden Rule” for holding a recorder, even if you’re right-handed. [1] 
2 Learn proper finger placement. Each of your fingers is assigned a specific hole on the recorder. 
3 Practice blowing a clean note into the mouthpiece. Place your lips on the beak (the very tip of the mouthpiece) and make sure you don’t have it so far in your mouth that your teeth are touching it. 
1 Find the sheet music for "Hot Cross Buns". If you don’t know how to read music, no big deal! The song only uses three simple notes: B, A, and G, so it’s easy to learn without having to teach yourself to read music. 
2 Play the B note. With your pointer finger covering the first hole and your thumb covering the back, simply blow once into the recorder. This is the B note, which is the first note of the song. 
3 Play the A note. With your pointer finger on the first hole and your thumb on the back, cover the second hole with your middle finger. With these three holes covered, blow once into the recorder. This is the second note of the song. 
4 Play the G note. With the three holes still covered, go ahead and cover the third hole with your ring finger. With these four holes covered, blow into the recorder once. This is the third note of the song. Advertisement 
1 Play the first two measures of the song. The first and second measures are identical, so play B A G, rest, B A G, moving your fingers according to the note you’re on. 
2 Play the third measure of the song. This looks like GGGG AAAA. Set your fingers up for the G note and then blow four times quickly into the recorder. Then switch to the A note and blow four times quickly. This is the third measure. 
3 Play the fourth measure. Again, the fourth measure is the same as the first and second measures, so play the B note once, then the A note once, then the G note once. You’ve now played the fourth measure and completed the song. 
4 Practice. Practicing helps you memorize proper finger placement for the notes, which will ensure accuracy and also help you move more quickly. Advertisement 
Community Answer Look up sheet music to lullabies, such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb." This is an easy lullaby to start with. As you learn more and more, you can move on to more difficult songs. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 87 
Community Answer The notes are A, B, C, D, E, F and G in high and low. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 50 Helpful 91 
Community Answer Put your thumb on the back hole, then your pointer finger on the first top hole, middle finger on the second hole, then your ring finger on the third one, and blow gently. That is a G#. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 80